The remarks he had heard from the captain of the patrole on the preceding night, seems to have induced the adjutant-general to take

' the Tarrytown road, as the one most frequented by the Cow-boys ^ for it was understood by Saiith that he would proceed toward White Plains. Upon what apparently chance circumstances the fate of individuals, and armies, and states, appears to depend ! Had this bearer of ruin to thousands proceeded on the road at first

, * Sparks' Life of Arnold, 218, 19, 20, 21.

212 HISTORY OF THE

intended, be probably would have accomplished the treason in safety to himself; but a few words uttered at random by the American officer, to Smith, respecting the danger of the road nearest the Hudson, determined the spy to turn that way, as most frequented by his friends, -- and by that heaven-directed turn, impending ruin was averted, and the lives of thousands saved." From Pine's Bridge, the adjutant general of the British army followed the Crum Pond road, which passed the house of Mr. Staats Hammond- The son of this gentleman, David Hammond, of Norih Castle, is still living, (1847,) at an advanced age. He relates, that on the day Andie was taken, he was standing at the door of his father's residence, upon the Crum Pond road, when he observed a person approaching on liorseback, leisurely walking his horse. As he rode up, he observed the stranger to be closely enveloped in a light blue swan's down cloak, with high military boots, and a low crowned and broad brimmed hat on his head. The animal he bestrode was a beautiful bay, bitted with a handsome double snaffle bridle ; the mane, particularly about the head, being thickly matted with burs. The stranger immediately asked for a driiik of water.