The adjutant-general noted down, in a large folio book, some particulars in regard to Champe—­his size, figure, place of birth, countenance, the color of his hair, name of the corps to which he had belonged.  After this was finished, he was sent to the commander-in-chief in charge of one of the staff, with a letter from the adjutant-general.  Sir Henry Clinton received him very kindly, and detained him more than an hour, asking many questions in regard to the probable fate of Andre—­whether the example of Arnold’s defection had not contaminated many of the American officers and troops—­whether Washington was popular with the army, and what means might be employed to induce the men to desert.  To these various interrogatories, some of which were perplexing, Champe answered warily; exciting, nevertheless, hopes that the adoption of proper measures to encourage desertion, would probably bring off hundreds of the American soldiers, including some of the best troops, horse as well as foot.  Respecting the fate of Andre, he said he was ignorant, though there appeared to be a general wish in the army that his life might not be taken; and that he believed that it would depend more on the disposition of Congress, than on the will of Washington.

After the close of this long conversation, Sir Henry presented Champe with a couple of guineas, and recommended him to wait on General Arnold, who was engaged in raising an American legion for the service of his majesty.  Arnold expressed much satisfaction on being informed of the effect of his example, and the manner of Champe’s escape.  He concluded his numerous inquiries by assigning quarters to the sergeant.  He afterward proposed to Champe to join his legion, promising him the same station he had held in the rebel service, and further advancement.  Expressing his wish to retire from the service, and his conviction of the certainty of his being hung, if ever taken by the rebels, he begged to be excused from enlistment; assuring the general, that should he change his mind, he would accept his offer.

Retiring to the assigned quarters, Champe now turned his attention to the delivery of his letters, which he could not effect till the next night, and then only to one of the two incogniti, to whom he was recommended.  This man received the sergeant with attention, and having read the letter, assured him of his faithful cooperation.  The object for which the aid of this individual was required, regarded those persons implicated in the information sent to Washington.  Promising to enter with zeal upon the investigation, and engaging to transmit Champe’s letters to Major Lee, he fixed the time and place of their next meeting, when they separated.  A day or two afterward, Champe accepted the appointment of recruiting sergeant to Arnold, for the purpose of securing uninterrupted ingress and egress at the house which the general occupied.