ARNOLD, Benedict, Brigadier General, Continental Army . Autograph letter signed ("B Arnold M Genl"), as Military Governor of Philadelphia, to Colonel Henry Jackson, "Head Quarters, Philadelphia," 22 June 1778. Docketed on verso "My Marching Orders from Philadelphia," attached panel with evidence of mounting . PRELUDE TO MONMOUTH: ORDERS TO HARASS THE BRITISH ON THEIR MARCH FROM PHILADELPHIA On Washington's orders, Arnold, who had taken command of Philadelphia after the British evacuation, orders Jackson to pursue and harass the British army's rear on its march: "You will march with the Troops under your Command at three O'Clock tomorrow morning and follow the Route of the Enemy as nearly as you can with Conveniency, you will in Conjunction with any Continental Troops or Militia Attack the rear of the Enemy and endeavour to harass them by all means in your power, you will receive a supply of Cartridges at Bristol, or order them from thence where it will be more Convenient to you, Advise his Excellency General Washington of your movements & the numbers in the rear of the Enemy as frequently as you can." Four days before, Philadelphia had been evacuated in orderly fashion by British General Clinton, who planned to march his entire army, its artillery and impedimenta across New Jersey to Sandy Hook and thence to New York. Washington closely watched Clinton's movements, but waited at Valley Forge with his main army (some 12,000 men) until the British intentions became more clear. The Continental Army reached Coryell's Ferry on the 21st, and Washington paused to be certain of the direction of Clinton's march. By the next day, certain the British would march northwards, he wrote Arnold to advise that "the Enemy from the last intelligence was at Mount Holly...their precise route is not ascertained. We intend, as soon as things are in a train, to move towards them and avail ourselves of any favourable circumstances that may offer. If a body of militia even tho inconsiderable, could be got to advance towards their Rear, under the command of a spirited, sensible officer, it is though many advantages might be derived...Perhaps you might prevail on a good many to cross from Philadelphia and its environs..." (Washington, Writings , ed. J.C. Fitzpatrick, 12:102-103). Col.Henry Jackson commanded a regiment (later designated the 16th Massachusetts) assigned to Arnold for the occupation of Philadelphia; Arnold, here, has no hesitation in detaching them and ordering them in pursuit of the British. Washington's main force finally caught up with Clinton's strong rearguard a week later, at Monmouth, New Jersey, and the ensuing battle, the longest of the war, and the last important military action in the northern theater, clearly demonstrated a new professionalism and determination on the part of the Continental Army.
ARNOLD, Benedict, Brigadier General, Continental Army . Autograph letter signed ("B Arnold M Genl"), as Military Governor of Philadelphia, to Colonel Henry Jackson, "Head Quarters, Philadelphia," 22 June 1778. Docketed on verso "My Marching Orders from Philadelphia," attached panel with evidence of mounting . PRELUDE TO MONMOUTH: ORDERS TO HARASS THE BRITISH ON THEIR MARCH FROM PHILADELPHIA On Washington's orders, Arnold, who had taken command of Philadelphia after the British evacuation, orders Jackson to pursue and harass the British army's rear on its march: "You will march with the Troops under your Command at three O'Clock tomorrow morning and follow the Route of the Enemy as nearly as you can with Conveniency, you will in Conjunction with any Continental Troops or Militia Attack the rear of the Enemy and endeavour to harass them by all means in your power, you will receive a supply of Cartridges at Bristol, or order them from thence where it will be more Convenient to you, Advise his Excellency General Washington of your movements & the numbers in the rear of the Enemy as frequently as you can." Four days before, Philadelphia had been evacuated in orderly fashion by British General Clinton, who planned to march his entire army, its artillery and impedimenta across New Jersey to Sandy Hook and thence to New York. Washington closely watched Clinton's movements, but waited at Valley Forge with his main army (some 12,000 men) until the British intentions became more clear. The Continental Army reached Coryell's Ferry on the 21st, and Washington paused to be certain of the direction of Clinton's march. By the next day, certain the British would march northwards, he wrote Arnold to advise that "the Enemy from the last intelligence was at Mount Holly...their precise route is not ascertained. We intend, as soon as things are in a train, to move towards them and avail ourselves of any favourable circumstances that may offer. If a body of militia even tho inconsiderable, could be got to advance towards their Rear, under the command of a spirited, sensible officer, it is though many advantages might be derived...Perhaps you might prevail on a good many to cross from Philadelphia and its environs..." (Washington, Writings , ed. J.C. Fitzpatrick, 12:102-103). Col.Henry Jackson commanded a regiment (later designated the 16th Massachusetts) assigned to Arnold for the occupation of Philadelphia; Arnold, here, has no hesitation in detaching them and ordering them in pursuit of the British. Washington's main force finally caught up with Clinton's strong rearguard a week later, at Monmouth, New Jersey, and the ensuing battle, the longest of the war, and the last important military action in the northern theater, clearly demonstrated a new professionalism and determination on the part of the Continental Army.
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
