I will, however, endeavor if possible, and as soon as possible, to meet you at some convenient rendezvous." In accordance with this promise, a few weeks later, he left Greene in command of the army, and, not without misgivings, started on September 18 to meet De Rochambeau.

On his way he had an interview with Arnold, who came to him to show a letter from the loyalist Colonel Robinson, and thus disarm suspicion as to his doings.

On the 20th, the day when Andre and Arnold met to arrange the terms of the sale, Washington was with De Rochambeau at Hartford.

News had arrived, meantime, that De Guichen had sailed for Europe; the command of the sea was therefore lost, and the opportunity for action had gone by.

There was no need for further conference, and Washington accordingly set out on his return at once, two or three days earlier than he had intended.
He was accompanied by his own staff, and by Knox and Lafayette with their officers.