Estimation of forces at West Point, and its dependencies, found on British Major John André at the time of his capture by the Americans, during the American Revolution. The quantity of soldiers at the Americans' outpost was a piece of intelligence that would have been extremely useful to the British.

Major André was working with American Major General Benedict Arnold, who was attempting to help the British capture the fort at West Point. As André was heading towards the British lines with documents given to him by Arnold tucked in his boot, he was captured, near Tarrytown, on September 23, 1780.

André was hanged as a spy, at Tappan on October 2, 1780.

Benedict Arnold escaped to New York City, eventually commanding British troops in the American Revolution. He died in exile in London, on June 14, 1801.

Identifier
NYSA_A4681-99_Forces

Date Original
September 13 1780

Source
New York State Archives. New York (State). Governor (1777-1795 : Clinton). Papers found on British spy Major Andre ("Andre Papers"), 1780. Series A4681-99, Folder 5, Forces.

Rights
This image is provided for education and research purposes. Rights may be reserved. Responsibility for securing permissions to distribute, publish, reproduce or other use rest with the user. For additional information see our Copyright and Use Statement