What if Major John Andre' was exchanged?

I watched the TV series "Turn, Washington Spies" and then later watch the film "Bridge of Spies". I started to wonder why General George Washington did not spare Major John Andre' life to exchange him for any American agents that the British caught? Another possibility would be to exchange him for captured American officers. It is my understanding that normally like for like was the exchange rule. ie Majors for Majors, Captains for Captains. Since Clinton did want Andre back, I am wondering if he would be willing to do more than like for like. ie several American officers for Andre" I have read that General Washington wanted Benedict Arnold back for trial but would he have settled for several American officers?

Stubear1012
 
The two reasons for Andre's execution have got to be Nathan Hale and traumatizing effect of Arnold's betrayal.

Washington was pretty pissed.

You can trade him for Arnold, but the British can not do that. It sets a bad precedent. Anything less and not only does America lose one of its better Generals, and almost loses West Point but on top of that the main instigator of these events would seem to get away Scot free.
 
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