He was also deeply in debt, profiteering from the war, and disappointed by Washington's lack of support during his eventual court-martial.[191]
Arnold repeatedly asked for command of West Point, and Washington finally agreed in August.[192] Arnold met André on September 21, giving him plans to take over the garrison.[193] Militia forces captured André and discovered the plans, but Arnold escaped to New York.[194] Washington recalled the commanders positioned under Arnold at key points around the fort to prevent any complicity, but he did not suspect Arnold's wife Peggy. Washington assumed personal command at West Point and reorganized its defenses.[195] André's trial for espionage ended in a death sentence, and Washington offered to return him to the British in exchange for Arnold, but Clinton refused. André was hanged on October 2, 1780, despite his last request being to face a firing squad, to deter other spies.[196]

Southern theater and Yorktown
Main article: Southern theater of the American Revolutionary War
King Louis XVI of France aligned with Washington and American patriots in support of the American Revolution.
Generals Washington and Rochambeau give final orders before launching the siege of Yorktown in Yorktown, Virginia in September 1781.
