British Spy John André Hanged in American Revolution

Summary

During the American Revolutionary War, British Major John André served as a key intelligence officer and aide to General Henry Clinton. In September 1780, he met secretly with American traitor Benedict Arnold to coordinate the handover of West Point to British forces. Captured by Patriot militiamen while carrying incriminating documents in his boot, André was tried by a board of officers convened by George Washington. On October 2, 1780, in Tappan, New York, the 30-year-old officer was executed by hanging as a spy despite appeals for a soldier's death by firing squad. His composure and dignified conduct during the proceedings earned respect even from his captors.