Beschreibung:

ARNOLD, BENEDICT, 1741-1801, Major General, Continental Army, Traitor . Autograph letter signed ("B Arnold") as Colonel, to Captain Wells, "On Board the Enterprise, 6 O'Clock Tuesday Evening," [c. 1775]. 1 page, an oblong, 145 x 208mm. (5 3/4 x 8 1/4 in.), weak at old folds, verso backed . ARNOLD ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN, PREPARING FOR HIS EPIC VICTORY AT VALCOUR ISLAND Although undated, the present vivid letter, written on board the large sloop Enterprise on Lake Champlain, must have been after May 1775, when Arnold captured the Enterprise from the British at St. Johns and made it part of his growing flotilla on the lake. The letter probably was written during the long months of preparations which culminated in Arnold's exceptional naval victory over a superior British force at Valcour Island on 24 September 1776, during which Arnold commanded 10 vessels including the Enterprise . Here, he writes concerning supplies and recommends the capture of British prisoners for interrogation: "Your Billet this minute received, have sent One Barrel Pork & all the Bread we have (for the use of the People in General) which you must Divide. I have Also sent Six Gallons of Rum there was three gallons put on Board Capt[ain] Howard's Battoe this morning so that you must Divide this accordingly, among, the whole -- I wish you success & make no doubt if you pursue my Plan you will be able to secure at least a few Prisoners for Intelligence..." Benedict Arnold was appointed Colonel on 3 May 1775 and, on 10 May 1775, helped capture Fort Ticonderoga with Ethan Allen. Arnold then raided St. Johns, Canada using captured boats, and was subsequently placed in command of all American forces on Lake Champlain. In the Battle of Valcour Island the British forces suffered a particularly humiliating defeat, and Arnold's brilliant success may well have saved the American Revolution, for it bought valuable time and prevented the British from seizing Fort Ticonderoga.