Part of Benedict Arnold’s (see image above) plot to betray West Point to the British in 1780 was to lure General George Washington into being captured. In August of 1780 General Clinton in British-occupied New York City approved the payment of 20,000 Pounds Sterling (nearly two million dollars in today’s money) to Arnold if his betrayal led to the capture of West Point and at least 3,000 American troops. A little known part of the overall plan was to have General Washington come to West Point to visit Arnold and to inspect this important fort on the Hudson River. Arnold had been one of Washington’s most capable and trusted generals, and Washington had gone to great lengths to defend him from accusations of misconduct (we now know that long before Arnold contacted the British about betraying West Point, he had been selling Continental Army pork, salt and wine for cash to the highest bidders and pocketing the cash).
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Washington had much trust and faith
in Benedict Arnold. In the end, Arnold's
betrayal became very personal
for Washington. |
As Washington set out for West Point he was unaware of the plans concerning his own capture. As Washington approached, Arnold sent word to nearby British forces. But this “tip-off” came too late because soon thereafter Arnold received word of the capture of British Major John Andre, Arnold’s contact person with the British high command. Andre was found to be carrying incriminating documents proving Arnold’s treachery, so Arnold abruptly fled West Point and found refuge on the British ship “Vulture” anchored nearby on the Hudson River. This was the same ship which would have borne General Washington away had Arnold’s entire plot unfolded successfully.
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Arnold's contact with the British
army, Major John Andre.
Washington adamantly refused
to consider any clemency for
Andre because of the personal
nature of Arnold's betrayal.
Andre was hanged
unceremoniously. |
Arnold eventually found his way to New York City where he was put in command of “Loyalist” American troops who had remained true to England and the King. In the aftermath of this debacle, General “Light Horse Harry” Lee of Washington’s staff suggested that Arnold be assassinated. Washington approved the plot and drew up secret orders for it to be done. A soldier named John Champe (pronounced “champ“), a Sergeant-Major in General Lee’s army, was selected by Lee personally to carry out the plans. He was a large, imposing, muscular man who, on October 20th, 1780, took his horse and pretended to desert to the British lines. Champe barely escaped pursuing American patrols who were not aware of his mission and who would have probably executed him on the spot as a deserter if they had captured him.
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A Currier and Ives rendering of the supposed
"desertion" of John Champe to the British lines. |
Champe was to travel to New York City, get in touch with some of Washington’s spies in the city, and try to come to the attention of Arnold by joining his “American Legion” of Loyalist troops, and, when the opportunity arose, to either kidnap or assassinate Arnold. Champe’s orders clearly stated that his top priority was to attempt to kidnap Arnold and bring him back to Washington for hanging as a traitor. When Champe finally made it to the British lines outside New York City, American patrols were still pursuing him and firing at him, bullets whistling past his head. He was arrested by the British and held in solitary confinement for two days, and then personally interviewed by General Clinton himself (the same man who had authorized payment to Arnold if his treason had been successful).
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General Sir Henry Clinton interviewed
the man sent to assassinate or kidnap
the "traitor" Benedict Arnold. |
Champe was released and spent time wandering around New York City in his blue Continental uniform, attracting attention to himself. Eventually, Arnold took note of this imposing figure, and bought Champe drinks at one of his favorite drinking establishments. Champe told Arnold that it was Arnold’s desertion that had inspired his own desertion. Arnold asked Champe if he would like to join his “American Legion,” and Champe accepted.Champe was soon a trusted member of Arnold’s staff and lived with Arnold in a house located on the Hudson River. Champe started to watch and to plan. He discovered that every night Arnold took a walk in his garden and ended it by visiting an out-house nearby which was by a path that went down to the river’s edge.
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Indoor plumbing was still a rarity, and the
lack of it for Benedict Arnold gave Champe
the opportunity he had been waiting for. |
Through Washington’s spy network, Champe got word to General Lee that he would knock Arnold senseless/unconscious and kidnap him on a particular night, and that Lee should have a ship and men waiting on the river’s shore below the garden and outhouse. Perversely, on the night the kidnapping was planned, neither Champe or Arnold were to be found in the garden because General Howe had ordered all of Arnold’s troops, Champe included, to board transports destined for the southern theatre of war - Virginia and the Carolinas. Champe had no opportunity to escape. He had to go along with the “American Legion” or be charged with disobedience or desertion. His plot had been foiled. Champe spent the next seven months fighting in the South against his own side until he got a chance to “desert” to the American lines. His story is never told in the textbooks despite the fact that it is an outstanding example of bravery and courage. How many other stories are lost to us?
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General Henry "Light Horse Harry"
Lee,who chose John Champe
for the mission. |
