The Spy Who Betrayed the American Revolution | The Hangman’s Noose | 4

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0:20September 25th, 1780. America's Commander-in-Chief, General George Washington, steers his horse down the track towards a large, two-story wooden house. Accompanying him are his entourage, also on horseback, including his aide-de-camp. Alexander Hamilton. They're fresh from inspecting the defences at the crucial fort of West Point. Benedict Arnold, the commander of West Point, told Washington that he was improving its defences. Instead, they are a shambles. And Washington's irritation is compounded by Arnold's failure to meet him there. So now, he's headed to the house Arnold uses at his headquarters to get some answers.

1:07Washington turns to Hamilton. General Arnold better have a good explanation for his absence. The stage of the defences is unacceptable. Washington and his entourage arrive at the house and dismount. The guard outside salutes. General Washington, sir. Soldier, is General Arnold here? No, sir, not since breakfast. He said he had urgent business to attend to. Washington scowls and enters the house. Arnold's not at West Point. He's not here either. Something is wrong. Through the window, Washington sees a messenger arrive and hand Hamilton a bundle of papers. From upstairs, he hears a baby's cries.

1:48He's about to investigate when Hamilton enters the house. Sir, these documents have been sent for your urgent attention. They were found on a suspected British spy. Washington tears open the bundle and examines the papers. The documents detail the defences at West Point. It is information that could help the British take the fort with ease. Hamilton hands Washington another letter. The suspect also had this on his person. A letter of safe passage, signed by General Arnold. Cold dread caesars Washington. Arnold's strange absence suddenly makes sense. But his mind recoils from the truth. Why would Arnold betray him?

2:33He always defended the hot-headed yet brilliant general. When he asked for command at West Point, he made it happen. If Arnold would betray him, then who can he trust? General? Washington snaps out of his thoughts. Colonel Hamilton, it appears that General Arnold has betrayed us. He must be found before he reaches British lines. Yes, sir. I will order a search immediately. The cries from the baby upstairs interrupts Washington's thoughts. Arnold's wife and child are still here. Maybe she knows something. He turns to the nearest officer. Have Mrs. Arnold come downstairs immediately. The officer hurries upstairs, leaving Washington to contemplate why one of his best generals would switch sides.

3:22Many said Arnold would do anything for gold. Maybe they were right. What are you doing? Stay away from me!

3:34His officer returns from upstairs. Sir, you had better speak to Mrs. Arnold yourself. The doctor is with her. He says she's suffering hysteria. Please sit down, Mrs. Arnold. You must rest. You must protect me, my child. Don't let them kill my baby, please. Don't let them kill my baby. Washington follows his officer upstairs to the bedroom. Inside, Arnold's wife Peggy is pacing the room, wringing her hands while her baby cries. On seeing Washington, she rushes to the crib, standing in front as if to defend from attack. Who are you? You know who I am, Mrs. Arnold. I am General Washington. No, no you're not, or else my husband would be with you.

4:20Where is your husband, Mrs. Arnold? Gone. Gone, never to return. Adam, you would be advised to tell me all you know of this plot. No! No, you're here to kill my baby! Please don't kill my baby! Washington's jaw clenches. He suspects Peggy's hysteria is nothing more than an act to avoid his questioning. But the doctor looks concerned. General, this woman is in grave distress and has been this way since I arrived. If you cannot find her husband, I fear she may die. Washington gives the doctor a withering glance Doctor, if we cannot find our husband we might all die

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6:33I'm Raza Jaffrey, and this is The Spy Who, an Audible Original. In the last episode, disgruntled patriot hero Benedict Arnold turned traitor and offered to surrender West Point to the British. But the plot unraveled when his co-conspirator, Britain's spy chief, John Andre, was caught trying to return to British territory. Now, Andre is a prisoner and Arnold a fugitive. But if George Washington's men fail to catch him in time, he may reveal enough secrets to help Britain win the war. You're listening to The Spy Who Betrayed the American Revolution. This is episode four, The Hangman's Noose. September 25th, 1780.

7:20shortly after George Washington confronted Peggy. General Benedict Arnold stands on his barge as it slides through the water of the Hudson River. His eyes are on the horizon, searching for a ship. Go faster, boys, and there'll be a gallon of rum for each of you. He looks back upriver for signs of a pursuit. Since learning of John Andre's arrest, Arnold has had just one goal in mind, to reach the HMS Vulture before the Patriot Army catches up with him. but his barge is slowing. His men have been rowing for hours, and exhaustion is setting in. Two flagons of rum for each of you if you reach the vulture in the next half hour.

8:02The ride works. The men, sweat dripping, grimace against the pain as they propel the boat forward. As they round the next bend, Arnold almost cries out with relief. There, far ahead in the distance, is the majestic bulk of the British warship. You've done it, lads! Well done. He waves a white flag, signaling truce as they approach the ship. British sailors help them tie up alongside, and Arnold clambers up the rope ladder. He is met by the vulture's confused captain. Sir, what do you want? Captain, I cannot tell you why, but I must see General Clinton immediately. It's about Major John Andre. The captain flicks a glance at the crew of Arnold's barge.

8:45Very well. What about your men? and not inviting a load of rebels onto my ship without an explanation. There will not be a problem. Please, allow me. Arnold leans over the side of the ship and calls down to his crew. Boys, come aboard and rest before we return. Sir? The men smile in gratitude and climb up the ladders. As the last one arrives on deck, Arnold whips out his pistol and points it at them. And now, gentlemen, I'm afraid you were all prisoners of his majesty. The bargemen are aghast as Royal Marines surround them with bayonets and prepare to put them in chains.

9:29Three days later, the American-controlled western shore of the Hudson River. On a road running alongside the river, a knot of US cavalry soldiers surround John Andre. The British intelligence chief has been charged with spying and is being taken to the village of Tuppen to stand trial. Riding beside him is Patriot spymaster, Major Benjamin Talmadge. Talmadge sees Andre looking wistful. On spotting Talmadge's inquiring look, he gives a quizzical smile. Oh, think what anxious moments pass between the birth of plots and their last fatal periods. Talmadge is taken aback. The lines are from a play that he used to perform at university with his friend, Nathan Hale.

10:19He responds with the next line. Oh, it is a dreadful interval of time, filled up with horror all, and big with death. You know Cato? He was a favourite of a friend of mine. You remind me of him. And I suppose you've heard of Captain Nathan Hale. I have. By all reports, he was brave and honest. Too honest for the work he was doing. But surely you don't compare our cases? Talmadge frowns. Yes, I do. You were caught in civilian clothes spying in enemy territory, just as Hale was. Fear flickers across Andre's face. But I am the Adjutant General of the British Army. Spying is a hanging offence, no matter who does it.

11:10You know that as well as I do. Andre looks away. Talmadge feels sorry for him. Against all his instincts, he likes Andre. He sees his friend Hale again in his mind's eye. In a just world, neither of these men deserve to hang. But they are at war, and justice has nothing to do with it.

11:38Two days later, the village of Tuppen, on the New York side of the border with New Jersey. In his headquarters, George Washington hands Talmadge an open letter, and then paces the room with his hands clasped behind his back. As you see, the British have refused the exchange. Yesterday, Andre was found guilty of spying and sentenced to death. But Washington sent a secret communique to the British Commander-in-Chief, General Clinton, offering to exchange Andre for the traitor, General Benedict Arnold. Talmadge feels a weight settle into his stomach as he reads the British response. In it, Clinton pleads for Andre's life, but refuses to hand over Arnold.

12:26Talmadge lays the letter on the table. I can't say I'm surprised. Handing over such a high-profile defector would discourage others from switching to the British. Yes, I know. But this means Andre must hang, I'm afraid. I know. Still, Major Andre is a rare man and understands duty and loyalty. Unlike General Arnold. Yes. Speaking of Arnold, how much does he know of the Culpers? Talmadge is obsessive about protecting the Culper spy ring he runs in New York. But in a letter to Arnold, he alluded to its existence. He never imagined such a highly regarded general would betray the revolution. Now, that one small slip haunts him.

13:13No names or locations, but he does know we have agents there. I've told them to do nothing to arouse suspicion for the time being. Washington looks pained. The Culper spy ring provided vital insight into what the British are doing. Now, that supply of intelligence will dry out. I understand. Arnold will doubtless want to make himself useful to his new masters. Uncovering our spies would be a valuable prize.

13:47Four days later, Toppen. Talmud arrives at the house where Andre has been kept prisoner during his trial. The condemned British officer emerges. He is pale, but impressively dressed in his regimental uniform. The two spy chiefs nod to each other, then turn and descend the stairs side by side. A drummer leads the way through the village. Straight-backed, one in Patriot blue, the other in British red, they follow the drummer through the muddy streets. Villagers strain to get a glimpse, but are held back by soldiers. Most shuffle and mutter, but some bow as Andre passes. Turning a corner, the gallows suddenly loom above them atop a small hill.

14:34Andre stops short. No firing squad, then. Talmadge shakes his head. Andre requested an honorable death by firing squad, the method of execution reserved for soldiers. But Washington refused. He decreed that Andre's fate should match that of Hales and all other spies to be hanged like a common criminal.

15:00Andre attempts to smile. Ah well, it will soon be over. They stop at the foot of the gallows. Andre holds out his hand. I'm glad you were here with me at the end, Talmud. I thank you for your conversation and your company. at which we had met under better circumstances. Talmud grips his hand. As do I. God save you. Andres smiles, then turns and mounts the steps. As the hangman places the noose around Andres' neck, Talmud feels emotion choke him. Tears well up and cloud his vision. He has grown used to death, yet he cannot watch this. He turns and walks away, stumbling slightly. He hears silence, then the grotesque sounds of a man choking to death.

15:57Women in the crowd gasp and sob. Talmadge clenches his fist, riled by the injustice. It should be the traitorous Arnold at the end of that rope, not Andrei.

16:25A few days after the hanging of John Andre, early October 1780, Lower Manhattan. Benedict Arnold marches with an escort of armed British soldiers towards a tailor shop. He now lives in the safety of New York and wears the red uniform of a British Brigadier General. Arnold and the soldiers stop outside the Taylors. It's been used by many British officers since the war began. Now, it's under suspicion as part of Benjamin Talmadge's spy ring. Open up! In the name of the king! There's no response from inside. Arnold gives his men a nod. The soldiers crowd into the shop. Panicked customers huddle in the corner.

17:09The tailor behind the counter backs away. What is the meaning of this? Ergulies Mulligan, you are under arrest on suspicion of spy. What? Must be some mistake. I am loyal to the King. Don't go away. As the soldiers march the tailor out of the shop, Arnold begins rifling through his office documents. From the scraps of information he gleaned before defecting, he has deduced some of Talmud's intelligence came from the tailor. Now he's looking for clues as to the identity of the rest of the Patriot spies. If he can smash Talmadge's mysterious New York spy ring, that will surely prove to the British it was worth protecting him, even at the expense of Andre's life.

17:54A few days later, the town of New Windsor, seven miles upriver of West Point. Candles burn low and flicker as General George Washington sits with one of his generals late into the night. Arnold must pay for his treachery. How easy would it be to kidnap him in New York and bring him back here? The general gapes at the audacity of the proposal. We would need a double agent inside New York. Can Delmage help? No. It's too risky. Arnold is hunting those in his spiring. I need someone Arnold has no reason to suspect. The general purses his lips. Perhaps a pretend defector. They could say they've been inspired to defect by him and use that to get closer.

18:43Do you have anyone suitable? I have a man in mind. Two weeks later, New Jersey. Patriot Sergeant John Champ moves in the shadows of his own camp. ducking behind barrels and sneaking behind tents to evade detection. His mind is still spinning from his new, top-secret orders. His mission is to pretend to defect to Britain, then find and kidnap Arnold. Champ has no idea how he'll do this, but he'll have to figure that out later. Right now, he needs to build his cover by escaping the camp without being caught by his own side. He reaches the stables and quietly saddles his horse, wrapping heavy cloth around its hooves to muffle the sound.

19:31He then leads it through the darkest parts of the camp and slips past the sentries. After reaching the cover of a forest, he mounts his horse and trots off into the night. A few miles on, he judges it safe enough to remove the cloth from his horse's hooves. But as he does, he hears a sound that chills him. It's a Patriot patrol. They will know nothing about his secret mission. They will think he's a real deserter. He swiftly remounts and pushes his horse into a counter. Oi, who goes there? It's too late. He's been seen. Champ digs his spurs in and his horse bounds forward into a gallop. Stop it!

20:14He goes out!

20:19Hours later, Champ is still being pursued by the patrol. He reaches the outskirts of Bergen, New Jersey. He can see New York just across the Hudson River, but those chasing him know this area better than he does. Cut him off at the bridge! We'll take the fort road! Champ panics as his pursuers move to block off his escape route. One group gallops towards the road leading to the nearest British fort, The other heads to the only bridge in the area. He's now trapped on the marshy peninsula with no way out. Damn it! With no other choice, he wheels his horse around and rides into the town itself. Without any plan, he heads to the shoreline that juts onto Newark Bay.

21:02He sees British ships at anchor, only a mile away. It's his only hope. In desperation, he forces his horse down the marshy bank and frantically shouts and waves his hat at the ship. Hey! Hey, I want to fight for the king! Help me! A sentry on the deck of the ship spots him, but the patriots chasing him have also heard his shouts. He's trying to reach the ship! Stop him! Champ abandons his horse, wrenches off his boots and throws his sword and hat away. He dives into the cold water and strikes out towards the ship. Around him, the air zings as shots hit the water. Then he hears the Royal Navy firing from the ship at his pursuers.

21:47Finally, he's pulled aboard by the British sailors. Well done, son. That was close. Thank you for saving me. Get him into the water. Well, it was done for. I wish to join you and fight for the King, like General Arnold. To his relief, there's not a flicker of suspicion on the sailors' faces. The sight of his own side trying to kill him has convinced them that Champ is a genuine defector. Two weeks later, Broadway, New York City. Champ crouches in a small, dark alleyway behind Arnold's grand house. It's late at night, and peering through the wooden slats of the fence, he can see Arnold limping around his garden deep in thought.

22:29Champ's been watching Arnold for days, and now knows that he always takes a stroll in his garden just before midnight. After Arnold retires to bed, Champ sets to work on the fence palings. He needs to loosen enough of them so that a man can get through. And the time comes to kidnap him.

22:54A month later, December 1780, New York. In his barracks, Champ gets out of bed slowly and quietly, taking care not to wake the sleeping soldiers around him. It's 11pm and Arnold will soon be taking his midnight stroll. But tonight, Champ won't just be watching the traitor. A Patriot boat will be waiting on the shore to take him and Arnold to US territory. All that's left to do is take him prisoner. Champ picks up a cloth gag and retrieves a strong bludgeoning stick from under his mattress. Then he creeps towards the door. But before he can reach it, it slams open. A sergeant holds a lantern above his head.

23:40Everybody up! New orders. We're heading south with General Arnold. We march to the docks in one hour. Champ stands frozen in the middle of the room, hiding the stick and gag behind his back. The sergeant narrows his eyes at him. Where do you think you're going, Champ? Didn't you hear me? Get your kit ready! Yes, sir. Champ feels horror. Tonight he was to kidnap Arnold. Now he won't get his chance. Instead, he will be heading to the battlefields in the south to fight for the king against his own side.

24:29Three months later, mid-March 1781, Horsmouth, Virginia. In the British Army camp, Patriot spy James stands as soldiers hurry around him without a second glance. He walked unchallenged into this camp a few minutes ago, but no one here is worried about the enslaved black man with torn clothes and a sack over his shoulder. Nearby, James hears General Benedict Arnold shouting orders. Gather a raiding party and report to my office for orders. James joined the Patriot Army earlier this month with permission from his slave master, William Armistead. In return for his service, he's been promised his freedom after the war.

25:18But instead of sending James into battle, the Marquis de Lafayette, the French commander leading the effort to counter Arnold's raids, saw another use for him, as a spy. So now, James is here, inside the enemy camp, gathering intelligence. He crouches behind a tent and removes a pair of long, black leather boots from his sack. They've been polished to a high sheen. He adopts a stoop and approaches the guards outside Arnold's headquarters. Excuse me, sir. I was told to bring these boots here after I polished them up. The guard waves him past, indifferently. James loiters in the central hallway, acting as if he's unsure of where to go.

26:06In reality, he's listening to Arnold briefing a group of soldiers in a nearby room. That's why it's on the move. He's possibly going to join von Steuben in Williamsburg. We need to burn the cross from here to here. That way would make it unfeasible for them to camp there. A British soldier walking through the house stops and frowns at James. You, boy, are you lost? Yes, sir. I was told to bring these shoes to the general's quarters, but I don't know where I'm going. Up the stairs and to the right. Thank you, sir. Thank you. James walks up the stairs and locates Arnold's quarters. He places the boots outside the door and memorises the upstairs layout so he can draw it later for the Marquis de Lafayette.

26:54Then he hurries down the stairs and out of the house, unnoticed by anyone.