In 17S0 a change was needed in the command at West Point. General "Robert Howe, then in command, was thought to be inefficient. Having knowledge of this fact, General Benedict Arnold (who had for several months been in traitorous correspondence with Sir Henry Clinton, the commander-in-chief of the British forces in America) resolved to solicit the appointment to the command to this post in order that he might make it the subject of barter for British gold. From the time when officers who stood below him Avere promoted over him, discontent had rankled in his breast and found expression in vague threats of revenge, and it is probable that his base crime was primarily due to this cause. On the last day of July, Arnold, who had been on a visit to Connecticut and was now returning to Philadelphia, met General Washington on horseback at Verplanck's Point just as the last division of the American army was crossing the Hudson from the west side preparatory to the contemplated attack on New York City, and asked i The consecutive narrative nf Arnold's treason and Andre's capture which here follows is by Franklin Couch, Esq.. of Peekskill. To Mr. Couch's narrative-- a concise account of the

whole mat tor-- wo append incidental dotails and comments of our own writing, mainly of local Westcbester County intorost.

CAPTURE

ANDRE

n-chief, him if any place had been assigned to him. The commander-i who was a warm admirer of Arnold for his skill and bravery in the northern campaigns, replied that he was to take command of the left wing of the army. This was the post of honor, but still Arnold did not seem satisfied, and Washington, perceiving it, promised to meet him at his headquarters at the Birdsall house, Peekskill, and converse further on the subject.