Bonetta, Swift, and several armed vessels.

I was just now speaking of the death of Major Andre, who was captured by
the Americans when communicating with General Arnold. That officer had
deserted the liberal cause, and, having succeeded in reaching the
British lines in safety, had now been appointed a brigadier-general in
our army. On the 3rd we received him on board with two troops
distributed among the ships of the squadron. All we knew was, that some
expedition of importance was to be undertaken, but on what part of the
coast the descent was to be made did not transpire. I do not believe
that the commanders on our side put much confidence in General Arnold,
and of course the Americans, whose cause he had so basely betrayed,
perfectly detested him. Had he, by the chances of war, fallen into
their hands, they would have treated him as they had done poor Andre.

We sailed from New York on the 12th of December. In order to deceive
the enemy, and to make them believe that an expedition of very great
importance was about to be undertaken, we kept the admiral's flag flying
till we were out of sight of land. A course was steered to the
southward; it was then understood that we were bound for the Chesapeake,
and it was supposed that a landing would be made somewhere on the shores
of Virginia. I scarcely knew whether to grieve or to rejoice at the
prospect thus held out to me. Of course, I could not but regret that my
countrymen were about to carry the war into the very part of the country
where Madeline, I believed, was residing; at the same time, under the
supposition that such would be done, I rejoiced at the thoughts that I
might meet her, or might render her or her family assistance. Still I
would not venture to reckon much on the prospect of our meeting.
Numberless circumstances might intervene to prevent it. I might not
even be sent on shore. I might not go near where she might be residing,
or, what was probable, her friends might gain tidings of the expedition,
when she would, with other ladies, move away more into the interior.
Still, notwithstanding these considerations, I could not help indulging
myself in the belief that, by some means or other, we should meet once
again, or, at all events, that I should gain tidings of her, and be able
to communicate with her. The very idea gave buoyancy to my step and
manner, and made many of my companions inquire what had put me in such
unusual spirits.

O'Drisco