Everyone knows the name "Benedict Arnold." But how many are familiar with his British counterpart? It was Major John Andre, the charismatic, well-liked and well-respected Adjutant General to the British Army, who acted as head of intelligence for the British. Within his purview was making overtures to members [ostensibly] of the opposition, seeing who he could turn, or what useful information he could glean from the opposing side. It was Andre who acted as primary liaison with Benedict Arnold, and who conspired with him to meet one fateful night in late September of 1780.

Arnold had insisted they meet in person to discuss his handing over of West Point (for a price!). Major Andre was brought under the cover of darkness to the shores of Haverstraw, NY on a ship called the Vulture. By the time Arnold and Andre had finished their discussion, it was too close to daylight to risk Andre's return to the ship. Instead, they made the fateful decision to wait until the following nightfall before Andre could make his return to safety.

Unfortunately, things didn't work out. To learn about what happened, and to see the places where it all happened, check out this video:

Major John Andre was hanged as a spy on October 2nd, 1780. The day before his execution, he created a sketch of himself that today exists in Yale's archives.

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