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Arnold and General Robertson

From Diary of the American Revolution, Vol II.  Compiled by Frank Moore and published in 1859.

October 23.—On Arnold’s arrival in New York, the sagacious great ones supposed, that upon paying particular attention to the villain, they would lessen his crimes in the eyes of the world, and introduce him to the notice of their circle, without which they foresaw he must sink into obscurity and contempt. He was accordingly in appearance caressed by all in power, and General Robertson’s house fixed upon for his residence. Whenever he chose to ride, the different aids in rotation attended him in his promenade, which gave rise to the following anecdote: One morning when it was General Robertson’s aid’s tour, he remonstrated with the general against it, and showed evident marks of reluctance to go upon that piece of duty. The general desired to know the reason. The aid honestly confessed, that to be seen attending such a scoundrel through the streets, very much injured his feelings. To which old Jemmy, pulling up his breeches, replied, “Hut! hut! mun, and what think you of my feelings?”1

 

1 New Jersey Journal, Jan. 31, 1781.