xii, 333 p., [8] p. of plates : ill., map, ports. ; 22 cm.
Notes
Includes index.
Bibliography: p. [311]-322.
Summary
This book chronicles "Andre's experiences as an ambitious young [British] officer in the 1770s. Details of his work as confidant and intelligence chief to Sir Henry Clinton, including months of coded negotiations with turncoat [Benedict] Arnold, who promised to deliver West Point to the British. Careless in his arrangements with Arnold, Andre was captured and hanged by the Americans." [from Publishers Weekley]
Includes bibliographical references (pages 247-258) and indexes.
Contents
A peace treaty is signed, the war begins -- British intrigues in Congress -- The British capture of Philadelphia -- Occupied Philadelphia : the British move in -- The Major John Clark Jr. spy ring -- Occupied Philadelphia : the British move out -- Chasing a fox -- Commuter spies : New York and Philadelphia -- Spies along the Susquehanna River : Lancaster, Muncy, and York -- The traitor and the merchant -- Pittsburgh : Pennsylvania's frontier -- European adventures -- More British intrigues in Congress.
Summary
Philadelphia played a key role in the history of spying during the American Revolution because it was the main location for the Continental Congress, was occupied by the British Command, and then returned to Continental control. Philadelphia became a center of spies for the British and Americansas well as double agents. George Washington was a firm believer in reliable military intelligence; after evacuating New York City, he neglected to have a spy network in place: when the British took over Philadelphia, he did not make the same mistake, and Washington was able to keep abreast of British troop strengths and intentions. Likewise, the British used the large Loyalist community around Philadelphia to assess the abilities of their Continental foes, as well as the resolve of Congress. In addition to describing techniques used by spies and specific events, such as the Major Andre episode, Nagy has scoured rare primary source documents to provide new and compelling information about some of the most notable agents of the war, such as Lydia Darragh, a celebrated American spy.An important contribution to Revolutionary War history, Spies in the Continental Capital: Espionage Across Pennsylvania During the American Revolution demonstrates that intelligence operations on both sides emanating from Pennsylvania were vast, well-designed, and critical to understanding the course and outcome of the war.
Of interest to Lancaster readers, Arnold's wife, Peggy Shippen, was a member of a wealthy Philadelphia family that had links to Lancaster. Major John Andre, the British spy, also had links to Lancaster. He had been captured earlier in the Revolution and had been a prisoner of war in Lancaster . As was the custom for interned officers, he was housed in a private home and was permitted to walk freely in the city.
Summary
"An account of the traitorous trio ( Arnold, his wife, and John Andre ) who almost toppled the American nation at its birth. Benedict Arnold offered to sell his soldiers, with the key fortress of West Point, and to deliver to the enemy, dead or alive, George Washington. The plot promised to destroy the American battle of freedom." [from the publisher]
