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, one page, 7.5 x 9, October 17, 1786. Brief letter to James Hayt in new Brunswick, written in Arnold’s difficult to decipher hand. In part: “Pray forward the inclosed & oblige, B. Arnold…Should you & Mr. Huey send a vessel here this fall, she must leave St. Johns, by the middle or so Novr. B. A.” Reverse bears an address panel in an unknown hand In good condition, with intersecting mailing folds, old tape along left edge, scattered toning, creasing, and soiling, paper loss to top right corner, and a wax seal remnant to right edge.
In 1785, Arnold moved to Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, in the hopes of restoring his personal fortune. Forming a partnership with his son Richard and old military friend Munson Hayt, they acquired land, lumberyards, shipyards, retail stores, and a warehouse and established trade with the West Indies. However, Arnold the merchant was constantly embroiled in petty litigation and squabbles over bad debts and bad deals. He also accused St. John businessman James Hayt of mishandling his New Brunswick property in his absence and got involved in a vicious defamation suit with Munson Hayt. The general became so publicly unpopular that an effigy was burned in front of his house in full view of his wife and children. In December 1791, the Arnold family left St. John for good and returned to London where he died. His widow sold the last of his St. John’s land holdings and wrote to her children “I have rescued your father’s memory from disrespect, by paying all his just debts.” Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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