Treason And Rewards During The Revolution

On September 23, 1780, three Patriot militiamen stopped a traveler in Tarrytown. Following a series of questions, the patrol asked the traveler to dismount. Upon further investigation, the Patriots found the plans to the garrison of West Point in the boot of British Major John André.

John Paulding, Isaac Van Wart and David Williams were unaware at the time that they had uncovered the treasonous plot of American General Benedict Arnold. Their stories, and the stories of the many others who were involved in the events at the end of September and early October of that year, will be told by a new initiative launched by Revolutionary Westchester 250. RW250 is Westchester County’s commitment to remembering the local events and people associated with the American Revolution in accordance with the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016.

This Man's A Spy

Recognizing the people, events and sites related to what General George Washington described as “treason of the blackest dye,” RW250 is launching an aptly named initiative – This Man’s A Spy. The program will create community awareness, understanding and enthusiasm for the historical significance of this critical event in U.S. history through a variety of public outreach programs.

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See the This Man's A Spy announcement here. See the RW250 video about the plot here.

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This Man’s A Spy will feature the stories of Paulding, Van Wart and Williams along with the other Patriots of Westchester County who were responsible for revealing Arnold’s treason. If Arnold’s plan had been successful, the loss of West Point could have led to an American defeat.

Historic Sites Throughout Westchester

In Westchester, the plot involved critical actions by soldiers, their officers, members of the local militia and civilians who were Patriots, Loyalists, Native Americans, African-Americans, women and children. Among the more than 15 Westchester communities that witnessed events related to the plot are Armonk, Croton Point Park (Teller’s Point), Dobbs Ferry, South Salem, Ossining, Peekskill, Pleasantville, Tarrytown, Verplanck’s Point (King’s Ferry) and Yorktown.

The three Patriot militiamen received the thanks of General Washington at the Post Hannock House in Cortlandt. The house still stands. The plot has connections to more than 30 locations across Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and Orange counties.

This Man's A Spy is working with people who reside in the communities associated with the André-Arnold Affair. Historians, teachers, authors, municipal leaders and preservationists who are passionate about American history and wish to make people aware of the historic events which occurred in their community and the importance of Westchester County in the American effort to win the Revolution are encouraged to email ThisMansASpy@yahoo.com .

Programs will continue during the 250th nationally planned commemorative year of 2026 and then through 2033 to mark the full eight years of the American Revolution (1775-1783) that includes the anniversary of the betrayal.