The John Andre Collection
John André (1750-1780), Head of Intelligence and Adjutant General to the British Army, was Benedict Arnold’s counterpart in the traitorous plot to hand over West Point to the British. Though André’s name may be lesser known than the infamous Arnold, it was ultimately John André’s actions that may very well have determined the outcome of the Revolutionary War. After leaving his conspiratorial meeting with Arnold in September of 1780, André attempted to make his way back to British lines to begin enacting their plan. Fortunately for the Americans, André was caught, tried, and executed for his role. Benedict Arnold escaped safely to the British side once learning that his plot was foiled. Check out this video to retrace John André’s steps during those fateful days in upstate New York.
André’s story is rife with duality. He was sentenced based on the strict, technical laws of war, but not without regret. Though André had been discovered using an alias in civilian clothing behind enemy lines, thus making him a spy, it was generally understood that his intentions had been to honorably serve his king as best he could. It was Benedict Arnold who acted as traitor to his own side. But in the absence of Arnold, someone had to take the fall. As George Washington stated, “He was more unfortunate than criminal...” Therefore André’s execution was a matter of political necessity, and one which was lamented by both sides. His death “moved even his enemies to pity, and both armies mourned the fate of one so young and so brave.”
The John André Collection honors John André and his memory. This collection also honors his captors, the three militiamen whose vigilance and patriotism helped save the American cause.
André’s story is rife with duality. He was sentenced based on the strict, technical laws of war, but not without regret. Though André had been discovered using an alias in civilian clothing behind enemy lines, thus making him a spy, it was generally understood that his intentions had been to honorably serve his king as best he could. It was Benedict Arnold who acted as traitor to his own side. But in the absence of Arnold, someone had to take the fall. As George Washington stated, “He was more unfortunate than criminal...” Therefore André’s execution was a matter of political necessity, and one which was lamented by both sides. His death “moved even his enemies to pity, and both armies mourned the fate of one so young and so brave.”
The John André Collection honors John André and his memory. This collection also honors his captors, the three militiamen whose vigilance and patriotism helped save the American cause.
