09/17/2026
September 17th, 1780, Loyalist Col. Beverley Robinson wrote a letter to Gen. Benedict Arnold, then commander of West Point. As a Loyalist, Beverley Robinson’s land and house in modern Garrison were confiscated by the Continental forces and used as a headquarters for much of the American Revolution.
In the guise of inquiring after his home, Beverley Robinson wrote: “As I understand you command in the Highlands, and make you Head Quarters at my House […} And in that Case I am persuaded (from the humane and generous Character you bear) that could I be so happy as to see you […] But, for Prudential Reasons, I dare not explain the Matter Further until I have some Assurances that is shall be secret if not granted.”
This was a guise under which Robinson could facilitate a meeting between Benedict Arnold and Maj. John Andre to finalize Arnold’s plans to turn over West Point to the British. It wouldn't be until September 21 that they were able to finally meet, on a secluded dock near Haverstraw.
Pictured: The Robinson House before it burned in 1892, and print of Beverley Robinson
