From George Washington to George Clinton, 26 September 1780
IV
To George Clinton
Head Quarters Robinsons Sepr 26th 1780
Dear sir
I arrived here yesterday on my return from an interview with the French General and Admiral1 and have been witness to a scene of treason as shocking as it was unexpected—General Arnold from every circumstance had entered into a plot for sacrificing West Point. He had an interview with Major Andre the British Adjutant General last Week at Jos; Smiths where the plan was concerted; by an extraordinary concurrence of incidents, Andre was taken on his return with several papers in Arnolds handwriting that proved the treason.2 The latter unluckely got notice of it before I did—went immediately down the river got on bord the Vulture which brought up And⟨re⟩ and proceeded to New York.3
I found the post in the most critical condition and have been taking measures to give it security which I hope will be to night effectual.4 With the greatest respect & regard I have the honor to be Your most Obt Servt
Go: Washington
P.S. Smith is also in our possession and has confessed facts sufficient to establish his guilt.5
LS, in Caleb Gibbs’s writing, NHi: George and Martha Washington Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
3. See Document III.
4. See Document II, and GW to Nathaniel Wade, 25 September.
5. See The Smith Family and Major General Benedict Arnold’s Treachery, 26 Sept.–30 Oct., editorial note.
For Clinton’s reply to GW, see Document X.