Benedict Arnold letter volume
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Abstract
The volume consists of a deed, and 41 letters (originals and typewritten transcripts) sent by Arnold and others to various recipients between 1772 and 1782.
Biographical / Historical
Benedict Arnold (1741-1801) served as a captain with the Connecticut militia and as colonel helped to capture Fort Ticonderoga, together with Ethan Allen and his troops in 1775. Severely injured in 1777, he was given command of the defense of Philadelphia in 1778. Accusations of abuse of power, overspending, and abrogating military directions led to a reprimand from General George Washington. Frustrated and thwarted, Arnold offered his services to the British and, while in command of West Point, made plans to turn it over to their forces. His plans were discovered based on interception of his letters, at which time Arnold joined the British and evaded capture. He fled to England in 1781 and died in London in 1801.
Arrangement
The letters are arranged chronologically.
Scope and Contents
The volume consists of a deed, and 41 letters (originals and typewritten transcripts) sent by Arnold and others to various recipients between 1772 and 1782.
Subjects
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Access Restrictions
Letters in this volume have been microfilmed and will be presented to researchers in that format.
Materials in this collection may be stored offsite. For more information on making arrangements to consult them, please visit www.nyhistory.org/library/visit.
Use Restrictions
Taking images of documents from the library collections for reference purposes by using hand-held cameras and in accordance with the library's photography guidelines is encouraged. As an alternative, patrons may request up to 20 images per day from staff.
Application to use images from this collection for publication should be made in writing to: Department of Rights and Reproductions, The New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024-5194, rightsandrepro@nyhistory.org. Phone: (212) 873-3400 ext. 282.
Copyrights and other proprietary rights may subsist in individuals and entities other than the New-York Historical Society, in which case the patron is responsible for securing permission from those parties. For fuller information about rights and reproductions from N-YHS visit: https://www.nyhistory.org/about/rights-reproductions
Location of Materials
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Presented by Samuel Verplanck Hoffman, President of the New-York Historical Society, May 4, 1911.