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Lot #266
Benedict Arnold Revolutionary War–Dated Handwritten Letter (Copy of Henry Clinton's Letter to Oliver De Lancey)

"Shew this to Genl. Skinner & Arnold"—the traitor records a copy of Henry Clinton's letter

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Estimate: $4000+
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Description

"Shew this to Genl. Skinner & Arnold"—the traitor records a copy of Henry Clinton's letter

Revolutionary War–dated letter by Henry Clinton copied entirely in the hand of Benedict Arnold (incorporating his surname, "Arnold," within the text), one page, 7.25 x 8.75, June 5, 1783. Headed, "Copy of a Letter from Sir Henry Clinton to B. General De Lancey, June 5th, 1783," the text reads, in part: "Dear Sir, Our poor sister is dead, and the other I am obliged to go with to Weybridge, immediately, how long I am to stay, or whether it will be possible for me to leave her, I know not, but I have left the Interest of the Provincials with Lord Sheffield, and Mr. Eden, the Secretary at War will of course move it. In short I shall be miserable if it does not succeed. If you have more of it let me know at Weybridge, and if my presence is necessary send an Express to me…pray shew this to Genl. Skinner & Arnold." In fine condition, with light show-through along the left edge from an old mounting strip on the reverse. This letter is of particular interest as it connects three American-born Loyalist generals—Benedict Arnold, Oliver De Lancey, and Cortland Skinner. During this period, hostilities had ceased in order to allow final peace arrangements to be made.

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