The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from camp, Tappan, October 2.

You have had the particulars of traitor Arnold's conduct, before his getting on board the Vulture sloop of war, which lay near Stony Point; but his conduct since he went into New York, is still a greater proof of his villainy (if greater villainy was possible.) At his arrival with the British, he had upwards of fifty of our warmest friends in New York taken up, and put into dungeons and other places of confinement. But there is a providence attending the unhappy friends to their country, that puts it out of his power to injure them, other than imprisonment. Such was the precipitate flight he made, to save his neck from the halter that he had no time to move of a single paper, or any other matter which can be a testimony against those he would otherwise ruin in person and estate. General Robertson came up yesterday to Dobb's Ferry, with a flag, which was soon dismissed, it being of so trite a nature, viz. to intreat his Excellency General Washington, at the request of Sir Harry Clinton, to use lenity to Major Andre: it had the effect to respite him for some hours, as the flag did not return till after five o'clock, which was the hour fixed in general orders for his execution: This day at 12 o'clock it took place, by hanging him by the neck. Perhaps no person (on like occasion) ever suffered the ignominious death, that was more regretted by officers and soldiers of every rank in our army; or did I ever see any person meet his fate with more fortitude and equal conduct. When he was ordered to mount the waggon under the gallows, he replied, "He was ready to die, but wished the mode to have been in some more eligible way, preferring to be shot." After he opened his shirt collar, fixed the rope, and tied a handkerchief over his eyes, he was asked by the officer commanding the troops, if he wished to say any thing? He replied, "I have said all I had to say before, and have only to request the Gentlemen present, to bear testimony that he met death as a brave man."

The flag mentioned to have came out with General Robertson, was received by General Greene and Colonel Hamilton; and what is curious, Arnold sent his resignation, by desire, that General Washington should forward it to Congress; with an insolent letter, intimating he never would serve Congress any more, nor need they expect it. And moreover, that if Major Andre should be executed by order of General Washington, that he would strike a blow on some of his friends on the continent, that should sufficiently retaliate, for his loss to his Prince. General Greene, when he read the letter, treated it with contempt, and threw it on the ground, before General Robertson, which he might return to the writer.

He was dressed in full uniform; at his execution his servant demanded his clothing, which was received. His body was buried near the gallows.
Traitor, if he thought proper. The hanging of Major André, one of the most eminent officers and polite men in the British army, and the second wife of Clinton, shews we are not deterred by great menaces, but determined to extirpate our enemies one by one until peace shall be restored to our country.