Humpday History Highlight
By Wyatt Earp | September 29, 2010
September 29, 1780 – British Spy Sentenced To Death
British Major John André, an accomplice of Benedict Arnold, had been captured by Patriots six days earlier on September 23, after they found incriminating papers stashed in his boot. It was the discovery of these papers that revealed the traitorous actions of Benedict Arnold to the U.S. authorities. Upon hearing of André’s capture, Arnold fled to the British warship Vulture and subsequently joined the British in their fight against his country.
After being sentenced to death, André was allowed to write a letter to his commander, British General Henry Clinton. André also wrote a letter to General George Washington in which he asked, not that his life be spared, but that he be executed by firing squad. Death by firing squad was considered a more “gentlemanly” death than hanging.
Even members of the Continental Army respected André’s bravery, including General Washington, who wanted to find a way to spare André’s life. Believing that André committed a lesser crime than Benedict Arnold, Washington wrote a letter to Clinton, stating that he would exchange André for Arnold, so that Arnold could be hanged instead.
When Washington did not receive a reply, he ordered André’s execution.
Topics: HHH | 6 Comments »
September 29th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
A pity we still do not execute traitors. But, oddly enough, those were more civilised times. (Note the English spelling.)
September 29th, 2010 at 7:27 pm
The term I used above, civilised times, brings to mind a possibility why we no longer are a civil society. The outlawing of duels insured no man would be held responsible for an insult. Thus, no need for civility.
September 29th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
I have to say I agree with Robert! At least Andre took responsibility for what he did!
September 30th, 2010 at 12:22 am
But did he hang him or have him shot?
I agree, better to die by firing squad than hang like a common horse thief.
September 30th, 2010 at 1:21 am
Doesn’t that just powder your wig?
September 30th, 2010 at 8:39 am
Robert B. – We should execute traitors, but the problem is that no one is ever tried for treason anymore.
Old NFO – And didn’t request appeal after appeal.
Serr8d – He was hanged, only because the British never responded to Washington’s letter.
Proof – If he had wooden teeth he could have gnawed through the rope.