"Ten thousand guineas and a major-general's commission were the price for which West Point, with its garrison, stores, and outlying posts, was to be placed in the hands of the British."[1] The person with whom the British made this bargain was Benedict Arnold, who had been one of the most efficient of Washington's generals, and of unquestioned loyalty.

Major John Andre, one of Clinton's adjutants, served as messenger between Clinton and Arnold.

On one of these errands Andre, somewhat disguised, was captured by the Americans and taken before Washington, who ordered a court-martial at once.

Fourteen officers sat on it, including Generals Greene, Lafayette, and Steuben.

In a few hours they brought in a verdict to the effect that "Major Andre ought to be considered a spy from the enemy, and that agreeable to the law and usage of nations, it is their opinion he ought to suffer death." [2] Throughout the proceedings Andre behaved with great dignity.