All this is leaving out of account the question as to whether the actual placing of the captors had been the work of Sergeant Dean. Dad he been disposed to press his claims he could certainly have brought forward a strong case, none the less so that he was a man of considerable education for his day and was supported by his excellent record as a subaltern. And there is no doubt that in this event he could have counted on the warm support, of his father, Thomas Dean, long time

HISTORY

WESTCHESTER

COUNTY

town clerk and justice of the peace, together with that of his captain and colonel.

The documents found on Andre's person were all in Arnold's handwriting, and in the most specific manner presented the particulars of the works and garrison at West Point. Two or three of them were abstracts of official American records. One was indorsed " Hemarks on West Point, a copy to be transmitted to His Excellency, General Washington," and gave exact details of the weakness of the forts, the ease with which they could be set on tire, the best means of approach, and the like. Another was a " Copy of a Council of War, held September <>. 1780," embodying the most secret information of the general military situation from the American point of view. Thus Arnold, in his zeal, did not content himself with betraying his own post, but was fain to communicate to the enemy all the vital intelligence in his possession. As related by Mr. Conch, the capturing party took Andre to the nearest American post, in the Town of North Castle, where Lieutenant-Colonel Jameson was in command. This officer, though brave and honest, seems to have possessed none too much intelligence, and, moreover, was easily hoodwinked by the courtly Andre.