erican leaders and should be
the Second in Command of the rebel forces. The British knew, too, of the
indignities which had been heaped upon him by an unappreciative and
suspicious people, and they recommended that some heroic deed be
performed by him in the hope of bringing this unnecessary and bloody
contest to a close.

Seven thousand pounds would be offered at once, together with an equal
command, in the army of His Majesty, and with a peerage in the realm. In
return he would be asked to exert his influence in favor of an amicable
adjustment of the difficulties between the colonies and the mother
country. General Clinton was ready to begin negotiations after the
advice and under the conditions proposed by General Arnold, which might
be interchanged by means of a correspondence maintained with a certain
ambiguity.

"Egad!" He set his lips; then he turned to the beginning of the
paragraph. The offer was interesting.

Anderson then went on to relate what already had been suggested to him
during the night of their conversation in the park at his magnificent
home, the exigencies of the country, the opportunity for a master stroke
at the hands of a courageous man, who would unite His Majesty's people
under a common banner, and who might command thereby the highest honors
of life.

He reminded him that it was possible to obtain a command of the right
wing of the American Army, a post only commensurate with his ability,
which command might be turned against the rebel forces in the hope that
an immediate end might be made of the fratricidal war. There would be no
humiliating peace terms. There would be no indemnities, no reprisals, no
annexations nor disavowals. The principles for which the colonists
contended would be granted, with the sole exception of complete
independence. They would have their own Parliament; they would be
responsible for their own laws, their own taxes, their own trade. It
would be a consummation devoutly desired by both parties, and the
highest reward and honor awaited the American General who bound himself
to the effectual realization of these views.

"Announce your defection, return to the royal cause, agree to the terms
which His Majesty's peace commissioners will make, and earn the
everlasting gratitude of your countrymen, like Monk and Churchill."

So the letter concluded with the humble respects and obediences of John
Anderson. Arnold did not fold it, but continued to stare at it for
sev