Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1851-05-02
MISCELLANEOUS.

INTERESTING ORIGINAL LETTER.
GENERAL wAYNE's OPINION OF ARNOLD.
The Philadelphia Sun publishes original letter, written
by Gen. Anthony Wayne gentleman of that vicinity
which will read with interest," containing the opinion oil
one of the bravest of revolutionary officers upon the
1reachery and previous character of Benedict Arnold We
give the letter entire:
HAvERsTRAw, NEAR Stony PoIST,
LIST October 1850.
My Dear Sir: Will you DO the justice to believe tnat
neither of affection inclination but thousand other
intervening circumstances have prevented me from writing
sooner2 Indeed, my dear sir we have hitherto had but
very dsageeabe campaign what with private teuds and
public misortunes am almost distracted and worn down
Just as had effected temporary reconciliation among the
officers of this line which had wounded their
feelings and beginning TO feel little happy, the perhdy OF
Gen Arnold has opened field anxiety of mind and
dstrust of Others both in the cabinet and the held
can't say that much shocked on the occasion. l
had long known the man; early 76 he produced
vcton that honor and true virtue were strangers TO
hi, sou-and however contradictory it may appear he did
not possess either fortude personal courage He was
naturally coward and never went into danger but when
stimulated by liquor ntoxicaon consequently not
capable of conducting command committed TO his charge
But however that may be- had he succeeded the dark at
fair Charleston and the other military checks we have
West Point and its by possessing that pass
the enemy would eectuay separate the Northern and Mid
die States and prevent any possible communication short oil
holt moon situate Il miles north OF Albany By inns means
they might direct their whole force to any point without be-
ing in danger of junction of the forces OF these States to
modest them in their operation.
The to have taken place last tuesday night or
the next morning The garrison of West Point de-
tached and the work wretchedy manned and provided
that whole have been carried in twenty minutes
His Excelency for,unately-very forunatey-arrvcd at
that place about half hour before the reachery dis
coveed-bu Arnold made his escape in boat and proceed
ed down the river flag and got on board the Vulture
Soop-ofWar. The General expecting that as the enemy
embarked and every thing in perfect readiness for the
enterprise Sir Henry Clinton would notwithstanding the
discovery attempt carry the works by assault, well
knowing the debtaed Of the garrison and the proper
points of attack, and that army was not within support
he
that evening, which reached by IL at night directing
Gen. Greene order the Pennsylvania Line 10 proceed with
all possible dispatch under my command and endeavor If
possible possession of the dehles leading from soney
to West Points. We Immediately marched leaving our
camp standing and by sunrise passed that pass being
wards of miles in four hours performed in the night
without single man left behind.
Here we yet remain waiting for Sir Harry's motions
knowing position he will not be hardy enough TO
perseverc in an enterprise although very fvoe one) that
would be the price of much blood. shall commit my
self the Notifications but will decide the fate of the
day the point of the bayonet in the gorges Of the dehes
through which the enemy must pass before they reach the
works
My kndcst wishes to sister Sally and her little people
present my best respects mother Penose and believe
yours most afectionately, ASTY: WAYNE.