Fort Constitution was on the island opposite West Point, from which place one of Putnam's numerous chains was stretched. Its insular character can hardly be recognised to-day, as the

The Hudson River 38o marshes between it and the eastern shore of the river have gradually filled up and now appear as meadowland. The old house, about which the home of the Warner sisters was built in the course of years, was of colonial date and was used at one time as headquarters by the commander of the American forces in the Highlands.

WEST POINT IN 1780 (Front an old print)

When Arnold was in command of West Point, he made his home in the old "Beverly" house, to which we have had occasion to refer. Beverly Robinson was serving in the British army, with the rank of Colonel; and the State of New York had confiscated his property. The overtures made to Arnold, the negotiations that led to the ruin of Major Andre, the sad story of the downfall of a man who had proved himself a brave soldier and a competent General, are surely the most familiar details of the War for Independence. Yet,

West Point 381

in sj)ite of repetition, the dramatic incidents of that September morning that saw the confusion of the traitor's plans can never stale. What impulse of chance or Providence led Washington, with Knox and Lafayette, to change his i)lan of breakfasting with Arnold, baffles conjecture. We onh' know^ that the General and his aides turned aside to inspect some fortifications and sent a note to apprise Arnold of the fact, and that in that \'erv hour Colonel Jameson s fatuous letter, informing him of Andre's capture, was delivered to him as he sat at the breakfast table with his wife.