Arnold Benedict


Gen. Benedict Arnold Ordered Ebenezer Foote to "make every possible Exertion to hurry on the Cattle designed for this Post [West Point]"



Autograph Letter Signed "Hendk Wyckoff," 1 page, 6.5" x 8". Fredericksburgh [New York], November 10, 1780. To Mr. [Ebenezer] Foot. On laid paper. Docketed on verso: "Novbr 10th 1780 / Hendrick Wyckoff State / Agent / To / Ebenezer Foote - Letter." Fine condition.



In part, "Have sent pr Bearer Capt Calkin 19 Beef Cattle from this place together with the Estimation of the Weight &c. Agreeable to form which Cattle would be pleased to receive and Credit me for the same. I have also purchasd 4 or 5 Cattle between this and Fishkill, which I suppose will be annexed to the drove after they leave this. Capt.Calkins will get them estimated at Fishkill … I expect to send you another small drove from this Quarter on Thursday next…"



It is probable that the recipient of Wyckoff's letter, Ebenezer Foote, inspector of cattle in the Continental Army’s Commissary Department, had notified Wyckoff of an immediate need for cattle after he received an order from General Benedict Arnold dated September 4, 1780. Writing from his headquarters at Robinson's House opposite West Point, Arnold ordered Foote to "make every possible Exertion to hurry on the Cattle designed for this Post, as well as those designed for the Main Army. I have reason to believe the Garrison here will soon be greatly augmented the Demand for Cattle will of Course be greater, & if we are not better supplied in future than we have been for some Time past, in Case these Posts are invested, they will be lost as well as the Garrison, for Want of Provisions…" Of course, unbeknownst to Foote, the cattle would be for British soldiers, not the Continental Army. On September 21, 1780, Arnold met with British spy Major John Andre to confirm the sale West Point and to deliver the plans for the fortifications.



Earlier in the Revolutionary War, New York Governor Clinton had appointed Major Hendrick Wyckoff as a financial agent for obtaining specie loans from the people for the support of the cause of freedom. He was furnished with notes in blank by the Governor, and he filled them up with the names of the lenders and the sums loaned, as the money was paid into his hands. Towards the end of the war, as Assistant State Agent, Wyckoff was authorized to purchase "provisions & grain."



WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE.