John André
| John André | |
|---|---|
Self-portrait by Major John André,
drawn on the eve of his execution |
|
| Born |
2 May 1750 London, England |
| Died | 2 October 1780 (aged 30) Tappan, New York |
| Buried at | Westminster Abbey |
| Allegiance | Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Service/branch | British Army |
| Years of service | 1770–1780 |
| Rank | Major |
| Battles/wars | American War of Independence |
| Signature |  |
John André (2 May 1750 – 2 October 1780) was a British Army officer hanged as a spy by the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War for assisting Benedict Arnold's attempted surrender of the fort at West Point, New York to the British.
André was born on 2 May 1750 in London to wealthy Huguenot parents Antoine André, a merchant from Geneva, Switzerland, and Marie Louise Girardot from Paris, France. He was educated at St Paul's School, Westminster School, and in Geneva. He was briefly engaged to Honora Sneyd. At age 20, he entered the British Army and joined the 7th of Foot (Royal Fuzileers) in Canada in 1774 as a lieutenant. He was captured at Fort Saint-Jean by Continental General Richard Montgomery in November 1775, and held prisoner at Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He lived in the home of Caleb Cope, enjoying the freedom of the town, as he had given his word not to escape. In December 1776, he was freed in a prisoner exchange. He was promoted to captain in the 26th Foot on 18 January 1777, and to major in 1778.
He was a great favorite in colonial society, both in Philadelphia and New York, during their occupation by the British Army. He had a lively and pleasant manner and could draw, paint, and cut silhouette pictures, as well as sing and write verse. He was a prolific writer who carried on much of General Clinton's correspondence. He was fluent in English, French, German, and Italian. He also wrote many comic verses. He planned the Mischianza when General Howe resigned and was about to return to England.
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Wikipedia