[J. Thomas Scharf (1886)] one. The snow in this section of country was four feet deep. The Bay of New York was frozen so solid that an army with the heaviest artillery could have crossed on ice. The ships-of-war were fast at the anchorage. The American army here suffered for want of proper clothing. In July, 1780, the French army arrived at New-port. Clinton had planned a descent on the French quarters at Rhode Island with six thousand men. To prevent this and, if possible, strike a blow at New York, Washington had crossed at King's Ferry to Peekskill, July 13th. While on horseback, watching the crossing of the last division, he was approached by Arnold with a request for a command. He was offered that of the left wing, but expressed a desire for garrison duty on account of his wounded leg, and mentioned West Point as a post at which he could be useful. Washington, though somewhat surprised at his request, granted it, and he received command of the Highland defenses.1 Shortly after Washington returned to the west side of the Hudson. Heath was at this time with Rochambeau, at Newport. It will not be necessary to go into the details of Arnold's treason, except so much of them as transpired in this town, or on the Hudson River adjacent to it. September 18th, Wash-ington crossed at King's Ferry, in Arnold's barge, on his way to Hartford to meet Rochambeau. He probably took the shortest route via Crompond and Salem. His absence was Arnold's opportunity.