Beschreibung:

ARNOLD, BENEDICT, Major General, Continental Army, traitor . Autograph letter signed ("Bened. t Arnold," with flourish), to Monsieur Pelisseire at Three Rivers [Trois Rivieres, Canada], Holland House, 24 January 1776. 1 page, 4to, 239 x 19 mm. (9¼ x 7 1/16 in.), integral address leaf (neatly detached, small seal tears), otherwise in very fine condition. ARNOLD DURING THE SEIGE OF QUEBEC, 1776 Arnold, had mounted the daring, though unsuccessful Quebec expedition in the Fall of 1775; in the attack on that city in which General Montgomery was killed, Arnold had been severely wounded. Arnold and his army remained camped outside the rampart sof the city: "Your favor of the 19th Instant I duly received, I am much obliged to you for the Concern you express at our Misfortune. I have the pleasure to assure you my wound is almost well and that our army are in high spirits and daily reinforced. If there is any possibility of procuring Coats to get your Furnace going so as to Supply us with Shells, Shot &c by the first of April, I beg you will spare no pains or expense it shall be made good to you -- You will inform the Bearer Major Ogden whether we can depend on you for those articles in case we cannot he has orders to procure them below." Although it was reinforced, at great effort, the American force remained inadequate to take the fortified city, and in the end, under a new commander, was forced to retreat to Lake Champlain.