army of unexcelled strength. Within the confines of the Military Academy at West Point the United States has concentrated its standing army. Because the knowledge of this fact appeals to our imagination, and also for another reason, that the Academy is the con- crete symbol of that altar of patriotism upon which so great a treasure of blood has been offered, it has be- come to us a place of sacred associations. We have seen how both of the contending parties in the Revolution recognised the military importance of Digitized by Microsoft® West Point 379 the Highlands. The contest for the possession of Forts CUnton and Montgomery was illustrative of the desire of the British to wrest the control of this natural gateway of the river from the Americans, and the resolution of Washington and his generals to main- tain, as long as possible, a supremacy upon which so much depended. It is not too much to say that the loss of the Highlands of the Hudson would probably have meant the downfall of the Continental cause. Never but once during that long struggle for freedom did the patriot army temporarily lose this point of vantage: that was when, after the reduction of the forts by Sir Henry Clinton in October, 1777, the chevaux-de-frise and other obstructions were cleared away, the Americans hastily evacuated Forts Inde- pendence and Constitution, and the British fleet sailed up the river as far as Kingston. It was a destructive progress, but without lasting results, as the surrender of Burgoyne, on the 17th of that month, rendered abortive the plan to co-operate with him from the south. At the time of this reverse to the American arms. Fort Putnam was not yet completed, and West Point, as we know it, cannot be said to have existed. The four defences already mentioned were all that had then been erected. Fort Constitution was on the island opposite West Point, from which place one of Putnam's numerous chains was stretched. Its insu- lar character can hardly be recognised to-day, as the Digitized by Microsoft® 38o The Hudson River marshes between it and the eastern shore of the river have gradually filled up and now appear as meadow- land. The old house, about which the home of the Warner sisters was built in the course of years, was of colonial date and was used at one time as headquarters by the commander of the American forces in the Highlands. WEST POINT IN 1780 (From an old print) When Arnold was in command of West Point, he made his home in the old "Beverly" house, to which we have had occasion to refer. Beverly Robinson was serving in the British army, with the rank of Colonel; and the State of New York had confiscated his prop- erty. The overtures made to Arnold, the negotia- tions that led to the ruin of Major Andr6, the sad story of the downfall of a man who had proved himself a brave soldier and a competent General, are surely the most familiar details of the War for Independence. Yet, Digitized by Microsoft® West Point 381 in spite of repetition, the dramatic incidents of that September morning that saw the confusion of the trait- or's plans pan never stale. What impulse of chance or Providence led Washington, with Knox and Lafayette, to change his plan of breakfasting with Arnold, baffles conjecture. We only know that the General and his aides turned aside to inspect some fortifications and sent a note to apprise Arnold of the fact, and that in that very hour Colonel Jameson's fatuous letter, in- forming him of Andre's capture, was delivered to him as he sat at the breakfast table with his wife. The mine had exploded beneath Arnold's feet; yet in this awful moment he gave an evidence of that quickness of mind which had won laurels for him when in the path of duty. Con- trolling the dismay which must have smitten him to the heart, he beckoned Mrs. Arnold from the breakfast table, signifying a wish to speak with her in private. When alone with her in her room up-stairs, he announced in hurried words that he was a ruined man and must instantly fly for his life! Overcome by the shock, she fell senseless to the floor. Without pausing to aid her, he hurried down-stairs, sent the messenger to her assist- ance, probably to keep him from an interview with the other officers ; returned to the breakfast-room and informed his guests that he must haste to West Point to prepare for the reception of the commander-in-chief; and, mounting the horse of the messenger, which stood saddled at the door, galloped down by what is still called Arnold's Path, to the landing-place, where his six-oared barge was moored.