General Washington's Letter about John Andre

To the American officers deciding the fate of John Andre, the captured Brit was a spy but Benedict Arnold was a traitor.  Not wanting to hang Andre, General Washington wrote a letter to British General Henry Clinton offering to exchange his British prisoner for the American turn-coat. 

Washington's letter of September 30, 1780 (this image is the original's first page) outlines the results of the board of inquiry.   It also includes details of Andre's confession.  While General Clinton wanted his aide returned, he did not want to send Benedict Arnold to certain death.

When Washington received no reply to his offer, he ordered John Andre’s execution.

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Credits

General Washington’s Papers, Library of Congress.