Page:A French Volunteer of the War of Independence.djvu/110

86 back to the general. "It is Major André," he cried in a tone of despair. Washington's first words were, "Take fifty horse, and bring me Arnold dead or alive." Then he at once gave orders for all the army to be under arms. His next care was to have the prisoner searched; there was found on him a paper containing all the particulars of the plan agreed upon—the surprise of the fort at West Point, and a simultaneous attack on our army. God knows what would have become of the American cause if the plot had succeeded.

The major was brought into the camp, under a strong escort, to be tried and sentenced; the least indulgence shown to him, would, in the circumstances in which we were placed, have been followed by a mutiny in the army.

Few culprits in modern history have inspired and deserved more general interest than this unhappy young man; a distinguished, brave, and active officer, handsome, amiable, and only twenty-six years of age. We received quite a procession of envoys who came to treat for his re-