As General Greene and I did not agree in opinion, I wished that distinguished gentlemen of knowledge of the law of war and nations, might be asked their opinion on the subject, and mentioned Monsieur Knyphausen and General Rochambeau I related that a Captain Robinson had been delivered to Sir Henry Clinton as a spy, and undoubtedly was such ; but that it being signified to him that you were desirous that the man should be exchanged, he had ordered him to be exchanged.

I wished that an intercourse of such civilities as the rules of war admit of might take off many of its horrors. I admitted that Major Andre had a great

* Sparks' Life of Arnold, p. 275, 6,

1S8 HISTORY OF THE

share of Sir Henry Clinton's esteem and that he would be infinitely obliged by his liberation : and that if he was pernnitled to return with me, I would engage to have any person you would be pleased to name set at liberty.

I added that Sir Henry Clinton had never put to death any person for a breach of the rules of war, though he had, and now has, many in his power ; under the present circumstances much good may arise from humanity, much ill from the want of it, if that could give any weight. I beg leave to add that your favorable treatment of IMajor Andr^, will be a favor I shall ever be intent to return to any you hold dear.