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Benedict Arnold

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Benedict Arnold

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Auction Date:2014 Apr 16 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Revolutionary War–dated ALS signed “Bt Arnold Br Genl,” one page, 6.5 x 8.25, March 20, 1777. Letter to Captain Asa Waterman, a commissary general for the Continental Army throughout the entire Revolutionary War, responsible for procuring food and supplies for troops. In full: “You are hereby Ordered to make Strict Inquiry, & Search for W[es]t. India Rum, Spirits, & Molasses in the States, of Massachusetts Bay, or Rhode Island, & Apply to Such Persons as you find have such articles on hand, and Purchase One hundred hogsheads Rum, & Spirits & One hundred Hhds Mollasses. If any Person having the Above Articles bargain to sell the same for the Use of the Army, you Are to marke such goods where they are Deposited for the Use of the Army, forbid their being removed & make an imediate return to me of the Same for which this shall be your Sufficient Warrant. Given Under my hand at Swansey March 20th 1777.” Removably encapsulated in a Mylar sleeve. In very good condition, with light scattered toning and soiling, and professionally infilled paper loss to the center with a few missing words and letters expertly restored.

Also includes an ALS by Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., signed “Jona Trumbull Junr,” one page, 7 x 9.5, March 21, 1777. Letter to Waterman penned the day after Arnold’s. In full: “I will be much obliged if you can procure me One H[ogs]h[ea]d of good Stone Lime & send it to Norwich pr some Return Team as soon as you have Opportunity. The Expence shall be repaid to you or your Order on Sight—please to inform whether to be had & what Opportunity sent by.” Also removably encapsulated in a Mylar sleeve. Scattered staining, otherwise fine condition.

Having just been overlooked for a promotion, at the time Benedict Arnold penned this letter he was contemplating resignation—during the period between March 11 and 26, 1777, he also wrote two letters to George Washington stating as much. In response, Washington refused to accept his resignation, explaining that it must have been a mistake, and petitioned Congress to elevate Arnold to major general. Although he was given the rank, his seniority was not restored over those promoted before him, upsetting Arnold all over again; because of this, he threatened resignation for a second time in July. This situation was among the first of a number of events causing Arnold’s dissatisfaction and ultimate defection to the British. A scarce letter from this important date in Arnold’s career.