Pennsylvania Gazette 1780
WATCH OUT FOR SPIES!
by Amanda
In the early morning hours of September 22, 1780, Benedict Arnold closeted himself with British officer John André to plot the fall of West Point, which was under Arnold’s command and provided the crucial link between the northern and southern colonies. Benedict Arnold was an American general of the Revolutionary War. He performed notably in the early days of the war, but became bitter over several setbacks to his career. After receiving command of the American fort at West Point, New York, Arnold plotted to betray it to the British. The plan was revealed when the American forces captured Major John Andre of the British army, who was carrying messages between Arnold and the British in his boot. The British spy, found guilty at the Dutch Church in Tappan, was hung in Tappan, New York on October 2,1780. As for Benedict Arnold, he was never caught by Americans and fought with the British. Then he went to England and died there. The Americans were so worried about West Point because they could send important supplies and goods down the Hudson River to other forts and towns. If Andre wasn’t caught, we probably would have lost the war!