Andre

Andre, John, born in London 1751. His family originally came from Geneva. Beginning life as a clerk, he entered the army, served with distinction in the American War of Independence, and became major and adjutant-general. Sir H. Clinton having a high opinion of his abilities employed him in ticklish negotiations with General Benedict Arnold, who proposed to surrender West Point to the British. In August, 1780, Andre, having crossed the Hudson in uniform to confer with Arnold, was foolishly induced to return in plain clothes. He was taken by the American outposts, and the papers found on him revealed his designs. Tried by court martial, he was condemned to death as a spy. His personal innocence and courage won him universal sympathy, but Washington would not spare his life. He was executed in the same year. A monument in Westminster Abbey preserves his fame.