Beschreibung:

ARNOLD, BENEDICT, Major General, Continental Army, traitor. Autograph letter signed ("Bene:t Arnold," with an initialled postscript to his first wife Margaret Mansfield Arnold in New Haven, Conn.; St. Croix, 25 July 1768. 2 pages, folio, integral address leaf with panel in Arnold's hand, forwarding the letter via Capt. Chew (probably a member of the distinguished Philadelphia family), edges of address leaf reinforced, slight stain at one fold, but an attractive example in otherwise good condition. BENEDICT ARNOLD, MERCHANT AND AFFECTIONATE FAMILY MAN Arnold, his wife of one year and their child were residing in New Haven in a home they shared with Arnold's sister, Hannah. This was a prosperous period for the young Arnold, and he purchased several merchant vessels which operated over the profitable trade routes between Caribbean, Canadian and American ports. It is known that a portion of Arnold's business involved smuggled goods. A few years later, having made himself popular with the conservative merchant classes in Connecticut, he was elected captain of a militia company, launching his eventful career as a military man and, ultimately, traitor. "I wrote you four days since from St. Eustatia...& sent you...Four Anchors Brandy, I Can Liquors, Box Oranges, some Coconuts, 1 Doz[en] Handker[chie]fs, 1 doz Cotton Hose, 2 Bbl. Limes, which I hope will come safe to hand. Since which I arrived safe here, have discharged my Freight from St. Kitts, & begin[n]ing to Load....I believe I shall have a full Freight with my Own [merchandise], which will help make [for] up a Bad Voyage, (this must not be mentioned). I expect to get [away] from this in three Weeks shall make all possible Dispatch as, a separation from you is attended with the most Cruel Anxiety, you who are with your Friends cannot Imagine my Impatience to leave this Savage Island & be with you and my Friends who are most Dear to me. Hope you enjoy the blessing of Health & [are] free from every trouble. I have issued[?] One hundred Pounds of Burr & Andres Money & some other small Debts the remainder shall be obliged to leave behind. I made Fifty Pounds Freight from St. Kitts & as much more on some Articles I Bo[ugh]t at Windward [Islands], which with my Freight Home will make a tolerable Voyage. I have wrote Mr. Douglass to make me #600 Insured on the Cargo, Middletown, or New York which you'll remind him of. "I have not mentioned any thing of those Law Suits, which you'll speak to him & Mr. Humphrey ab[ou]t. Pray dont neglect any thing that can be done in those affairs. I shall write you every Op[portunity, which is the greatest pleasure I have in this most Disagreeable Corner of the Earth. I hope you and my Sister [Hannah] have lived in Unity since we parted. I hope to have the satisfaction to hear, you are both Easy & happy which will give me the greatest pleasure. Pray make my respects to Our Papa, Mama and Sisters & take good care of our Little, Dear Boy. God bless you both, & all...."