On receiving it, Arnold comprehended the full extent of his danger, and, flying from well merited punishment, took refuge on board the Vulture.
[Footnote 43: Mr.Johnson says he did produce it; but that, on being surprised, he had thrust a paper containing a plan of the route in his boot, which, having been perceived, was demanded, and led to his discovery.] [Illustration: Where Washington Stayed During Andre's Trial _In this brick house at Tappan, Rockland County, New York, the American Commander-in-Chief, during September, 1780, awaited the result of the trial of Major John Andre, who conspired with Benedict Arnold for the betrayal of West Point to the British.

Fourteen American officers sat in judgment on Andre and ordered his execution on October 2, 1780.

In Tappan also is still standing the old Tavern where Andre was imprisoned._] When sufficient time for the escape of Arnold was supposed to have elapsed, Andre, no longer affecting concealment, acknowledged himself to be the adjutant general of the British army.

Jameson, seeking to correct the mischief of his indiscreet communication to Arnold, immediately despatched a packet to the Commander-in-chief containing the papers which had been discovered, with a letter from Andre, relating the manner of his capture, and accounting for the disguise he had assumed.
The express was directed to meet the Commander-in-chief, who was then on his return from Hartford; but, taking different roads,[44] they missed each other, and a delay attended the delivery of the papers, which insured the escape of Arnold.
[Footnote 44: General Lafayette adds some circumstances which are not found among the manuscript papers of General Washington.

The Commander-in-chief with Generals Lafayette and Knox had turned from the direct route in order to visit a redoubt.