Benedict Arnold autograph letter signed ("B. Arnold"). One page of a bifolium, 6.5" x 8.25", Philadelphia; June 8, 1777. Addressed by Arnold to "Thomas Mumford Esqr.", the newly-promoted major general recommends Colonel Samuel Griffin for the position of privateer. Docketed. A recently exonerated Benedict Arnold pens a letter of recommendation shortly before marching north to aid the Saratoga Campaign. It reads, in part: "This will be delivered to you by Colonel Samuel Griffin, a Gentlemen...who wishes to be concern'd in a Privateer. I have engaged to take part of a vessel if he can find one that will answer his Temper, & have told him, I believe you will gladly be concern'd, & will recommend a proper Person to Command her, I would rather be conern'd with him as I know him a Gentleman who acts on generous principals and as the Chief concern will be in his hands & Thus will be less trouble, any favor you show him will be gratefully acknowledged..." Signed, "B. Arnold." The previous month, on May 2, 1777, Benedict Arnold was promoted to major general. At the time of this letter, he had just been cleared of charges brought against him by Colonel John Brown over the Quebec campaign. On May 21, the Board of War heard Arnold's testimony, corroborated by Charles Carroll of Carrollton, and duly exonerated him. They reported to the Continental Congress on May 23 that Arnold had been unfairly maligned as Brown's accusations were groundless. While Congress officially cleared his name that day, they did not restore his rank and a disgusted Arnold failed to recover from what he viewed as an insult on the part of Congress. He submitted his resignation on July 11, unaware that the day before, General Washington had personally ordered Arnold to head north to repulse General John Burgoyne's southern march out of Canada. After learning that Washington requested him personally, and in effusive terms, Arnold withdrew his resignation and hurried to the dispirited army in the Hudson River valley. War-dated letters by Arnold, particularly ones written while major general discussing military matters, appear infrequently. This one is in especially good condition and is accompanied by a vignette engraving of Arnold in uniform by H. R. Hall. Condition: Small area of paper loss to address leaf from seal removal upon opening. Minute scattered foxing. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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