attacking New York, was resolved upon, and he wrote to Congress his determination. General Lafayette carried to the French admiral the plan which Washington had formed. A day in August was appointed on which it was expected the fleet might sail for New York; and the American army was to assemble at Morrisiana, in readiness to be aided by the fleet in the proposed attack. Before the appointed day arrived, a British fleet came from England, which, in addition to that already at New York, made a force much greater than that of the French fleet, which they immediately determined to attack, as it lay before Newport, at the same time that Sir Henry Clinton should attack that town with his troops.

When General Washington heard of this plan, he sent information of it to the French admiral; and resolved, that in the absence of the troops who were to leave New York, he would attempt to take possession. He added to his army all the troops that could be spared with prudence from West Point, and was marching hastily to New York, when Sir Henry Clinton suddenly returned; he had heard such accounts of the situation of the defences at Newport, that he had given up his intention to attack it. Washington and his army were greatly disappointed, for he knew it would be rash to attempt attacking the city without the aid of a fleet, when it was so well

guarded by one; but he did not give up the hope of being assisted, and wrote to the French admiral on the subject. Several letters passed from one to the other, but they concluded that they could undertand the plan better, if they saw each other to converse on it; they agreed to do so, and General Washington went to Hartford in Connecticut, to meet the admiral on the twenty-first day of September.

While he was absent, the fierce but artful passion of revenge was busy in the heart of an American, forming a plot of treason. When the English had left Philadelphia, General Arnold was placed there to take the command, as it was a situation in which he could have the rest which seemed to be necessary for the recovery of the wounds which he had received in Canada. His courage and military talent caused him to be highly regarded as an officer, and his countrymen were desirous that he might be able again to take an active part in the war. His bodily strength was soon restored; but the integrity of his mind was feeble and he who had endured hardships with bravery, and had been a hero in battle, was overcome by the indulgence of ease, and became a coward in his resistance of temptations to the practice of vice. One of the many paths which are on the "broad way that leadeth to destruction," is called the path of pleasure. Arnold, who had toiled through dangers, and fought for liberty with bravery

and ardour, entered that delusive path, and soon became the slave of its weakening influence. Whilst his former companions in the field of battle were persevering courageously in the defence of their country, and suffering from the want of food and clothing-he was engaged in dissipation, and was wasting a fortune in the gratification of idle vanity. He became involved in debt; and then dishonestly used every means within his power, to get possession of the property of others. His ill conduct was at length made known to Congress, and they appointed a court of officers of the army, to examine the charges brought against him.

His accusers had no difficulty in proving what they asserted, and the court sentenced him to receive a reproof from General Washington; which they considered a truly severe punishment. He received reproof from stern virtue with feelings of bitter resentment. Vice had so hardened his heart, that the consciousness of deserving punishment had not the effect of softening it to repentance; and to plan for revenge against the officers who had sentenced him, and the upright and noble man who had reproved him, became the employment of his thoughts.

His depraved mind could readily practise deception; and he said he was desirous to be again placed in a situation to be useful to his country. He expressed a desire so frequently,

and with such seeming sincerity, that General Washington offered to him the command of a division of the army, when he was preparing to attack New York, in the absence of Sir Henry Clinton. Arnold said that his wounds had rendered him too feeble, to engage in very active duties, and declined accepting this offer. General Washington could not feel any suspicions of his resentful intention; though he was surprised at his unwillingness to use an opportunity for recovering the favourable opinion of the public.

The state of New York was particularly interested in the safety of West Point; and some important inhabitants of that state, who had a high opinion of the military talents of Arnold, and believed him to be faithful in his attachment to his country, applied to General Washington to place him there; as he might be very useful without much bodily exertion. This was the very situation which Arnold was anxious to obtain; and after writing to General Washington on the subject, he went to the camp to see him, and urge the request.

The General, trusting his professions, and believing that he would be very capable of performing the military duties of such a station, gave to him the command. Rejoicing that he had been thus far successful in his deceptive plan, Arnold informed Sir Henry Clinton, that he was anxious to return to his duty as an English subject, and repented having violated his

allegiance to his king. In true repentance, there is always a desire to benefit those against whom the fault has been committed; and Arnold wished to make his profession of repentance seem sincere, by offering to do all in his power to place his country again in a state of dependence.

When he went to West Point, he wrote to Sir Henry, that he would manage the troops stationed there, so that he might, on attacking them, readily make them his prisoners, or else entirely destroy them. The English general must have despised and distrusted the traitor, and he ought to have scorned the proposal of using such cowardly means for subduing the Americans; but to get possession of West Point was so desirable, that he gladly received the base offer, and said he would appoint an officer to correspond with Arnold on the subject.

The officer chosen for this degrading duty was Major André. He was young, and had been expensively educated, and his disposition was so frank and amiable, that he was esteemed by all who became acquainted with him. As an officer he was brave and faithful, and was a favourite in the army. His friends were strongly and tenderly attached to him, and felt a perfect confidence in the strength of his virtuous principles. But the foundation. of those principles was a wrong one; they were placed on what he considered to be the