Benedict Arnold | The Spymaster | 3

Benedict Arnold entrusts British spymaster John André with the intelligence needed to seize West Point. But André’s dangerous journey back through enemy territory will determine the fate of the war—and whether or not they will both face the gallows. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Speaker names marked ? are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.

• 0:00Lindsay Graham?

  Hello, American Scandal listeners. The live show I've been telling you about for a few weeks has a new date, October 23rd at the Plaza Theater in Garland, Texas. This is my Days That Made America Tour, a thrilling evening of history, storytelling, and music with me and a band live onstage. So if you're in the North Texas area or anywhere close, be sure to come out and see me live. And more shows will be announced soon. For information on tickets and upcoming dates, go to AmericanHistoryLive.com. That's AmericanHistoryLive.com. Come see my Days That Made America Tour live onstage. Go to AmericanHistoryLive.com. American Scandal uses dramatizations that are based on true events.

• 0:43Lindsay Graham?

  Some elements, including dialogue, might be invented, but everything is based on historical research. It's nearly 1:00 a.m. on September 22, 1780, in the Lower Hudson Valley of New York. In a grove of fir trees at the river's edge, Benedict Arnold lingers in the shadows, straining his ears for the sound of an approaching boat. Earlier this evening, Arnold sent local landowner Joshua Het Smith and two other men to HMS Vulture, a British vessel moored in the Hudson River. Their mission was to bring back the loyalist Colonel Beverly Robinson and the British spymaster John Andre. Smith and the other men think they are serving the revolution, believing that Robinson and

• 1:24Lindsay Graham?

  Andre are turncoats, but it is Benedict Arnold who's the real traitor, and this meeting will finalize the terms of his treachery. There's a splash of water from the riverbank, followed by hushed voices. Arnold uncovers his lantern, and in its soft glow, he can just make out Smith and a younger man stepping out of a rowboat onto the shore. For a moment, Arnold frowns. Smith should have brought back two men. But as they come closer, Arnold sees a flash of red beneath the younger man's cloak and realizes that he must be the British officer John Andre, and he's the only man that Arnold really needs to see. So as they near the trees, Arnold calls out. Uh, thank you, Mr. Smith. You can leave us here.

• 2:08Lindsay Graham?

  Smith looks a little disappointed that his part of the intrigue is over, but he nods and disappears into the darkness. Andre and Arnold wait for a moment as his footsteps recede. Then Andre steps forward into the light. General Arnold, it's a pleasure to meet you at last. And you must be Major Andre. For the first time, Arnold sees the man behind 16 months of coded letters. A decade younger than Arnold, Andre is slim and handsome, with the hint of an amused smile on his lips. Well, I'm John Anderson tonight. That's what I told Mr. Smith and his two friends. Where is Colonel Robinson? I decided there's no need for him to come. It wasn't worth risking both our lives. Mrs. Arnold is well, I trust? Arnold feels a pang of jealousy.

• 2:53Lindsay Graham?

  He's heard rumors of a romantic dalliance between his wife and Andre, so he replies stiffly. She is, but there's much we must discuss and little time. Well, of course. We're ready to move our troops into position as soon as you give the word. There is still the matter of my compensation. I thought that was settled at 20,000 pounds. That is, if you take the fortress. I want to know what I receive should the operation fail. I hope you do not have doubts about the capabilities of our troops. Well, Major, when you've been in more than one battle, you learn how many things can go wrong. I have seen battles, General. From the front lines? Yes. I want 10,000. General Clinton has made it clear that the most we can offer is six. You do not understand the risk I'm taking.

• 3:38Lindsay Graham?

  No one underestimates that. Then how can you consider 6,000 pounds a fair price? I cannot promise money that's not mine to give. General Clinton has said six. Well, I must know that my family will be provided for, and Peggy will be. Andre is silent for a moment. Yeah, I will personally recommend 10,000 to General Clinton. You have my word that I will argue for it. That's the most I can honestly offer. If that is unacceptable, then let us go our separate ways. Arnold's jaw tightens, and for several seconds, he says nothing. Hmm. I have your word you will speak for me? You do, of course. Very well, then. Good. Now that we've discussed the price of failure, General, perhaps you will show me how you

• 4:22Lindsay Graham?

  intend to ensure our success. For the first time since the meeting began, Benedict Arnold smiles. Now they can decide how and when West Point will be betrayed. But their discussion takes hours, and at around 4:00 a.m., Joshua Het Smith reappears to tell them that dawn is approaching. The tide is turning against them, too, so if John Andre is to be rowed back to HMS Vulture, they need to leave now. But Arnold and Andre are not finished yet. Too many details remain unresolved, so they agree to a new plan. They will ride to the safety of Smith's house four miles away to continue their work. Andre can easily return to the Vulture from there.

• 5:05Lindsay Graham?

  Benedict Arnold does not think that there is any danger in this, but it's a decision that will prove fatal.

• 5:10Speaker 01

  Hey, I'm Cassie DePecce, host of Against the Odds from Audible Originals. In our latest series, when a fur trapper named Hugh Glass is brutally mauled by a grizzly bear and left for dead, he fights for survival and his chance for revenge. Listen to Against the Odds on Audible or wherever you get your podcasts.

• 5:42Speaker 02

  I'm Lauren Malloy, the host of the podcast My Mom's Murder. For 30 years, I thought my mom died of natural causes. That's what everyone told me. That's what I believed. Until one day, I got a phone call that changed everything. A woman claiming to be my mom's best friend told me my mother was murdered and that no one had ever investigated it. So I did what the detectives wouldn't: pulled the threads, knocked on doors, and confronted the contradictions. And what I found, it's worse than I imagined. Something happened to my mom. Someone killed her. And I won't stop until I find out who.

• 6:24Speaker 02

  The system may have given up on my mom, but I never will. Listen to My Mom's Murder wherever you get your podcasts. Audible subscribers can binge all 10 episodes early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts.

• 6:42Lindsay Graham?

  From Audible Originals, I'm Lindsay Graham, and this is American Scandal. Benedict Arnold had once been one of America's greatest war heroes, but his sacrifices went unrewarded. Wounded in battle, accused of misconduct, court-martialed then pushed into financial

• 7:25Lindsay Graham?

  ruin, Arnold decided to turn against his former comrades in the Continental Army. With the help of his wife Peggy, he opened a secret correspondence with the British spymaster John Andre. He then gained command of West Point with the single goal of surrendering it to the enemy. But after Arnold and Andre met in person to make the last arrangements, Andre would still need to make it back to British lines, and any wrong turn could unravel the plot, sending both conspirators to the gallows and altering the course of the revolution. This is episode 3, The Spymaster. It's the morning of September 22, 1780, at the house of Joshua Het Smith on the banks of the Hudson River.

• 8:10Lindsay Graham?

  General Benedict Arnold and British spymaster John Andre sit at the kitchen table eating breakfast. Between them lie dozens of papers detailing West Point's fortifications, troop numbers, and other defenses. But the two men are weary. They've been up all night finalizing plans for the British to seize West Point. Arnold has given Andre intelligence on the best route for the British Army to advance, and they've agreed that shortly before the attack, Arnold will divide the fort's 3,000 soldiers into detachments and send most of them away on exercises. If everything goes according to plan, West Point will fall to the British with scarcely a shot being fired.

• 8:51Lindsay Graham?

  Their discussions are almost complete when Andre and Arnold hear the sound of cannon fire. Andre turns to the window. What was that? It came from the fort. They rush to the window and Andre goes pale. Oh, good God. The British vessel HMS Vulture has been visible from Smith's house for days, but now American guns on the shore have opened fire and its crew is making sail. Arnold scowls. They're driving her off her position. Can't you tell them to cease fire? Have every man in West Point ask why I'm protecting the Vulture? We'd be exposed immediately. They watch the ship begin to retreat downriver, and soon it will be beyond the range of the American guns. General, will Smith and his men row me that far?

• 9:35Lindsay Graham?

  Not under fire, I shouldn't think. Wonderful. I'm stranded, then. You will have to take the papers by land. Through your lines? We can find you something else to wear. You can hardly walk through American territory dressed in that scarlet. No, no, I'm not to pass through your lines disguised. General Clinton's instructions were explicit. Well, your general is not here, sir. But if I am caught with the papers, I shall be hanged for a spy. Then you mustn't be caught. Arnold goes back to the table and pulls out a small, blank piece of paper from the pipe. Andre looks on as Arnold writes. And what is this? A pass. He hands it to Andre, who reads it aloud. Permit Mr. John Anderson to pass the guards to White Plains or beyond.

• 10:19Lindsay Graham?

  I'm describing you to be on public business by my direction. My signature will be authority enough, and Smith can guide you to King's Ferry tonight. And after we cross? Well, from Furplank's Point, you should keep going south through neutral ground until you reach the British lines. It should be simple enough. Arnold stands and Andre frowns. What, you're leaving? I will be expected back, especially now that we've opened fire on the Vulture. He extends his hand. So Godspeed, Major Andre, for both of our sakes. Andre looks down at the pass in his hand. Let us just hope your sentries have as much faith in your signature as you do. Shortly after, Benedict Arnold rides back toward his headquarters, convinced that

• 11:03Lindsay Graham?

  the hardest part is over. After months of tortuous negotiations, an agreement is in place, and once John Andre reaches New York with the papers, the British Army can begin moving up the Hudson. But Major Andre hasn't gone anywhere yet. He spends the day at Joshua Head Smith's house, waiting for darkness to fall. Smith still thinks Andre is a British traitor, helping the revolution, so he thinks nothing of lending him a disguise. He finds a worn beaver hat in a cupboard and an old coat that fits Andre surprisingly well. Andre hides the West Point plans in his stocking. He's now dressed as an American civilian, but carrying secret military documents inside enemy territory.

• 11:45Lindsay Graham?

  It's exactly the position his Commander General Sir Henry Clinton told him to avoid, but he has no alternative. There's no other way back to the British lines. After an endless seeming day trapped in the house, the sun finally sets, and that evening, Andre, Smith, and one of Smith's enslaved servants mount their horses and set out for King's Ferry a few miles to the north. During the ride, Smith chatters freely, recounting stories of American heroics on the battlefield, while Andre smiles politely. Near King's Ferry, they pass a tent where several American officers are sharing a bowl of rum. Seeing them, Andre tenses up, but Smith is increasingly taken with his own role in what he imagines to be an important intelligence operation, and he can't resist stopping to

• 12:30Lindsay Graham?

  boast about it to the other officers. Andre insists on riding onto the ferry alone. Smith soon catches up, though, and his lighthearted, oblivious mood continues during the ferry crossing. Smith jokes with the boatmen while Andre stands apart in silence near the stern, feeling the weight of the secret papers strapped to his leg. When they reach the eastern shore of Furplank's Point, Smith stops yet again, this time to speak with an acquaintance. The officer invites the travelers to stay for supper, but Smith declines, hinting that he and his companion are engaged in business of great importance for General Arnold. This is the last thing Andre wants to hear, and he's beginning to lose patience with Smith, but to his relief, they are at last heading out of patriot territory into neutral

• 13:15Lindsay Graham?

  ground. This is a lawless strip of land between British-held New York and the American lines in the Hudson Valley, but patrols from either army can appear without warning, and on top of that, there are armed gangs on the loose. Known as Skinners if they are patriots or cowboys if they are loyalists, they prey on anyone from the opposite side unlucky enough to cross their path. Years of war have emptied much of the countryside around here, leaving abandoned farms and overgrown fields. But when Andre and Smith have traveled about eight miles, they spot movement ahead, figures on horseback approaching. Andre stiffens in his saddle. If it's a British Army patrol, he's saved, but as the riders draw near, the moonlight

• 13:56Lindsay Graham?

  catches the edge of their hats and coats, and it's obvious that they are from the Continental Army. The soldiers spread across the road, cutting off any chances of Andre slipping past. The patrol's leader identifies himself as Captain Ebenezer Boyd. He studies Smith and Andre for several long moments before asking them why they are traveling this dangerous road at night. Smith answers before Andre can open his mouth, proudly explaining that they are on important business for Major General Benedict Arnold. Andre keeps his face composed. Boyd, though, looks unconvinced, and even when Andre produces the pass he was given by Arnold, Boyd demands that they follow him to a nearby farmhouse where he can inspect the document properly.

• 14:39Lindsay Graham?

  Smith and Andre have no choice, so they follow him to a small farm where inside a lantern flickers. Boyd takes the pass and examines it closely. Andre can hear General Clinton's words thumping through his head: Remain in uniform. Carry no written intelligence. Andre's stomach tightens, but he forces himself to breathe evenly. After inspecting the document, Boyd turns to Smith and Andre and asks again why they must travel by night. Again, Smith does the talking. All day, Andre has wished that Smith would shut his mouth, but right now, Smith's breezy confidence seems to be working in their favor. He appears utterly guileless, just delighted by his role as Andre's escort.

• 15:23Lindsay Graham?

  So eventually Boyd's expression softens. He wishes them both safe passage, but there's been talk of a gang of cowboys further down the road, and he advises them to stop somewhere safe for the night. But Andre is eager to continue. He's not afraid of being captured by loyalists, but Smith decides they should take the captain's advice, and Andre is forced to agree. So that night, Smith and Andre share a single bed in a house on the roadside. Andre is restless and hardly sleeps, and as soon as the sun rises, he's up and urging his companions to continue their journey south. But as the morning mist begins to clear, Andre's mood lifts. The roads are quiet, the weather is mild, and the safety of New York is now only a few hours right away.

• 16:06Lindsay Graham?

  He starts speaking to Smith freely for the first time, discussing his love for music and poetry. But then, far down the road, a lone horseman appears. At first, he's just a dark silhouette against the morning light, but as the horse and its rider draws close, Andre stops talking. The rider is obviously an American officer, and Andre recognizes him. He's a former aide of Washington's who spent many months as a prisoner of war in New York. He and Andre have spoken on several occasions, so if the officer recognizes him too, all will be lost. Andre lowers his head and pulls his hat farther down his face. Unshaven and unwashed, he looks nothing like the polished British officer he was in New

• 16:50Lindsay Graham?

  York, so the rider approaches and nods to them as they pass, not offering Andre a second glance. Beside him, Smith is oblivious to how close Andre just came to disaster, but the narrow escape leaves Andre feeling almost buoyant, and their conversation flows as they continue to ride through the countryside. Andre expresses his hope that the war won't continue much longer. Privately, he allows himself to believe that he will be the one to end it. Soon, they reach the bridge over the Croton River. It marks the southern edge of American-held territory. Joshua Head Smith says he will go no farther, so for the first time since leaving Benedict Arnold, Andre will have to ride on alone. He welcomes the prospect of continuing without his talkative companion.

• 17:35Lindsay Graham?

  Still, he feels a certain gratitude for the man who has shepherded him this far, and as a token of his thanks, Andre offers Smith his gold watch. Smith politely declines, and the men go on their separate ways. Yet, in the hours to come, Andre will be left wishing that Smith had accepted his gift.

• 17:57Speaker 03

  For decades, two legendary brands fought for the hearts of American bikers: Indian Motorcycle and Harley-Davidson. The battle looked a lot like Coke versus Pepsi or Ford versus Chevy, but tastes changed, and Indian didn't adapt fast enough. The icon all but died. Then came the con men, the dreamers, a string of spectacular failures that kept Indian in the grave, until one company finally got it right. This is the story of an improbable revival and the reignition of an old rivalry. Hey, I'm David Brown, the host of the podcast Business Wars, and every season, we bring you the true stories behind the companies that shape our world. Indian's new owners are going all in, but an existential crisis looms. Can Indian and Harley recruit enough younger riders to survive?

• 18:40Speaker 03

  Make sure to follow Business Wars wherever you get your podcasts. Audible subscribers can binge all episodes of Business Wars early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts.

• 18:52Speaker 04

  Imagine you're reading Pride and Prejudice, except you're not reading it. Harris Dickinson and Marissa Abella are reading it to you on Audible. Her barbs sting you. His coldness sends a shiver up your spine. Your heart aches. Your ears burn. You yearn for Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy to profess their undying love for one another. You can't bear it any longer. Well, maybe a chapter longer. Performance is so good, you'll give love a second chance. Audible. Stories that speak to you.

• 19:33Lindsay Graham?

  On the other side of the bridge over the Croton River, there is a fork in the road. Before they parted, Joshua Het Smith had urged John Andre to avoid the path that skirted along the river, warning Andre that the route beside the Hudson was a notorious hunting ground for the Loyalist raiders known as cowboys. It would be better to use the inland route to White Plains instead. But Andre sees things differently. To him, loyalists are his allies, and Andre believes the river road will bring him more quickly and safely to British territory. So he ignores Smith's advice and follows the river toward Tarrytown. Andre gallops south. The crossing at King's Bridge will take him to the safety of British held Manhattan, and is only fifteen miles away. So the air whips past his face as Andre

• 20:17Lindsay Graham?

  urges his horse on faster and faster. The road crosses a small stream known as Clark's Kill. Beyond it, a tulip tree spreads its branches over the track. But as Andre rides into its shade, a lone soldier steps into the road and raises a musket. Halt! Andre pulls sharply on his reins. The soldier is a tall man, wearing a green coat with red facings. It's a Hessian uniform, worn by the German mercenaries hired by the British. So Andre smiles. Ah, I hope you belong to our party. And what party would that be? The Lower. Andre refers to British occupied New York, and the tall soldier smiles.

• 21:01Lindsay Graham?

  Just look at my coat. Yes, thank God. Gentlemen, I am a British officer on urgent business. You don't look much like an officer to me. That's true, not, but see here. He pulls his gold watch from his pocket and shows it to the man. British made. The man steps closer and inspects the glinting watch. Perhaps you are a gentleman after all. I had been in great anxiety lest I should fall among the rebels. A faint smile crosses the tall man's face. I can imagine, sir. Let me help you down from your horse. You must be thirsty for me, right? We have some water over here. Oh, thank you. It's heartening to be back among civilized men. Andre swings down off his horse, and as he does, he spots two other soldiers emerging

• 21:44Lindsay Graham?

  from the trees. Unlike the tall man, they do not wear Hessian uniforms. Something in the way they look at him gives Andre pause. You said you were with the Lower Party? Oh, did I? The other men close in, blocking off Andre's escape. He realizes to his horror that he's made a terrible mistake. Oh, you are rebels. Andre lets out a nervous laugh. Well, God bless my soul. He reaches into his coat pocket. I have a pass. My name's John Anderson. I'm on urgent business for Major General Benedict Arnold. I must not be detained. The militiamen inspect the pass. If you're on General Arnold's business, why did you just tell us you were a British officer? I believed you to be of the King's party. And that fancy British watch?

• 22:29Lindsay Graham?

  Confiscated from a loyalist. You best let me go, gentlemen. You will bring trouble on yourselves for stopping me on General Arnold's business. Well, General Arnold's business can wait. Search him. The other soldiers snatch at Andre's clothing, pulling out coins and the gold watch. The Hessian nods at Andre's feet. Boots, too. Is that really necessary? The man raises his musket. Take them off. Andre pulls off his boots and hands them to the militiamen. They feel the leather and hold them upside down, but nothing falls out. You have everything. Now, please, give a man his boots. The Hessian stares at him a moment, and then gives a nod. The others hand Andre his boots, and he starts pulling them back on. Thank you, gentlemen. And if there's nothing else, I would like to be on my way.

• 23:14Lindsay Graham?

  What's that? What's what? I said, what's that? John Andre goes pale. The man in the green coat is pointing to the bulge on Andre's calf, the tightly folded West Point papers. In a flash, the soldiers seize his legs and rip off his stockings. The West Point papers fall to the ground, and when the militiamen unfold them, they realize they've detained someone far more valuable than just a British officer. They've found a spy. Andre quickly regains his composure and tries to bribe the men, offering his horse and more than a hundred pounds if they let him go. But the three militiamen aren't convinced. They don't trust the word of a spy. So instead, they march Andre north to the nearest outpost

• 23:59Lindsay Graham?

  of the Continental Army. As they do, low clouds gather overhead, and a cold drizzle begins to fall. It's almost dusk when they arrive at North Castle, New York. This outpost is squarely within the lawless neutral ground of Westchester County, and seeing the men ride up, its second-in-command Lieutenant Colonel John Jameson comes out to receive them. The militiamen say that the man claims to be a patriot called John Anderson. He has a pass with that name on it from General Benedict Arnold, but they think he's lying about his true identity. Jameson is at first skeptical about their tale. Several weeks ago, General Arnold told the post to be on the lookout for a John Anderson, that he was an informant from New

• 24:40Lindsay Graham?

  York, and this must be the man. But then the militiamen explain how they caught him. This John Anderson was on his way to British held Manhattan, and he was carrying intelligence from West Point, hidden in his stocking. Jameson decides that this warrants further investigation. He rewards the three militiamen by allowing them to keep Andre's gold watch and the horse. But then he dismisses them and takes Andre into the outpost. There, Jameson spreads the West Point papers across the table and examines them one by one. Looking puzzled, he summons another officer to discuss what he's found. The two men bend over the table, conferring in low voices. From a chair across the room, Andre watches on. He can see their confusion

• 25:24Lindsay Graham?

  deepening. A man, traveling toward British held New York, has been caught carrying detailed intelligence about West Point, yet he also has a pass signed by the fortress's commander. Jameson is clearly troubled by what he sees, but he doesn't seem to be suspicious of Benedict Arnold yet. To Jameson, Arnold is not merely another superior officer. He is one of the revolution's most celebrated heroes, and accusing a man like that of treason is inconceivable. So there must be another explanation. Perhaps John Anderson obtained the papers without Arnold's knowledge. Perhaps he even stole them. Andre listens to the men debate and silently considers his options. He's furious with himself

• 26:05Lindsay Graham?

  for being so foolish. He was so close to British lines and allowed his excitement to get the better of his judgment. But he can't do anything about that now. He just has to figure out what to do next. Given the dire circumstances, he decides that his best option is to get back to Arnold. Arnold will be able to confirm his cover story, that he's a patriot informant, and arrange for his returns through British lines. He knows it's not a brilliant plan, but right now it looks like his only chance of avoiding the noose, so he takes a deep breath and speaks up. At first, the two Americans tell their prisoner to stay silent. But Andre gives a lighthearted smile and assures the men there's no need for such serious discussions. This is all

• 26:47Lindsay Graham?

  just an unfortunate misunderstanding. He did not steal the documents from General Arnold. He was actually following Arnold's direct orders. And when the men demand more information than that, Andre insists his mission is too sensitive to explain any further. But they can surely see that the general's signature is on his pass. Nothing Andre could say could possibly be more convincing evidence than that. But if it would put their minds at ease, Andre suggests that they send him back and General Arnold will vouch for him. Jameson and his colleague consider Andre's idea. To them, Andre is certainly not behaving like a guilty man. He's calm, plausible, charming even. Maybe what he says is true. They could be making a terrible mistake.

• 27:30Lindsay Graham?

  The officers look at one another, and after some more back and forth, they decide on a compromise. Jameson will send the confiscated papers in a packet directly to George Washington, along with a letter explaining the situation. Meanwhile, he will send Andre to General Arnold, and if Arnold confirms his story, then John Anderson will be set free. So that evening, escorted by four militiamen from Connecticut, Andre sets out back the way he came. But despite heading away from British Manhattan, he feels a flicker of hope. He may be under guard, but he's being taken straight to the one man in American territory who can save his life.

• 28:05Speaker 05

  Hi, I'm Kenia Barris.

• 28:11Speaker 06

  And I'm Malcolm Gladwell. We're back for season two of our Audible original podcast, The Unusual Suspects.

• 28:17Speaker 05

  We'll sit down with extraordinary guests from the worlds of art, film, literature, comedy, and wellness to hear from their unexpected stories of success.

• 28:24Speaker 06

  And who do we have this season? Well, we'll talk with Grammy-winning artist Anderson Paak, athlete Rich Roll, portrait artist Amy Sherald, Oscar-winning director Ron Howard, legendary writer David Sedaris, and many more. These conversations are more intimate than last season, wouldn't you say?

• 28:40Speaker 05

  I would. Listen to season one of The Unusual Suspects wherever you get your podcasts, and sign up for a free trial Audible to listen to season two in the Audible app or by subscribing to Apple Podcasts.

• 28:57Lindsay Graham?

  On January 1, 1892, a young Irish immigrant named Annie Moore became the first person processed at the new immigration station on Ellis Island. For the millions who followed her, this small island in New York Harbor would become the place where their American dream would either begin or end. Hi, I'm Lindsay Graham, the host of the podcast American History Tellers. We take you to the events, times, and people that shaped America and Americans, our values, our struggles, and our dreams. In our latest series, we trace the history of Ellis Island. For more than three decades, it served as the gateway through which millions of hopeful immigrants entered the United States. But as the nation struggled to decide who belonged, some would find the gate shut to them. Follow American History Tellers wherever you get your podcasts.

• 29:41Lindsay Graham?

  Audible subscribers can binge all episodes of American History Tellers early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts.

• 30:01Lindsay Graham?

  Soon after John Andre leaves Colonel John Jameson's headquarters, Major Benjamin Talmage arrives at the outpost. The 26-year-old Talmage has been fighting loyalists and British forces in neutral ground, but he has another role as head of America's spy network. And when he hears the story of the man traveling under the name of John Anderson, it immediately arouses his suspicions. Talmage sees that sending the prisoner to Benedict Arnold may have been a grave mistake. Anderson clearly has some sort of relationship with Arnold, and sending him back may just give him the chance to engineer an escape. So Talmage suggests that Jameson recall the prisoner and instead, simply send a letter to General Arnold informing him that Anderson has been captured with the West Point plans.

• 30:45Lindsay Graham?

  So they send a lieutenant on a fast horse who soon catches up with John Andre and his guards. They are directed to another American outpost at South Salem, and there Andre is placed under the watch of Lieutenant Joshua King. King orders that his new prisoner be washed and shaved. And as the barber loosens the ribbon tying back Andre's long, black hair, a fine dust billows into the air, and the room fills with the scent of sweet reindeer moss. It's cypress powder, an expensive luxury worn only by the wealthiest gentleman. King realizes that whoever this John Anderson is, he is no ordinary prisoner. And Andre immediately notices a change in the lieutenant's demeanor towards him.

• 31:27Lindsay Graham?

  He's no longer being treated as a common criminal, but with respect due to a senior officer. Andre knows his chance of escape is now very low, but this new attitude from his captor may be the only advantage he has left. So he requests a brief walk in the yard outside and asks Lieutenant King to join him. Andre and King walk slowly across the grass, watched by several guards. Well, Lieutenant, I owe you my thanks. You have shown me every civility. You're a prisoner, Mr. Anderson, not a condemned criminal. Your civility demands the same from me. I cannot in all conscience continue to deceive you. King stops walking and turns to Andre. I am not John Anderson.

• 32:11Lindsay Graham?

  My name is Major John Andre, Adjutant General of the British Army. King studies him for a moment. You're a British major? You're dressed as a civilian. I came ashore in uniform, under a flag of truce. My intent was to conduct private business with General Arnold. Was this private business concerning the defenses of West Point? That was not the purpose for which I came ashore. Yet those plans were found in your stocking. I can hardly deny it, but I can explain. I was supposed to return to HMS Vulture as soon as my meeting was complete, but your guns drove the ship down river, beyond my reach. I was stranded behind American lines. And General Arnold suggested that you travel by land? He said it was the only way back to New York. He gave me the pass and told me to wear civilian clothes.

• 32:56Lindsay Graham?

  I believed I had no other means returning to my lines. You could have surrendered yourself as a prisoner of war. Yes, perhaps I should have done so. But you still haven't explained the papers. They were given to me during the meeting. By General Arnold? Yes. And did he tell you what they contained? I understood they concerned West Point. You expect me to believe that you crossed our lines under a false name, wearing civilian clothes with secret military intelligence concealed against your body, and yet you are not a spy? None of those things was intended. When I boarded the boat from the Vulture, I came ashore openly, in uniform. Everything that followed arose from circumstances I had not foreseen and could not control. King watches Andre for several moments. Why are you telling me all this, Major?

• 33:41Lindsay Graham?

  You have shown me great kindness, and I am loath to demand more. But I wish to write to General Washington. He should learn my identity and the circumstances of my capture from me, not from the men who searched me beside the road. King looks toward the guards and then back at Andre. I can make no promise about how he will receive your explanation. I asked for a note. All right, I shall have some paper brought for you. Well, thank you, Lieutenant. But if what you say is true, then you really are in a most melancholy situation. Well, believe me, I'm beginning to understand that. With Lieutenant Joshua King's permission, John Andre writes a letter to George Washington that afternoon.

• 34:24Lindsay Graham?

  He reveals his true identity and repeats his claims to have entered American lines under a flag of truce and found himself trapped through circumstances beyond his control. Andre knows this letter may be his last chance to save his life. It is immediately sent on, but due to delays, the packet of West Point papers that were found in his stockings hasn't yet reached Washington. So Andre's letter is added to that bundle and dispatched for Washington's next known location, Benedict Arnold's headquarters at West Point. Washington is due to meet Arnold there for breakfast before a joint inspection of the fortress. But another message is already racing toward the same destination, Colonel John Jameson's letter informing Arnold that John Anderson has been captured.

• 35:08Lindsay Graham?

  And as the two couriers ride, they are only hours apart. If the packet for Washington reaches him first, then Arnold's treachery will be exposed. But if Jameson's message to Arnold arrives first, then he will have a brief window to escape. On the morning of September 25th, Washington's aides and servants arrive at West Point ahead of him to prepare for the Commander in Chief's arrival. Arnold welcomes them inside, and shortly after, the first messenger arrives, carrying the letter addressed to Arnold. Reading the letter, the weight of what's written inside hits Arnold in the chest. John Andre has been captured, his years of secret planning have been wasted, and his scheme is ruined. But there's no time to dwell on his shattered ambitions.

• 35:51Lindsay Graham?

  General Washington is coming, and he will surely learn what's happened and piece together the truth. Thinking quickly, Arnold orders the messenger to speak of the matter to no one. He then hurries upstairs to his wife Peggy. She's tending to their infant son Edward when he breaks the news that their conspiracy has failed. The couple decides to separate. Benedict Arnold will immediately flee for the safety of HMS Vulture, the British ship that's still on the Hudson River. And Peggy must convince everyone else that she knew nothing of her husband's deception because her life depends on it. They kiss goodbye, knowing it may be the last time they ever see each other. Then Arnold steps out of the bedroom. He forces himself to appear calm.

• 36:33Lindsay Graham?

  Washington's aides are downstairs, already gathering for breakfast, so any sign of panic or distress will cause suspicion. He tells the men that he's stepping out and will return within the hour to meet General Washington. Then he walks outside, resisting the urge to run, and climbs onto his horse. But as soon as he's out of sight, instead of following the winding switchbacks to the river, he plunges straight down the steep slope toward the dock where his barge is waiting. He dashes aboard and orders the coxswain to row downstream. They are to make for the HMS Vulture. Arnold says he has an urgent message for Colonel Beverly Robinson and must deliver it under a flag of truce before returning to meet with George Washington. He promises two barrels of rum if he can get there and back quickly.

• 37:17Lindsay Graham?

  The coxswain and his barge men are perplexed by these strange orders, but they do as they're told and row down river. All around them, the mountains blaze with autumnal oranges, yellows, and reds. But Arnold pays no attention. His eyes are fixed on the river behind him, watching for any sign of pursuit. The plan to deliver West Point to the British has collapsed, but he refuses to believe all is lost. The British will surely see he still has value to them, and of course, they must still pay him his fee. Finally, the HMS Vulture comes into view ahead. Lurking to his feet, Arnold seizes his cane and ties a white handkerchief around its end. Raising it above his head, he waves it frantically as his barge men row them closer and closer.

• 37:59Lindsay Graham?

  Faces watch from the Vulture's deck as the barge bumps beside it. Arnold climbs the ship's ladder, and he is met on deck by Colonel Beverly Robinson. Arnold delivers the bad news immediately. John Andre has been captured, and the plot has failed. Robinson scowls. He doesn't understand and asks why Andre didn't return to the ship the same night he left, but there's no time for explanations now. Arnold's confused barge men are still waiting in the water below, so Arnold takes a deep breath and leans over the rail. He announces that he has left the Continental Army and entered the service of King George III. If the men join him, he promises commissions and advancement in British service. If they refuse, they will become prisoners of war.

• 38:42Lindsay Graham?

  The barge men look at each other in shock. For a moment, none of them says a word, until finally one speaks up. He chooses captivity, saying that one coat is more than enough for him to wear at a time. Most of the other barge men reject Arnold's offer too. They are all taken on to Vulture as prisoners. By mid-afternoon, the ship is under sail for New York. Standing on the deck, Arnold watches the Hudson slide by. Every mile carries him farther from his beloved wife Peggy and their newborn son. West Point is gone. He only hopes his wife will be able to convince George Washington that she knew nothing about Arnold's plans, that she might be saved, the fate of traitors, and escape the noose.

• 39:27Lindsay Graham?

  From Audible Originals and Airship, this is episode three of Benedict Arnold for American Scandal. In the next episode, as the conspiracy unravels, John Andre makes a final plea to avoid the gallows, Peggy Arnold stages a desperate performance to conceal her involvement, and Benedict Arnold begins his new life as the most infamous traitor of the revolution. If you'd like to learn more about Benedict Arnold, we recommend the book Valiant Ambition by Nathaniel Philbrick and The Tragedy of Benedict Arnold by Joyce Lee Malcolm. This episode contains reenactments and dramatized details, and while in most cases we can't know exactly what was said, all our dramatizations are based on historical research.

• 40:12Lindsay Graham?

  American Scandal is hosted, edited, and executive produced by me, Lindsay Graham for Airship. This episode is written and researched by Olivia Thomas, senior producer Andy Beckerman, managing producer Emily Burke, fact checking by Alyssa Jung Perry, audio editing by Mohammed Shazib, original music by Thrum, sound design by Gabriel Ghul, executive producer for Airship is William Simpson, executive producer for Audible is Jenny Lauer Beckman, head of creative development at Audible, Kate Navin, head of Audible Originals North America, Marshall Louis, chief content officer Rachel Giannetta. Copyright 2026 by Audible Originals LLC.

• 40:48Lindsay Graham?

  Sound recording copyright 2026 by Audible Originals LLC. American Scandal is only possible because of listeners like you, so thank you. And don't miss an episode. Be sure to follow American Scandal on Audible or wherever you get your podcasts. And Audible subscribers can binge new seasons of American Scandal early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts. And to find out more about me, including my other podcasts, my live show, the history tours I'm arranging, and all sorts of other things, go to historyishuman.com. That's historyishuman.com.