Being there, I was told that the approach of day would prevent my return, and that I must be concealed until the next night. I was in my regimentals, and had fairly risked my person.

"Against my stipulation, my intention, and without my knowledge beforehand, I was conducted within one of your posts. Your excellency may conceive my sensation on this occasion, and will imagine how much more must I have been affected by a refusal to reconduct me back the next night, as I had been brought. Thus become a prisoner, I had to concert my escape.

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 275

I quitted my uniform, and was passed another way in the night, without the American posts, to neutral ground, and informed I was beyond all armed parties, and left to press to New York. , I was taken at Tarrytown by some volunteers.

" TIius, as I have had the honor to relate, was I betrayed (being Adjutant General of the British army,) into the vile condition of an enemy in disguise within your posts.

" Having avowed myself a Britisli officer, I have nothing to reveal but what relates to myself, which is true on the honor of an officer and a gentleman.

'' The request I have to make to your excellency, and I am conscious I address myself well, is, that in any rigor policy may dictate, a decency of conduct towards me may mark, that, though unfortunate, I am branded with nothing dishonorable, as no motive could be mine but the service of my King, and as I was involuntarily an impostor.