Letter from Benedict Arnold to George Clinton, Governor of New York, August 22, 1780
Add to SetSummary
This is the letter that made "Benedict Arnold" synonymous with "traitor." Arnold, a talented Continental Army general, had grown leery of the Continental Congress. He wrote for permission to make repairs at West Point, but really intended to weaken the fort and surrender it to the British. Arnold's plot was ultimately foiled, but his attempted treason shocked the nation.
This is the letter that made "Benedict Arnold" synonymous with "traitor." Arnold, a talented Continental Army general, had grown leery of the Continental Congress. He wrote for permission to make repairs at West Point, but really intended to weaken the fort and surrender it to the British. Arnold's plot was ultimately foiled, but his attempted treason shocked the nation.
Artifact
Letter (Correspondence)
Date Made
22 August 1780
Collection Title
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in With Liberty & Justice for All
Object ID
69.144.201
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Handwriting
Dimensions
Height: 13.625 in
Width: 8.125 in
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