John André was a British Army officer who was executed for espionage during the American War of Independence. Serving as the chief intelligence officer in New York City, he plotted with American General Benedict Arnold to secure British control over the fort at West Point. However, his plans were foiled when he was captured and convicted by a board of officers appointed by General George Washington. André was ultimately hanged in October 1780.
Quick Facts
- British Celebrities Born In May
- Died At Age: 29
- Family: father – Antoine Andre, mother – Marie Louise Giradot
- Spies
- British Men
- Died on: October 2, 1780
- Place of death: Tappan, New York, United States
- City: London, England
- Cause of Death: Executed By Hanging
Childhood & Early Life
John André was born on May 2, 1750 in London, England, to Antoine André and Marie Louise Girardot, a rich Huguenot couple. His father was a merchant. He attended the ‘St Paul’s School’, the ‘Westminster School’ and thereafter studied in Geneva.
Military Career
At the age of twenty, André enlisted in the British Army and served as a lieutenant at the ‘7th Royal Fusiliers’ regiment in Canada. In November 1775, he was apprehended by General Richard Montgomery and interned at Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He was released in December 1776 in a prisoner exchange. André was promoted to captain in January 1777 and later became a major in 1778.
Charismatic Persona
André had a charismatic and cheerful persona that made him popular among the colonial society in New York and Philadelphia. He was fluent in multiple languages, including English, German, Italian, and French. He was also skilled in extracurricular activities such as drawing, playing the flute, writing lyrics, and composing comic verses.
Control over Benjamin Franklin’s House
During his time in Philadelphia, André gained control over the house of Benjamin Franklin. It was alleged that he took many expensive items from the house, including scientific apparatus, books, musical instruments, and a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, under the instruction of Major-General Charles Grey. The portrait was later returned to the US by the descendants of Charles Grey.
Career in British Secret Intelligence
In 1779, André was appointed the Adjutant general holding the rank of major under General Sir Henry Clinton. He became the chief of British secret intelligence in April 1779 in New York City. In 1780, he initiated a negotiation with American General Benedict Arnold through secret correspondence.
The Plot to Capture West Point
André persuaded Arnold, with the help of Peggy Shippen, to surrender the fort at West Point for £20,000. The plan was for the British to separate New England from the dissident colonies. André boarded the sloop-of-war ‘Vulture’ to meet Arnold on September 20, 1780. However, he was intercepted near Tarrytown, New York by three military men who discovered papers revealing the plot.
Capture and Execution
André was taken to the headquarters of the Continental Army and confined at Wright’s Mill in North Castle, New York, and later at Tappan. A board of senior officers convicted him as a spy and sentenced him to death. Despite efforts by British commander Sir Henry Clinton to save him, André was hanged on October 2, 1780. He refused to be blindfolded and wore the noose himself.
Personal Life & Legacy
After André’s death, his mother and three sisters received a pension. In 1781, his brother William was made a baronet as a mark of honor to André. His remains were brought to England in 1821 and interred in Hero’s Corner at Westminster Abbey. A monument was erected at Tappan at the site of his execution in 1879.