He instructs Washington as to the hitter's appropriate duty in these words: "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 toward me may mark that, though unfortunate, I am branded with nothing dishonorable." Then lie proceeds to display tin loftiness of his nature by this threat: " I beg the liberty to mention the condition of some gentlemen at Charleston, who. being cither on parole or under protection, were engaged in a conspiracy against us. Though their situation is not similar, they are objects who may be set in exchange for me, or are persons whom the treatment I receive might affect." Andre remained under close guard in the Gilbert house until sent for by Washington. There is nothing of special local Westchester County interest to add to Mr. Couch's further narrative. The captors of Major Andre, John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart, were all Westchester County farmers' sons born and bred.

HISTORY

WESTCHESTER

COUNTY

John Paulding was born near Tarrytown, October 16, 1758, and at the time of Andre's capture was therefore not quite twenty-two years old. He was descended from early settlers of Philipseburgh Manor. FLis grandfather, Joseph Paulding, owned a large tract of land east of Tarrytown (where John was born), and had four sons, all of whom were patriot soldiers in the Revolution. John received a common school education, and then worked for farmers in different parts of our county. He was a magnificent specimen of manhood, over six feet tall and well proportioned. Espousing the patriot cause like all of his family, he was engaged in various minor enterprises against