ALS signed “B. Arnold,” one page, 7.5 x 12.5, August [8], 1800. Handwritten retained draft of a letter to Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger, demanding payment for his claims from the West Indies. In part: "Having had the honor of addressing you so late as the 13 May last on the subject of my claims on government for cash advanced for the Public Service in the Wt. Indies more than seven years ago: I had hoped from the sacrifices I have made and the services I have rendered to the Public, that some attention would have been thought due…Were my finances such that I could with justice to my family make a further sacrifice of this money to the public, I should not again trouble you." Docketed on the reverse [obscured by framing], "Copy to Mr. Pitt, Aug't 8th." Archivally double-matted and framed under museum glass with a portrait, plaque, and descriptive caption to an overall size of 20 x 23. In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
Provenance: Collection of William Randolph Hearst, Parke-Bernet Galleries, November 16, 1938, lot 12.
After spending several years in Canada, Arnold returned to England in 1791, but he left to spend several years privateering in the West Indies before permanently settling at Gloucester Place in London, from where he penned this letter. His work in the West Indies was dangerous due to the hostilities of the French Revolution, and was imprisoned by French authorities on Guadeloupe amid accusations of spying for the British. Arnold narrowly eluded hanging by escaping to the blockading British fleet after bribing his guards. He helped organize militia forces on British-held islands, receiving praise from the landowners for his efforts on their behalf. He hoped that this work would earn him wider respect and a new command; instead, it earned him and his sons a land-grant of 15,000 acres in Upper Canada. Plagued by debt and poor business decisions, he here reaches out to the British prime minister in hopes of receiving his pecuniary due.
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