He wished to die like a soldier, not as a criminal.

To obtain a mitigation of his sentence in this respect, he addressed a letter[45] to General Washington, replete with the feelings of a man of sentiment and honour.

But the occasion required that the example should make its full impression, and this request could not be granted.

He encountered his fate with composure and dignity; and his whole conduct interested the feelings of all who witnessed it.
[Footnote 45: See note No.IV.at the end of the volume.] The general officers lamented the sentence which the usages of war compelled them to pronounce; and never perhaps did the Commander-in-chief obey with more reluctance the stern mandates of duty and policy.

The sympathy excited among the American officers by his fate, was as universal as it is unusual on such occasions; and proclaims alike the merit of him who suffered, and the humanity of those who inflicted the punishment.
Great exertions were made by Sir Henry Clinton, to whom Andre was particularly dear, first, to have him considered as protected by a flag of truce, and afterwards, as a prisoner of war.
Even Arnold had the hardihood to interpose.