May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/9/2024
Lot consists of one letter related to Arnold’s defense of Lake Champlain in the American cause and one document relating to the wounding of an American soldier in the massacre at Fort Griswold in Arnold’s 1781 raid into Connecticut in the British cause. (A) Contemporary clerical copy of letter from Benedict Arnold to the Connecticut General Assembly dated Crown Point 23d May 1775 asking for ammunition and reinforcements, announcing Col. Allen had been forced to pull back with 80 or 100 men from a planned ambush at St. John’s by the appearance of about 200 “regulars.” Allen had fallen back to Ticonderoga and “Immediately on this intelligence I proceeded for this place with the sloop & schooner, as well armed as possible under our circumstances & 80 men which with the party here before make near 150 men, with whom [I] am determined to make a stand here to secure the cannon etc. as the Regulars have got advice of our strength & movements. . . I shall make every preparation to give them a warm reception. . .” In an addendum he notes one of Allen’s separated men returned with word of 400 more British and expected Indian aid, and Arnold has sent out alarms for men. CONDITION: Very good, fully legible, slight edge loss upper left, small tape repair middle left, not affecting text. (B) 1786 pay order for nine pounds, signed by the claimant at bottom, and noted in the text: “It being allowed me by the Committee for a wound I Received at fort Griswold from the enemy 1781 . . .” CONDITION: Excellent. A rather interesting pairing of Arnold material. Ex-Lattimer.
Item Dimensions: 13" X 10"