^Lot 133 Benedict Arnold

One of the most well-known traitors in history, Benedict Arnold (1741-1801) was a successful general from Connecticut during the Revolutionary War, up until he switched sides and got caught trying to help the British in 1780. Manuscript DS, signed “B. Arnold,” one page, 6 x 5.75, February 26, 1790. Legal affidavit reads, in full: “Benedict Arnold Esqr of the Plaintiff in the above cause maketh oath that Samuel Oakes the Defendant in the above cause is at this time justly and truly indebted unto him this Deponent in the Sum of Eleven Pounds Seventeen Shillings for a quantity of Ship Timber sold and Delivered by him this Deponent to the said Defendant and for Cash paid and advanced for the measuring the Same.” Very nicely double cloth matted and framed with a portrait of Arnold and George Washington, and a descriptive plaque, to an overall size of 20 x 35.5. In fine condition, with light intersecting folds, a few mild strips of toning, and some scattered light edge wear.

After the war, Arnold settled in Saint John, a newly established American loyalist community in the province of New Brunswick, Canada. There he resumed his mercantile ventures and loaned money to a number of American loyalists struggling to reestablish themselves. After several bad business deals, Arnold saw his income reduced and he attempted to collect from his debtors, filing more than twenty suits similar to the one offered here. His actions aroused such fury in the community that an angry mob gathered at the Arnold residence denouncing his avarice and carrying his effigy, which bore the ironic appellation “Traitor!” A fine and well-preserved document from the American Revolution’s notorious turncoat. Oversized.