Author: Andre, John
Biography:
ANDRE, John (1750‑80: ANBO)
Properly André, he was the son of a Genoese merchant who lived in London; he was educated there and in Geneva. On his return to England he became a member of the social circle in Lichfield to which Anna Seward (q.v.) belonged. He joined the British army in America as a lieutenant and became aide-de-camp to General Grey. He was active in organizing dramatic performances during the British occupation of Philadelphia in 1778, staging a "Mischianza" or medley of entertainments there. His satirical poem "The Cow Chace" was originally published in 1780 in the Royal Gazette. Having been involved in Benedict Arnold's "treasonable overtures," in 1780 he was arrested by militiamen and hanged as a spy. His remains were moved to Westminster Abbey in 1821. (ANBO; ODNB: 29 Aug. 2017) HJ
Other Names:
- Major John Andre
- Major [John] Andre