The Spy Who Betrayed the American Revolution | The Traitor and The Gentleman | 3

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0:20May 1779. British-controlled New York. In his office, John Andre sits at his desk, poring over military reports. It's nearly a year since he and the rest of the British Army left Philadelphia to reinforce New York against French attack. Since then, he has been promoted to major and assigned a new role as Head of Intelligence. Hands up! Joseph Stansbury walks in. He's a Philadelphia merchant, loyal to the King, who uses his trading activity to travel the colonies, gathering intelligence for Britain. Ah, Stansbury. What news from Philadelphia? Stansbury is soaked through from the rain, but makes no effort to remove his coat or hat.

1:06It's clear he's got something important to share. Major, do you remember Peggy Shippen from Philadelphia? Yes, of course. How could I forget her? Stansbury reaches into his coat and holds out two letters. I was asked to check if you remember her fondly, and if so, to give you these. Andre holds the letters suspiciously. Why would Peggy Shippen, the high-class coquette with whom he had a flirtatious friendship back in Philadelphia, be writing to him now? And why use Stansbury as a go-between? Stansbury, what's this about? If you have information, I need to know. It concerns the defection of a high-ranking American officer.

1:49Someone close to General Washington's inner circle. Who? Stansbury looks around nervously. Though it's only the two of them in the room. Benedict Arnold. What? Can't be. He's one of their finest commanders. Despite the fact he's an enemy general, Arnold is held in high esteem among the British officer class. There's no denying his skill and courage in battle. But the thought that he would betray the Patriot cause is almost incomprehensible to Andre. It's impossible. And why would Peggy, of all people, be writing to me about this? Because the lady you knew as Peggy Shippen is now Peggy Arnold. They married last month.

2:32She told Arnold he were a gentleman, someone he could trust. Andre's head spins. If this is true and Arnold wants to defect, it could change the course of the war. But what if it's a trap? A decoy set by George Washington himself. Andre knows that the outcome of the war, and maybe even the future of the British Empire, could turn on his next move.

3:02I heard a rumour that the CIA poisoned my grandad. Gordon Banks, the world's number one goalkeeper. It happened in Mexico, supposedly, at the World Cup in 1970. Sounds crazy? I'm an investigative journalist on the hunt for evidence. We needed to do some extraordinary things to counter the Soviets. This is Foul Play, an unbelievable tale of sports, spies and family secrets. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts or early and ad-free on Audible. I'm Raza Jaffray and this is The Spy Who, an Audible original. In the last episode, American spymaster Benjamin Talmadge formed the Culper spy ring to watch the British in New York.

3:49Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, society beauty Peggy Shippen married American hero Benedict Arnold. But after being slighted and shamed by his opponents in Congress, Arnold's reached a fateful decision. He will betray the patriot cause and spy for the king. This is The Spy Who Betrayed the American Revolution, Episode 3, The Traitor and the Gentleman.

4:22Two weeks after Peggy's letter reached John Andre, May 1779, Philadelphia. Peggy knocks on the door of her husband's study before pushing it open. She sees Benedict Arnold hunched over a letter and a large book. He's so engrossed in concentration, he barely registers her entrance. Is everything all right? He didn't come down for supper. Arnold looks up. Your friend Major Andre has written back. But in code, in case people read our messages and I can barely make sense of it. Well, let me look. Maybe I can help.

5:06Several hours later, Peggy and Arnold finally decipher Andre's code. Now, Peggy watches Arnold as he paces the room. I told you you could trust Major Andre. They know what you can do for them. They see your value. But in doing this, we are risking everything. I need to offer them something so valuable that they'll have to pay what I ask. They're not thinking big enough. Peggy's eyes widen. Andres asked Arnold to seek command of a major fort in the Carolinas, and then surrender it to Britain. The British believe that the southern colonies are more loyal to the crown, and that a victory there could split the rebellion.

5:48Isn't a fort enough? Not the kind they're asking for. I must offer them something irreplaceable, something that could hand them victory. Arnold stops pacing, eyes widening as inspiration hits. He hurries to the large map of North America that hangs on the wall, and points to a fort north of New York City on the Hudson River. West Point. I could get General Washington to appoint me the commander there. If I hand West Point to the British, they will be able to isolate New England from the rest of the colonies. It will be the death knell for the whole Continental Army. But will Washington give you the command?

6:26He's refused you before. Arnold gestures around at the room they're in, with its wood panelling, stately desk, and oil paintings. Washington knows that this posting in Philadelphia has been bad for me. All this. This luxury. I'm no good at peace, Peggy. I'm a soldier. Washington will understand that commanding a fort is the right place for me. But if you get caught, Peggy, the British don't trust me yet. I need to offer them something so big they can't refuse. And for West Point, you'll pay.

7:07Fourteen months later, July 1780, New Jersey. In a Continental Army encampment, American spymaster Benjamin Talmadge sprints towards General Washington's command tent. The two centuries stationed outside snap to attention and step aside. Inside, Washington is meeting with the army's quartermaster. He looks irritated at the interruption. General, apologies. I have urgent news. I can't wait. Washington nods at the quartermaster, who exits the tent. Once he's out of earshot, Talmadge approaches Washington. Reports from New York, sir. The British know that the French fleet is on its way. They plan to attack in force before it lands.

7:51They hope to wipe the fleet out before it can establish a beachhead. Good heavens. Alarm flickers on Washington's face. French support has been crucial in turning the tide of the war. If the British destroy the French fleet, it would be catastrophic. Does this information come from Culper? Talmadge's spy ring in New York City, codenamed Culper, has grown from one agent to a network of operatives throughout the city and Long Island. It's now Washington's most trusted source of intelligence. Yes, it has, sir. Will we march to intercept the British before they can attack? No. We don't know where the French will actually land.

8:29Neither do the British. We could end up simply chasing them up and down the coast. And arrive too late. What we need is a deception. We need to make them think that we're planning a large attack on New York. They won't dare leave the city undefended. It's their key stronghold, where all their supplies come in from England. We have to keep them pinned down in Manhattan. Washington fixes Talmadge with a piercing stare and a wry smile. I think this might just be another job for you and the culpers.

9:10Later that evening, one of Talmadge's agents hurries along a dirt road near New York. He carries a leather bag over his shoulder, fighting his exhaustion to keep moving. This agent has spent the war posing as a British loyalist to maintain his cover, and this may be his most important mission yet. He sees a British checkpoint ahead. The red-coated soldiers spring up, muskets in hand. Halt! Stay your business! I'm loyal to the King. I only came to give you this. The agent drops his heavy leather bag in front of the soldiers, who regard it warily. What's this? Inside the bag are fake plans for a Patriots attack on New York that Talmudge and his team have spent the day frantically drafting.

9:58I don't know, sir. I was walking down the road about five miles back and saw a continental officer riding by. It was riding like the devil. This back drops off the back of his saddle. I thought there might be some food or a bit of money, but then I see all these papers and I think these look important. Best hand them in. The soldier grabs a handful of the documents from the bag and looks them over. His eyes widen in shock as he registers what they are. plans for a massive rebel assault on New York. Now, the fate of the French fleet depends on this soldier's commanders also falling for the lie.

10:46A week later, Talmage sits in a marshy cove on the Connecticut coast, peering through the fog that hangs over the Long Island Sound. He's waiting for Caleb Brewster, The Culper spy rings Courier to bring him urgent intelligence from New York. Brewster's boat appears through the fog. Talmadge leaps into the water to help tie it to the moor.

11:15The moment the boat is secure, Talmadge grabs Brewster by the shoulders. What news for Manhattan? What are the British movements? Brewster smiles. The British are spooked. I saw it with my own eyes. They boarded 8 ,000 troops onto ships and sailed off. Then, only hours later, the emergency flares were lit, and the ships sailed back into harbour. There's rumours of an attack on New York. Talmadge's heart surges in a silent prayer of thanks. The ruse he and Washington cooked up to trick the British into staying in New York has worked. If he's bought the French forces time to land in America, they may have just saved the revolution from catastrophe.

12:02Later that month, Manhattan, British spymaster John Andre stands across from General Sir Henry Clinton, the commander of the King's forces in America. They're in the army's headquarters, in a room strewn with documents and maps. Sir, I've had another message from General Arnold. He's managed to secure the command of the fort at West Point. And he's willing to hand it over to us. Last point. Hmm. So he managed to convince Washington to give him the command. I almost didn't think he'd be able to. Arnold has spent months lobbying for the command of the strategically crucial fort on the Hudson River, while keeping his British contacts on tenterhooks.

12:45Clinton looks momentarily impressed, but then his expression darkens. And what does Arnold want in return for his treasury? He requests£20 ,000, sir. Clinton grimaces. It's an enormous sum, enough for Arnold to buy a large mansion in England and a seat in the British Parliament. Clinton stares at the maps on his desk. Two weeks ago, French forces successfully landed at Rhode Island, offering the Americans crucial reinforcements. Clinton can't tear his eyes away from the new markers of the French positions. He rubs his temples in frustration, then looks up at Andre. Do it. Agree to his terms. We have no choice.

13:34Now that the French are ashore, we need a death blow. Without West Point, this blasted rebellion is finished. Tell him we accept his offer. Very good, sir. But if this is so crucial, perhaps I'd better handle this in person with Arnold, rather than by messenger. Clinton considers the idea, then nods. Yes, Washington seems to have spies everywhere, and this Arnold is a sly one. Best you're able to look the man in the eye. Andre salutes, feeling a wave of excitement that he may be about to deliver the death blow that will finally win the war. of Britain.

14:19The following month, Arnold strides around the exterior perimeter of the fort at West Point. Around him, soldiers are building walls and constructing ramparts. Arnold has just taken command of the fort and is inspecting its defences. He walks fast, despite the limp from his wounded leg, issuing orders as he goes. That wall there, it's not high enough. We need another six feet on that. Yes, sir. The subordinate officer at his side scribbles the order on the long list of commands he's holding, then runs to catch up with Arnold. Send 200 men up river to gather firewood. Also take one third of the fort's provisions and deliver it to my personal headquarters.

15:00The officer looks startled. Arnold's headquarters are on the other side of the river from the fort. Arnold catches the look. I am yet to be paid by Congress and have agreed to take provisions in view. Understood, sir. But Arnold's lying. He's really moving soldiers and provisions out of West Point so that it will be unable to resist a siege. That way, when Arnold pretends to surrender the fort to the British, it will look like military necessity rather than treachery. As his subordinate officer notes the order, a messenger gallops up on a horse. Major General Arnold, sir. An urgent letter from General Washington.

15:43Arnold reads the note and freezes in shock. Washington is about to make a secret trip to New York and will stop and inspect West Point himself. This is a golden opportunity. If Arnold can get the British to move fast, they could capture not just the fort, but Washington himself. This would mean the end of the American Revolution, and Arnold would be hailed as a hero of the British Empire. But it all depends on speed. He needs to get a message to Andre.

16:28September 18th, 1780. Six weeks after Arnold's demand for£20 ,000 to hand over West Point. In the luxurious home of a wealthy Manhattan merchant, candlelight flickers at a society soiree. In one corner sits John Andre, surrounded by a group of admiring ladies. And among them is the daughter of a wealthy New York family who rarely misses a chance to mingle with the elite of the British officer class. But unknown to them, she's part of Benjamin Talmadge's Culper spy ring. Known to General Washington only by the codename Agent 355. At the other end of the table, the British commander, General Sir Henry Clinton, stands and calls for quiet.

17:15As you all know, we're gathered to give a send-off to Major Andre. who tomorrow leaves on a mission that could change the course of this war. John is as gallant a gentleman as one could ever hope to meet, the model of an officer. And may we all wish him the best on this crucial operation for king and country. One of the ladies at Andre's side turns to him. So, Major Andre, you must tell us, what is this crucial mission? It sounds so exciting. Agent 355 watches as Andre gives the lady a charming smile. Ah, just a spot of business I need to take care of upriver. Something to give the rebels a scare.

18:08Agent 355 has been watching Andre for months. She can tell when he's trying to avoid giving an answer. This mission is obviously important. She decides that she'll have to excuse herself soon and get this information to Talmuch.

18:30Four nights later, Andre steadies himself on the deck of the HMS Vulture. The British warship has carried him up the Hudson River towards the contested territory near Stony Point, New York. And now, Arnold has sent a small American rowboat under a flag of truce to bring him ashore. Andre stares down at the boat, floating in the black water and waiting to take him into rebel territory. Then he heaves himself over the railing and descends the rope ladder down to the American boat.

19:11As the boat nears the riverbank, Andre leaps out and strides up towards the glow of a lantern in which two men are illuminated. One steps forward, and Andre extends his hand. General Arnold? But instead of greeting him, something catches Arnold's eye under Andre's cloak. Are you wearing your uniform? I told my staff I was meeting a loyalist merchant named Anderson, not a damned British major! Sir, I'm behind enemy lines. If I were to be captured in uniform, I'd be treated like an officer. If I were in plain clothes, I'd be considered a spy and hung. Arnold looks less than impressed, but motions Andre to follow him.

20:00Several hours later, in a secluded safe house, Andre and Arnold paw over detailed maps of West Point, with Arnold explaining every gap in the fort's defenses. Both men's heads snap around at the sound of artillery fire in the near distance. Was that a howitzer? Through the window, Andre sees streaks of grey and orange in the night sky. Dear God, it's past dawn, I need to return to my ship. Arnold begins folding the maps and blueprints of West Point, which Andre then stuffs inside his boot to keep hidden.

20:39Andre's horse thunders towards the Hudson River, right behind Arnold and his aide. They pull to a halt when they reach the bank. The boatman who brought Andre to shore runs over and salutes. General Arnold, sir. Some fellow patriots must have spotted your visitor's ship upriver and open fire. She had to turn and sail away. In the distance, Andre can see the faint silhouette of the HMS Vulture sailing back towards British territory. He realises he is now trapped, alone behind enemy lines and wearing a British uniform. Arnold trots over, his face a mask of calm resolve. It's all right. You'll just have to wait through the day.

21:25Then tonight, Smith here can guide you back to the British lines. Arnold motions to the subordinate officer who serves as his aide. Then he pulls out paper and a quill pen, scribbles something down, and hands it to Andre. I need to get back to West Point before my absence raises questions. But this is a personal letter of safe passage. Show this to any patriot who crosses your path, and they'll let you pass. Yah! Yah!

22:04That evening, Andre gazes out of the window of the safe house where he's been laying low all day. He opens the door to see Smith, General Arnold's aide. He enters and throws a cloth bundle down on the table. I plotted our route to get you back to the British lines, but you'd attract far too much attention in that redcoat. Change into these for the journey. Smith motions to the bundle of clothes lying on the table. Andre shudders at the thought of changing out of his uniform, but alone as he is, he doesn't see a choice, and begins removing his regimental attire, taking care to replace the plans that Arnold gave him, back into his boots.

22:50Andre and Smith have been travelling all night, but now, with the sun rising, Smith slows his horse to a halt and points into the distance. We're in neutral territory now. There's a British camp a few miles down the river, but it's better for me not to be seen with you. You'll be all right from here. Andre feels unease about continuing alone, but he can hardly insist. He salutes Smith and turns his horse towards the British tents that are barely visible in the distance.

23:26About two hours later, Andre guides his horse along the riverside. It's now daylight, but he's already halfway to the British camp. Suddenly, three men leap out of the underbrush, muskets raised. Brother! Stop your horse! What's your business? Andre feels a flood of relief. One of the men is wearing a faded, torn British military coat. I'm Major Andre, a British officer returning to camp. I need an escort to take me to General Clinton. The men's expressions harden as they cock their guns. Oh, you're a British officer, are you? Well, we're all patriots. I just pinched this coat, escaping from one of your prisons.

24:10Now, why don't you come down from that horse so we can see what you've got for us? Andre doesn't know if these men are American soldiers or simply bandits. But he has no choice but to dismount. Then he remembers the letter that Arnold gave him. He removes it from his coat and offers it to the men. If you're patriots, then here. This is a letter of safe passage from General Arnold, the commander of West Point. I demand you let me through. The man takes a cursory glance at Arnold's letter, then eyes Andre with suspicion. Says here you're a merchant named Anderson, not a British officer. So why have you got two names then?

24:56Let's search him. The men grab Andre and roughly search his pockets. He's got nothing, not even a bit of coin. The leader of the group looks disgusted. Oh, not even a silver dollar to pay his way? Well, those look like some nice shiny boots you've got there. We'll have them instead. Andre is powerless as the men hold him tight and rip his boots off. The documents hidden within them immediately fall to the ground Well, well, well, what have we here? The man scoops up the documents, examines them, then turns back to Andre Holding his musket inches away from his face Now what kind of fellow rides around with two names and a boot full of military plans?

25:46I reckon we've got ourselves a spy here and I reckon Patriot Command will pay well for him.

26:03The day after his apprehension by Patriot militiamen, John Andres shoved roughly through the door of the Continental Army headquarters in Northcastle, New York. An exhausted-looking colonel sits behind a desk that is covered with maps and correspondence. He glares at Andre and his captors, irritated at this interruption to his work. I'm Colonel John Jameson. Can you please explain your presence here? Andre knows he's in a dangerous position, but if he can appeal to the Colonel's honour as a gentleman, perhaps he can talk his way out of trouble. Sir, my name is James Anderson. I have a letter of safe passage from General Arnold at West Point.

26:44I must demand that you conduct me to him at once and allow me to go about my business. Jameson searches the papers in front of him, retrieves a letter and scans it as he speaks. Hmm, yes. General Arnold wrote to me last week about a Mr. Anderson. It might be passing through here. He asks that I offer all possible assistance. Andre's heart leaps at the colonel's words. But then, the militiaman who took him prisoner steps forward. Sir, he said he was a British officer, and he had these on him. Plans showing the defences at West Point. The man is a dirty enemy spy. The militiaman hands Jameson the documents Andre had hidden in his boot.