American Historical Trivia

Holy Hell was this Man Hot Pt. 2

The picture is John André and Peggy Shippen from the AMC show "Turn: Washington's Spies" (I highly recommend watching it. It's a wonderfully entertaining and accurate show).

John's trial was composed of all high ranking Continental officers, including young Alexander Hamilton and Marquis de Lafayette- both men of whom were very fond of Andre.

At the trial John argued he was not a spy, but merely a prisoner of war in commoner's clothing. In his statements during the trial he never confessed to aiding Arnold- saving the Continental spy's ass. As well as, never stating to being innocent. (He took his actions like a man, and faced his fate with bravery.)

On his behalf, Alexander Hamilton stood to defend André as a man merely serving his country as they all were. He also went on to say, "C'mon guys, look at this man. He's so pretty! We can't kill him!!!" As you could imagine, the rest of the jury didn't jump on the band wagon... much to Hamilton's contempt.

Instead, John André was found guilty as a spy and his fate was sealed. Although the few days before his execution, André did attempt to convince Washington to let him die by firing squad- the way a Captain should. And even though Wash held a gentle spot in his heart for Andre he refused his pleas.

How would that have made Washington look after Nathan Hale's death? Despite the two men never actually making acquaintance, people now and of the time couldn't help but recognize the similarities in the cases (although the situations were also very polarly different, in my opinion). By sending André to the same fate as Hale, Washington gave the Continentals somewhat of a sense of justice for Nathan's death.

Before his death, André was able to write to his boss, General Clinton, where he spoke fondly of his sisters and mother who he would be leaving behind. He also was able to write a poem and draw a self portrait of himself (shown as the header of pt. 1) before the fateful hour.

On the day of his execution, John was able to eat a meal equal to what would be composed for Washington himself. He was greeted by his sobbing servant, who he scolded for showing such emotion. Then, he was sent off.

Carrying himself with confidence and peace, André approached the noose with an attitude to be admired. He respectfully greeted men he knew who had come to the hanging and they returned the favor. It was all a very solemn, almost surreal situation.

André walked to the noose and tied it around his own neck.

His last words:

"I pray you to bear me witness that I meet my fate like a brave man."

Sounds similar to the theme of Nathan Hale's last words.

He met death quickly- painlessly. As he said himself,  "It will be but a momentary pang."

Most people in attendance wept. There are eye witness accounts that Marquis de Lafayette crying. I can bet you money, Hamilton cried and I can even see somber Washington patting his moist under eyes.

Someone I may not predict cried is Benjamin Tallmadge, for he finally received justice on behalf of his best friend.

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Please ignore any spelling or grammar or literal shit sentences in this update, I was really tired when I wrote it; but, really feeling talking about John.
Also, I may have forgotten some é's in André. Oops. I'll edit...later...
Thanks babes. xx