Page:Sketch of Connecticut, Forty Years Since.djvu/233

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FORTY YEARS SINCE.
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life, embellishing it with his virtues, and carrying with him, what was to him above all price, the friendship of Washington."

"How," inquired Colonel ———, "had this enterprise reference to the liberation of André?"

"It was ardently hoped by Washington," replied his brother, "that the capture of Arnold might develop some circumstance of palliation, which would permit us to restore the amiable André to his friends. This was, however, the dictate of compassionate feelings, rather than of sober judgment. But long ere Champé could bring his designs to their termination, the unfortunate and noble-minded André had confessed the character in which he came, and by the sentence of the court-martial had been led to execution."

"That interesting man," said the Lady, "and the firmness with which he suffered, made a deep impression upon all classes of persons in our community. In this instance, and in the imprisonment of young Asgill, in retaliation for the unprincipled murder of Huddy by Lippincut, Washington subjected his wishes to the controul of policy."

"But he could not suppress his sympathies," said Colonel ———. "They were visible in his changed countenance, when he spoke of their misfortunes. You have justly admired, Madam, the firmness of André; yet there is a circumstance respecting one of our own Connecticut men, which, though less applauded, is worthy of equal honour. When the retreat of Washington left the British