»/Soon after Arnold joined the British Army, lie was sent with a considerable force npon a marauding expecKtion up the James Eiver, in Virginia. In an action not far from Richmond, the capital, some Americans were made prisoners. He asked one of them what his countrymen would do with him (Arnold) if they should catch him. The prisoner instantly replied, " Bury thMeg that was wounded at Quebec and Saratoga with military honours, and hang tlie remainder of you." \

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290 THE HUDSON.

profession," he said, "is the chastest of all; even the shadow of a fault tarnishes the lustre of our finest achievements. The least inadvertence may rob iis of the public favour, so hard to be acquired. I reprimand you for having forgotten that, in proportion as you had rendered yourself formidable to our enemies, yon should have been guarded and temperate in your deportment towards your fellow citizens. Exhibit anew those noble qualities which have placed you on the list of our most valued commanders. I will myself furnish you, as far as it may be in my power, with opportunities of regaining the esteem of your country." ^

What punishment could have been lighter ? (yet Arnold was greatly irritated. A year had elapsed since his accusation, and he expected a full acquittal) But for nine months the rank weeds of treason had been growing luxuriantly in his heart. (He saw no way to extricate himself from debt, and retain his position in the army. Por nine months he had been in secret correspondence with British officers in !N"ew YorkJ His pride was now wounded, his vindictive spirit was aroused, and he resolved to sell his country for gold and military rank. [JLe opened a correspondence in a disguised hand, and in commercial phrase, with Major John Andre, the young and highly accomplished adjutant-general of the British army.j ^How far Mrs.