Be on the lookout for spies! Especially in Tappan, New York! We just got the news that one of our favorite military commanders, Benedict Arnold, sold the plans of West Point to the British! He is the first traitor of the American Revolution. The plans that Arnold sold to the British were of our strong and weak fortification points. There are rumors going around that there will be another attack at West Point! The British know too much now! They could attack at any moment!

Major John Andre, a British officer, was also in on the treason plot. He bought the plans of West Point from Arnold for 10,000 pounds sterling. There were plans found in Andre’s boot when he was trying get back to the General Clinton and the British forces. Joshua Hett Smith used his house in Haverstraw as a meeting place for Andre and Arnold on September 22, 1780. They discussed how Arnold would remove an iron link and replace it for one made of rope so the British could sail up the Hudson River.

John Andre and Joshua Hett Smith were arrested and put on trial. Smith was found innocent but was held in a jail in Fishkill, New York. Smith escaped in women’s clothing. Benedict Arnold escaped on the British ship, the Vulture, then fought for the British.  Major John Andre wasn’t so lucky. After he lost his trial at the Old Dutch Church, Andre was hung in Tappan.  Remember this warning… spies are everywhere. So watch out!

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