Life of John Andre: The Redcoat Who Turned Benedict Arnold

During the Revolutionary War, John André, the head of the British Army's Secret Service in North America, masterminded the defection of General Benedict Arnold and the kidnapping of General George Washington. André was captured and hanged, but his motives and actions remain a mystery. This new biography offers a fresh perspective on André's motives and how he wished others to see his actions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2019
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

As the Revolutionary War reached its most intense and pivotal stage, John André assumed the role of head of the British Army's Secret Service in North America. In 1780, he orchestrated the defection of a high-ranking American officer, General Benedict Arnold. Arnold, known for his infamous betrayal in American folklore, had recently been appointed commander of West Point and agreed to surrender this strategically vital fort on the upper reaches of the Hudson River to the British through André. By gaining control of the fort, the British aimed to disrupt communication lines between New England and the southern colonies, severely hindering their military operations against the British. Additionally, their plan entailed the simultaneous kidnapping of General George Washington, the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. The British believed that these two strategic maneuvers would effectively quell rebel resistance.

The secret negotiations between Arnold and André were lengthy and fraught with danger. Arnold's new wife, Peggy, played a crucial role as the go-between in the negotiations. Arnold insisted on meeting André face-to-face to finalize the agreement. At the dead of night on September 21st, 1780, the two met in no-man's land, with Sir Henry Clinton, the commander of British forces in North America, approving the meeting under three strict conditions: André must not cross the American lines, remain in uniform, and carry away any incriminating papers. These conditions were intended to protect André from being treated as a spy if captured.

However, when André was apprehended forty-eight hours later, he had violated all three conditions. He was within American lines, had changed into civilian clothes, and was carrying maps of West Point hidden in his boots. The Americans had no choice but to treat him as a spy, particularly when he admitted to his espionage during interrogation.

The capture of André dealt a significant blow to the British forces. It exposed their covert operations and weakened their hold on the fort, which remained under American control until the end of the war. Arnold's defection also dealt a significant psychological blow to the Continental Army, as it raised doubts about the loyalty and trust of their officers.

In conclusion, John André's role in the defection of General Benedict Arnold during the Revolutionary War was a pivotal moment in the conflict. His treachery and disregard for the agreed-upon conditions led to his capture and exposed the British's covert operations. Arnold's defection dealt a significant blow to the British forces and raised doubts about the loyalty and trust of their officers. André's actions ultimately contributed to the American victory in the war.

Weight: 714g
Dimension: 231 x 170 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781612005218