One of the most well-known traitors in history, Benedict Arnold (1741-1801) was a successful general from Connecticut during the Revolutionary War, up until he switched sides and got caught trying to help the British in 1780. ALS signed “B. Arnold,” one page, 7.5 x 9.75, June 26, 1780. Letter to Thomas Mumford. In full: “Mr Caleb Bull Junr of Hartford will in a few days receive about fourteen hundred pounds Lawful money for me in Treasury Stock Notes on Interest. If you have money in Philad:a that you choose to Exchange for them, a part or the whole, at the Current Exchge. of Sixty per one. He will deliver them to your Order, and receive a Bill in Philad.a.” Reverse bears an address panel to Mumford, written by Arnold, and has also been docketed, presumably by Mumford, “Genl Arnold, 26 June 1780.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one directly above signature, scattered toning and soiling, and paper loss to left edge from the wax seal (which is still present to the right of Arnold’s signature).
This personal correspondence involving the transfer of £1400 was not the only letter-writing in which Arnold was participating in 1780. During this period, he was also in the midst of his treasonable correspondence with British Major John Andre and discussion of the surrender of West Point to the British. Having earlier successfully weathered a court martial—but still warranting a reprimand for questionable actions as military command of Philadelphia—Arnold had just returned to Connecticut from an inspection tour of West Point. Later given command of that facility, he soon offered its surrender to the Redcoats.
In hindsight, this correspondence provides great insight into his treacherous ways. As well as arranging for the transfer of the aforementioned funds, Arnold was also planning the sale of his home and the transfer of assets to London through intermediaries in New York. Mumford, the original recipient of this letter, was a prominent Groton, Connecticut, merchant and the owner of a privateer sloop named the Hancock, which had successfully captured three British vessels. Fifteen months later, in retaliation of the ship’s successes, Arnold—having betrayed the nation—led British troops into Groton and, singling out Mumford’s house, burnt it and his stores to the ground. Arnold is scarce in any form, notably in handwritten letters. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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