His death was regretted even by his enemies, but there was nothing in the execution that was not consistent with the rules of war, and his sacrifice was necessary for the public safety. Washington, writing to the president of the continental congress from the Robinson house, September 2(3, 1780, says: " I don't know the party who took Andre, but it is said it consisted only of a few militiamen, who acted in such a manner upon the occasion as does them the highest honor and proves them to be men of great virtue.

HISTORY

WESTCHESTER

COUNTY

They were offered, as I am informed, a large sum of money for his release, and as many goods as they would demand, but without effect. Their conduct gives them a just claim to the thanks of their country; and I also hope they will be otherwise rewarded. As soon as I shall know their names! shall take pleasure in transmitting them to congress." October 7, 1780, Washington wrote to the president of congress: " I have now the pleasure to communicate to you the names of the three persons who captured Andre and who refused to release him, notwithstanding the most earnest importunities and assurances of a liberal reward on his part. Their conduct merits our warmest esteem, and I beg leave to add that I think the public will do well to make them a handsome gratuity. They have prevented, in all probability, our suffering one of the severest strokes that could have been meditated against us. Their names are John Paulding, David Williams, Isaac Van Wart." Congress took action on the recommendation of General Washington and adopted the following preamble and resolution: In Cono-ress, November 3, 1780. Whereas, Congress have received information that John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart, three young volunteer militiamen of the State of New York, did on the 23d of September last intercept Major John Andre, adjutantgeneral of the British army, on his return from the American lines in the character of a spy ; and notwithstanding the large bribes offered them for his release, nobly disdaining to sacrifice their country for the sake of gold, secured and conveyed him to the commanding officer of their district, whereby the dangerous and traitorous conspiracy of Benedict Arnold was brought to light, the insidious designs of the enemy baffled, and the United States rescued from the impending danger ; Resolved, That Congress, having a high sense of the virtuous and patriotic conduct of the said John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart, In testimony whereof, ordered, That each of them receive annually out of the public treasury two hundred dollars in specie or an equivalent in current money of these States, during life, and that the Board of War procure for each of them a silver medallion, one side of which shall be shielded with the inscription " Fidelity," and on the other the following motto : " Vincit amor patriae," and forward them to the commander-in-chief, who is requested to present the same with a copy of this resolution and the thanks of Congress for their fidelity and the eminent service they have rendered their country.