Correspondence of the American Revolution: Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, Vol. 2

Contents:
Author: Benedict Arnold

U.S. History

General Arnold to General Gates.

Mohawk River, ten miles above Fort Dayton, five o’clock, P.M., 23 August, 1777.

DEAR GENERAL,

I wrote to you the 21st instant from German Flats, that, from the best intelligence I could procure of the enemy’s strength, it was much superior to ours. At the same time I inclosed you a copy of the resolutions of a Council of War, and requested you to send me a reënforcement of one thousand light troops. As the enemy had made their approaches within two hundred yards of the Fort, I was determined, at all events, to hazard a battle Father than to suffer the garrison to fall a sacrifice. This morning I marched from the German Flats for this place. The excessively bad roads, and necessary precautions in marching through a thick wood, retarded us so much, that we have but this moment reached this place, where I have met with an express, with the inclosed letter from Colonel Gansevoort, acquainting me that the enemy had yesterday retired from Fort Schuyler with great precipitation. I am at a loss to judge of their real intentions, whether they have returned home, or retired with a view of engaging us on the road. I am inclined to the former, from the accounts of the deserters, and from their leaving their tents and a considerable baggage, which our people have secured.

I shall immediately detach about nine hundred men, and make a forced march to the Fort, in hopes of coming up with their rear, and securing their cannon and heavy baggage. My artillery, tents, &c., &c., I shall leave here. The bateaux, with the provisions, follow me. As soon as the security of the post will permit, I will return with as many men as can be spared. As I came down in bateaux, I shall be able to make despatch. I have sent an order for the light troops, if you have sent any, to return immediately, and the militia to go home.

I am, &c.,

BENEDICT ARNOLD.

Contents:

Related Resources

American Revolution

Download Options


Title: Correspondence of the American Revolution: Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, Vol. 2

Select an option:

*Note: A download may not start for up to 60 seconds.

Email Options


Title: Correspondence of the American Revolution: Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, Vol. 2

Select an option:

Email addres:

*Note: It may take up to 60 seconds for for the email to be generated.

Chicago: Benedict Arnold, "General Arnold to General Gates.," Correspondence of the American Revolution: Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, Vol. 2 in Correspondence of the American Revolution: Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, ed. Jared Sparks (Freeport, NY: Books for Libraries Press, 1853), 519. Original Sources, accessed April 26, 2024, http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=4MDKAQ3U1WZSL75.

MLA: Arnold, Benedict. "General Arnold to General Gates." Correspondence of the American Revolution: Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, Vol. 2, in Correspondence of the American Revolution: Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, edited by Jared Sparks, Vol. 2, Freeport, NY, Books for Libraries Press, 1853, page 519. Original Sources. 26 Apr. 2024. http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=4MDKAQ3U1WZSL75.

Harvard: Arnold, B, 'General Arnold to General Gates.' in Correspondence of the American Revolution: Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, Vol. 2. cited in 1853, Correspondence of the American Revolution: Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, ed. , Books for Libraries Press, Freeport, NY, pp.519. Original Sources, retrieved 26 April 2024, from http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=4MDKAQ3U1WZSL75.