Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Letterbook containing the letters of Benedict Arnold on his 1775 expedition to Quebec. The letters dating from September 27-November 30, 1775 discuss preparing for the expedition, the route of the journey, and progress reports to George Washington, Philip Schuyler and Richard Montgomery, Arnold's immediate and ultimate commanders. Arnold also references the condition of his troops and the loss of the element of surprise, by either treachery or mischance. Arnold also recorded his demand for the surrender of Quebec and notes the arrival of General Montgomery with supplies and reinforcements.
Arnold based his journey on the 1760 expedition of British Army Lieutenant John Montresor. Montresor and a small number of guides made their way from Quebec through Maine along the Chaudiere and Kennebec Rivers in an attempt to establish an alternate supply route to the coast. As an engineer for the army, he recorded their experience, but copies with redacted information were created and circulated. A portion of the letterbook is a copy of Montresor's journal, which Arnold used to plan the route for his invasion of Canada.
After his betrayal, Arnold's effects were confiscated under an act of the State of Connecticut. The letterbook was among these items and remained with Pierpont Edwards, the commissioner appointed by the act. On his death, it passed to Ogden Edwards of New York. Aaron Burr, a member of the 1775 expedition, saw to the donation of the letterbook to Maine Historical Society.
About This Item
- Title: Benedict Arnold letterbook, 1775
- Creator: Benedict Arnold
- Creation Date: 1775
- Subject Date: 1775
-
Locations:
- ME
- QC, Canada
- Media: Ink on paper
- Local Code: Coll. 1765
- Collection: Benedict Arnold letterbook
- Object Type: Text
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Arnold, Benedict, 1741-1801--Letters
- Manuscripts
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Campaigns--Canadian Invasion, 1775-1776
- Washington, George--Letters
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.
Please post your comment below to share with others. If you'd like to privately share a comment or correction with MMN staff, please send us a message with this link.
