Spies, Patriots, and Traitors by Kenneth A. Daigler

Author:Kenneth A. Daigler [Daigler, Kenneth A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Georgetown University Press
Published: 2014-04-23T00:00:00+00:00

British major John André, General Clinton’s intelligence aide and the case officer who handled Benedict Arnold. Library of Congress

During his service in North America, André developed a very low opinion of the average American, especially the colonial military.31 He also demonstrated the standard British officer’s distaste for those considered disloyal to king and country. When he departed Philadelphia in June 1778, like his fellow officers, he took everything of value possible from the house where he had stayed. Because it had been Franklin’s home, he may well have taken extra pleasure in shipping off Franklin’s scientific instruments, personal papers, and records in addition to the household furniture.32 His low opinion of his enemies could explain some of the sloppiness in his actions later when contacting Arnold. In the intelligence game, as in most of life, underestimating your competition is not a good idea.

Once appointed military governor of Philadelphia, Arnold began various commercial activities involving his position that were ethically questionable if not illegal. For payment he provided certain merchants with special rights to import goods and conduct certain commercial activities. He also involved himself in purchasing deals of commercial goods formerly owned by Tories who had left with the British, which were not open to competitive bidding. Finally, he used military logistical resources—wagons and horses—to move nongovernment property for his own financial benefit.33

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