John André Letter to Henry Clinton, September 29, 1780
John André Letter to Henry Clinton, September 29, 1780. Henry Clinton Papers.
Tapaan, September 29th, 1780 /
Sir, / Your Excellency is doubtless / already apprized of the manner in which / I was taken and possibly of the serious / light in which my Conduct is Considered / and the rigorous determination that is impending. —
Under these Circumstances / I have obtained General Washington’s / permission to send you this Letter, the / object of which is to remove from your
Breast any Suspicion that I could imagine / that I could imagine that I was bound by your Excellencys Orders to / expose myself to what has happened. The / Events of coming within an Enemys posts / and of Changing my dress which led / me to my present Situation were contrary / to my own Intentions as they were to your / Orders; and the circuitous route which / I took to return was imposed (perhaps / unavoidably) without alternative upon / me.
I am perfectly and tranquil in / mind and prepared for any Fate to / which an honest Zeal for my Kings / Service may have devoted me.
In addressing myself to your / Excellency on this Occasion, the force of all / my Obligations to you and of the Attachment / and Gratitude I bear you, recurrs to me. / With all the Warmth of my heart I give / you thanks for your Excellencys profuse / kindness to me, and I send you / the most earnest Wishes for your Welfare / which a faithfull affectionate and / respectfull Attendant can frame.
I have a Mother and Three / Sisters to whom the value of my Commission / would be an object as the loss of Granada / has much affected their income. It is needless / to be more explicit on this Subject; I am
persuaded of your Excellencys Goodness. / I receive the greatest Attention / from his Excellency General Washington / and from every person under whose charge / I happened to be placed. / I have the honor to be with / the most respectfull Attachment /
Your Excellencys
Most obedient and
most humble Servant
John André Adj Gen
His Excellency
Sir Henry Clinton K.B.
