Jennifer Millman

British Spymaster Connected to Benedict Arnold Was at Long Island Home in 1779, Historian Proves

John Andre was hanging in Rockland County for his role in Benedict Arnold's plot to surrender the fortifications at West Point to the British

A New York historian has uncovered historical documents proving ill-fated British spymaster John Andre was at a Long Island home that was at the center of military and intelligence activity during the American Revolution. 

Claire Bellerjeau tracked down documents written by Andre that prove he was in Oyster Bay in 1779, a year before he was hanged in Rockland County for his part in Benedict Arnold's plot to surrender the fortifications at West Point to the British, according to Newsday

Bellerjeau is the resident historian at Oyster Bay's Raynham Hall Museum, housed in an 18th-century home that served as a British headquarters during the war. The homeowner's son was one of Gen. George Washington's top spies. 

Historians had long believed Andre was at the home but didn't have the documentation to prove it.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us