TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS Head Quarters,Orangetown, Tuesday, September 26, 1780


Parole Smallwood. Countersigns Gist, Marion.

Watchword Intrepid.



The truly martial appearance made by the troops yesterday the order and regularity with which they made the different marches and the ease and facility they performed the several manceuvres does them the greatest Credit and affords the most flattering prospect of substantial service tary glory.


Nothing can be more pleasing to the officers who feel honor of the Army and the Independence of America than to see the rapid progress made by the Troops in military discipline.

The good conduct of all the officers yesterday gave the general the highest satisfaction and the particular services of tbe Inspector General and those serving in that line deserving his particular thanks.

Treason of the blackest dye was yesterday discovered! General Arnold who commanded at Westpoint, lost to every sentiment of honor, of public and private obligation, was about to deliver up that important Post into the hands of the enemy. Such an event must have given the American cause a deadly wound if not a fatal stab. Happily the treason has been timely discovered to prevent the fatal misfortune. The providential train of circumstances which led to it affords the most convincing proof that the Liberties of America are the object of divine Protection. ,li

At the same time that the Treason is to be regretted the Gen.eral cannot help congratulating the Army on the happy discovery. Our Enemies despairing of carrying their point by force are practicing every base art to effect by bribery and Corruption what they cannot accomplish in a manly way.

Great honor is due to the American Army that this is the first instance of Treason of the kind where many were to he expected from the nature of the dispute, and nothing is sc bright an ornament in the Character of the American soldiers as their having been proof against all the arts and seduction of an insidious enemy.

Arnold has made his escape to the Enemy but Mr. Andre the Adjutant General to the British Army who came out as a spy to negotiate the Business is our Prisoner.

His Excellency the commander in Chief has arrived at Westpoint from Hartford and is no doubt taking the proper measures to unravel fully, so hellish a plot.