Читать книгу The Secrets of Spies - Weldon Owen - Страница 38

GEORGE WASHINGTON: AMERICAN SPY CHIEF

39

TREASON IN HIGH PLACES

Major-General Benedict Arnold, one of the best

commanders in the American army, became

embittered after being passed over for promotion.

Major John André, a British army officer, encouraged

Arnold to change sides. In 1780, Arnold was given

responsibility for the strategically important West

Point on the Hudson River and agreed to hand over

the position to the British in exchange for £20,000.

André, however, was caught in civilian clothes while

passing through American lines, and documents

found on his person linked him with Arnold. Benjamin

Tallmadge, Washington’s intelligence officer, wanted

to arrest Arnold, but a delay in executing the order

allowed him to escape to the British side. André was

less fortunate and was hanged as a spy.

Below: This painting by C.F. Blauvelt

shows Arnold persuading André to

conceal documents in his boot.

“I ONLY REGRET THAT I HAVE

BUT ONE LIFE TO LOSE

FOR MY COUNTRY.”

Nathan Hale, final words at the gallows

FEEDING FALSE INFORMATION

During the winter of 1777–78, Washington’s army was

stationed at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Supplies were

low and the whole force could have been swept away by a

determined British advance. To forestall this, Washington

prepared detailed documents referring to non-existent

infantry battalions and cavalry regiments to give the

impression that his army was strong and ready for battle.

This information was forwarded to the British via double

agents. Taken in by the deception, the British decided

against any action, thereby sparing the Americans

when they were at their most vulnerable.

On another occasion, one of

Washington’s officers came to him

to seek permission to arrest a man

believed to be a British spy. Instead of

apprehending the spy, Washington

sensed a useful opportunity and told

the officer to invite him to dinner.

At the ensuing dinner, the officer

“carelessly” left unattended

documents containing

exaggerated figures for the

strength of the American

army. The spy stole the

documents and handed them

to the British, who, once again,

were confused as to the real

strength of their opponents.

Below: The execution

of Nathan Hale