Richard [Nicholls] Harison / Harrison - Onondaga and Oswego ...

I am of the opinion that this lodge did not continue its labors any length of time, as I have been unable to glean any further
particulars than is contained in the report of the opening, which I obtained from W. Bro. R. F. Gould, of London, England, who very
kindly copied it from the grand lodge records.
http://www.loyalamericanregiment.org/beverley.htm
Colonel: Loyal American Regimen
Of New York. He was a son of the Hon. John Robinson of Virginia, who was the President of that colony on
the retirement of Governor Gooch.
He emigrated to New York and married Susanna, daughter of Frederick Phillips, who owned an immense
landed estate on the Hudson River. By this connection, Mr. Robinson became rich. When the Revolutionary
controversy commenced, he was living upon that portion of the Phillips estate which had been given to his
wife, and there he desired to remain in the quiet enjoyment of country life, and in the management of his
large domain. That such was his inclination is fully confirmed by circumstances and his descendants. He was
opposed to the measures of the Ministry, gave up the use of imported merchandise, and clothed himself and
his family in fabrics of domestic manufacture.
But he was also opposed to the separation of the colonies from the mother country. Still, he wished to take no part in the conflict of
arms. The importunity of friends overruled his own judgement, and he entered the military service of the Crown. His standing entitled
him to high rank. Of the Loyal American Regiment, raised principally in New York by himself, he was accordingly commissioned the
Colonel. He also commanded the corps called the Guides and Pioneers. Of the Loyal American Regiment, his son, Beverley, was
Lieutenant-Colonel, and Thomas Barclay was Major.
Besides his active duty in the field, Colonel Robinson was employed to conduct several matters
of consequence; and he figures conspicuously in cases of defection from the Whig cause. In
the real or supposed plan of the Whig leaders of Vermont to return to their allegiance, or to form
some other and hardly less objectionable alliance with officers of the Crown, he was consulted,
and opened a correspondence.
Acquaintance with Benedict Arnold
In the treason of Arnold, his name and acts occur continually; and it is supposed that he was
acquainted with the traitor's purpose before it was known to Sir Henry Clinton, or any other
person. And it appears certain that Arnold addressed him a letter on the subject of going over to
the Royal side, before soliciting the command of West Point. As the plot matured, he
accompanied Andre to Dobb's Ferry to meet Arnold, according to a previous arrangement; but
an accident prevented an interview, and both returned to New York. Subsequently, he went up
the Hudson in the Vulture, for the purpose of furthering the objects in view; but failed in his most
material designs. Arnold now sent Smith on board of the Vulture with a letter, which was
delivered to Colonel Robinson, and on the faith of which Andre went on shore. The treacherous
Whig had been expected on of the ship in person, and it has been said that Robinson was
much opposed to Andre's trusting himself to the honor "of a man who was seeking to betray his
country." But the zealous young officer would not listen to the prudent counsel, and determined
to embark upon the duty from which he never returned.
That unforunate gentleman was captured on 23 Sep 1780 and on the 26th was conveyed a prisoner to Colonel Robinson's own
house, which, with the lands adjacent, had been confiscated by the state, which Arnold had occupied as his headquarters, and of
which Washington was then a temporary occupant. After Andre's trial and conviction, Sir Henry Clinton sent three commissioners to
the Whig camp, in the hope of producing a change in the determination of Washington, and of showing Andre's innocence; to this
mission Robinson was attached in the character of a witness. He had previously
addressed the Commander-in-Chief on the subject of Andre's release; and, as he and
Washington had been personal friends until political events had produced a separation,
he took occasion to speak of their former acquaintance in his letter.
Colonel Robinson, at the peace, with a part of his family, went to England. His name
appears as a member of the first Council of New Brunswick, but he never took his seat
at the Board. His wife is included in the Confiscation Act of New York, and the whole
estate derived from her father passed from the family. The value of her interest may be
estimated from the fact, that the British government granted her husband the sum of
17,000 pounds sterling, which, though equal to eighty thousand dollars [in 1840's
dollars], was considered only a partial compensation. After going to England, Colonel
Robinson lived in retirement. He was unhappy; and did not conceal the sufferings which
preyed upon his spirits. He resided at Thornbury, near Bath, and there closed his days,
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