Major John Andre was a British Army officer complicit in the greatest treasonous act in the history of North America. Andre attempted to assist Arnold in turning over command of the fort at West Point, New York to British control. Doing so would have prevented the American war effort in New York from communicating with their brethren in New England. However, Andre and Arnold’s treason was discovered, and Andre was captured near Tarrytown, New York. Major Andre was executed by hanging shortly after he was captured by rebel patriots. Arnold survived this experience, defecting to London where he was commissioned into the British Army.

     Offered here is a collection of items that were in possession of Andre when he was captured. Included is a handwritten manuscript, 9”x5.5”, a hand drawn map with numerous identifications of Andre’s whereabouts during his plotting with Benedict Arnold, and a small portrait of Arnold. Andre attempted to hide these manuscripts in his socks before his capture by American militiamen.

      Also included are two English coins and an American $50 bill. The first coin is dime-sized and dated 1775 and the second is a silver dollar size coin dated 1777. The bill is Continental Army currency and is dated to 1779. Andre presented these items to his jailer on the day of his execution. These items come with a University Archives LOA.

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