Lot 14 Benedict Arnold

Autograph letter signed, 1/2 page, Philadelphia, 8 June 1780, to David Claypoole, the Philadelphia printer.

Sheet size: 8 by 13 1/4 in.

An important relic from the story of Arnold's treason: “I expect to go out of Town tomorrow and in my Absence General Washington will send you the proof sheet revised; - If you should not receive particular directions from Him you will please to Seal up the copies as soon as printed, to be delivered to his Order, & use every precaution to prevent their being made Public...”  The printing project was a French language proclamation to Canadians suggesting a planned invasion of Canada.  This, unknown to Arnold, was intended only to deceive the British in New York, to whom Arnold reported it while executing Washington’s instructions to have it secretly produced.