6I
others in New York, and to have his servant,1 Peter Laune, come thence with
clothing for his use, on Friday, the twenty-ninth. A surgeon, Dr. Nathaniel
Gardiner, First New Hampshire Continentals, was detailed to attend him.2
On his examination by the Board Andre made the explicit statement:
That the boat in which he came ashore carried no flag.
In reply to the question whether he considered himself under the pro-
tection of a flag, he replied:
That it was impossible for him to so consider; and that if he had he certainly
might have returned under it,8 adding : I leave them (his detailed statements, as given in
the Appendix) to operate with the Board, persuaded that you will do me justice.
After he had been returned to his prison4 he remarked:
I foresee my fate, and though I pretend not to play the hero or to be indifferent
about life, yet I am reconciled to whatever may happen, conscious that misfortune, not
guilt, will have brought it upon me.
Regarding his treatment by the Board, he said:
I flatter myself that I have never been illiberal, but if there were any remains of
prejudice in my mind, my present experience must obliterate them.
The Board deliberated, but it was obvious that they could come to but
one decision,5 and accordingly reported :
I am perfectly tranquil in mind, and prepared for any fate, to which an honest zeal for my King's
service may have devoted me. In addressing myself to your Excellency on this occasion, the force of all
my obligations to you, and of the attachment and gratitude I bear you, recurs to me. With all the warmth
of my heart I give you thanks for your Excellency's profuse kindness to me, and I send you the most
earnest wishes for your welfare which a faithful, affectionate and respectful attendant can frame.
I have a mother and three sisters, to whom the value of my commission would be an object, as the
loss of Grenada has much affected their income. It is needless to be more explicit on this subject; I am
persuaded of your Excellency's goodness.
I receive the greatest attention from his excellency General Washington, and from every person
under whose charge I happen to be placed.
I have the honour to be, with the most affectionate attachment, your Excellency's most obedient
and most humble servant,
John Andre,
Adjutant-General.
1 Two servants.—Dewees.
2 Nathaniel Gardiner was son of Colonel Abraham Gardiner, of Gardiner's Island, Long Island, N. Y. He was
born January u, 1759, and died March 25, 1804. On the 28th June, 1780, he was appointed surgeon of the
First New Hampshire, which appointment he resigned December 17,1782. He was several times a member
of the New York Legislature, and, after 1790, resided in New York City, where he was a member of the
firm of Gardiner, Thompson and Co., shipping merchants.
A singular coincidence may be noticed in this connection. In 1776, the British had possession of the east end
of Long Island, and Andre1 was quartered in the Gardiner house. Dr. Gardiner had ventured to return for
a secret visit to his home. Andre" afterwards told his father that he had known of his presence, but as he
had not actually met him, had forborne to have him arrested, as would have otherwise been his duty to
do. On leaving East Hampton, Andre" presented Colonel Gardiner with a wine glass in exchange for one
of the Colonel's which he took with him. The glass is still preserved by the family, who have also kindly
furnished me with the portrait and autograph of the Doctor.
3 Lafayette told Sparks that Greene asked the prisoner: " When you landed, did you consider yourself acting as
a British officer, or as a private individual? " " As a British officer," was the unhesitating reply.
* During the trial he wore the clothes in which he had been captured, but on its termination he resumed his uniform-
s Lafayette told Sparks that Greene alone wished to hang him. He contended that the laws of war required that
a spy be hung; the adoption of any less rigorous mode of punishment would excite the belief that
paluatory circumstances existed in the case of Andre\ and the decision might thereby be brought into
question. He carried his point with lie others of the Board.—Gordon (and L. M. Sargent).
This, however, is evidently a mistake. Witness Steuben's words: " It is not possible to save him. He put
us to no proof, but in an open, manly manner confessed everything but a premeditated design to
deceive."—Kapp's Life of Steuben.
