83
around the grave the plough had not approached nearer than three or four yards, that
space being covered with loose stones thrown upon and around the grave, which was only-
indicated by two cedar trees about ten feet high. A small peach tree had also been
planted at the head of the grave. As soon as the stones were cleared away, not a tongue
moved amongst the multitude1—breathless anxiety was depicted on every countenance.
* * * * The earth was removed with the hands, as we soon discovered the coffin-lid was
broken in the centre. With great care this was removed, and there lay the bones in
perfect order. The roots of the peach tree had completely surrounded the skull, like a
net.2 After allowing all to pass around and view the remains as they lay, which very
many3 did, with unfeigned tears and lamentations,4 the bones were carefully removed
and placed in the sarcophagus of mahogany, lined with crimson velvet (which had been
provided by order of the Duke of York). * * * * I did not find a single button, nor any
article, save a leather string5 that had tied the hair, in perfect preservation, coiled and
tied as it had been on his hair at the time. This I forwarded to his sisters in England.6
* * * * *phe sarcophagus was borne amid the silent and unbought regret of the numerous
assemblage, to Mr. Demarest's house, with the intention of removing it to His Majesty's
packet on the Tuesday following.7
The peach tree was dug up and taken to London, where it was replanted in
the King's garden behind Carlton House. The two cedars were also sent to
London, and from the wood of one the Duke of York had a snuff box8 made,
6 Captain Partridge says the place is 200 feet above tide in the Hudson, and 123 feet above the floor of Andre's
room.
1 Although Mr. Buchanan does not mention it, the pastor of the Dutch church, Rev. Nicholas Lansing, was
present, and Rev. Dr. Cole informs me that he is tolerably positive that he was told, in his boyhood, that a
brief religious service was conducted by Dr. L. Some writers say the Duke of York was present. This is
impossible. He was never in the United States.
2 An instance, similar to this curious circumstance, may be recalled in the fact that when, a number of years
since, the grave of Roger Williams was opened in Providence, R. I., his skeleton was found entwined with
the roots of an apple tree that had grown near the grave.— Wnt. L. Stone, to the Author.
3 There were then living in Tappan many persons who, as young people (and some also as soldiers) had
witnessed the execution. Some of those to whom they told the story of 1780 are yet living. One is Rev.
Dr. David Cole (now of Yonkers), son of the then pastor of the Dutch Church at Tappan. From him I
have received much information.
4 Cf. Thacher's words, forty-one years before, "The tears of thousands fell on the spot where he lay." As Dr.
Thacher was living at this time, and until 1844, it is to be regretted he was not present on this memorable
occasion.
6 Mr. Buchanan had supposed Andre" was buried in his uniform, and complained bitterly that the historic
statement of Dr. Thacher to that effect was false. But in 1834 Dr. Thacher wrote him that, while he had
so stated, he had not waited to see the actual interment, and that the subsequent statement which I credit
to "Baldwin" (that the uniform was given to Laune) was doubtless correct. The Consul accepted the
explanation, and had the Doctor's letter published in the United Service Journal, of London, and its
substance in the New York Albion, March 7, 1834.
Why Dr. Thacher delayed writing it until 1834 is not explained.
6 "Some locks of his hair remained, which were sent to his sisters. The string which tied his hair is in
possession of the Dean of Westminster. "—Stanley, Historical Memoirs or Westminster Abbey, II.,
page 93.
1 This part of the plan seems not to have been carried out, as they were actually conveyed to Portsmouth by the
frigate Phaeton, Captain W. C. Montague. She arrived there in October. The remains were interred in
Westminster Abbey — in the presence of a representative of the War Department, and of Mr. Locker, •
Secretary of Greenwich Hospital (and father of the late Frederick Locker, the poet), who attended on
behalf of Andre's sisters. In 1840 Grant Thorburn wrote in the Knickerbocker Magazine: "I had an
ardent desire to handle the skull which had once contained such mighty projects. I obtained an order
from the Consul, and boarded the frigate, taking with me a handsome myrtle plant, which I placed on
the lid of the sarcophagus. This was carried to London, planted and flourished, and many persons of
note had cuttings from it, as it was known as ' Andrews myrtle.' When I held Andrews skull m my hands
I observed that the root of a tree had penetrated the bone on one side and come out on the other."
8 Now owned by, page 84.
