Book review - The Beloved Spy.

Harry Stanton Tillotson's 189 page book, The Beloved Spy was published in 1948. The account follows an unlikely character in the well-known story of General Benedict Arnold's betrayal of the American Revolution.

Major John Andre' was well liked by all who knew him, including his American captors. Unfortunately he was captured while out of uniform and using a false name. That led to a death by hanging as a spy.

That much most scholars of the War for Independence probably know. Tillotson delves deeper as he takes a look at Andre's early life, his abortive courtship, and entrance into the military. After a quick move up in the British military machine, Andre' found himself in the middle of a conspiracy with General Arnold that would eventually cost him his life.

The book closes with Andre's remains being disinterred in 1821 and sent back to England to be buried in Westminster Abby.

I found The Beloved Spy to be an interesting and informative read. I have to admit I did not know John Andre' or his meaning to England. Thanks to Mr. Tillotson I think I now have a better grasp of both who he was and what he meant to his country. Anyone interested in the War for Independence would be well advised to read Mr. Tillotson's work.