Hanged, Not Shot

The April issue included a very interesting article, “America in London,” by Brian Dunning. However, he states that “Maj. John André [was] shot as a spy by George Washington. …” Major André was hanged as a spy under the supervision of Adj. Gen. Alexander Scammell. General Washington or his staff was not present. General Washington offered to exchange André for Benedict Arnold, but the English refused.

Major André’s remains are buried beneath a stone slab in the floor of Westminster Abbey, opposite the elaborate panel mentioned in Mr. Dunning’s article.