CHAPTER VII

MAJOR ANDRÉ 104

Mongrel Breed of Spy—Marcus Crassus and his Spies—Birth of André—Geneva University—His Precociousness in Love Affairs—Buys a Commission in the Royal Fusiliers—Learns his Trade in Berlin—His Charming Personality—Leaves for Quebec via Philadelphia—Captured after Lexington—His Value to Howe—Promotion—Mr W. Seargent's Picture of André—Relations with Benedict Arnold—His Correspondence with the American Traitor—Importance of West Point—André's Bright Hopes—Interview with Arnold—His Adventures in Hostile Lines—Capture by an American Farmer—Bribery of no Avail—Colonel Jameson's Mistake—André's Letter to General Washington—What Tallmadge thought—Is sentenced by Court Martial—His Execution at Tappan—A Last Request