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

INTERESTING ORIGINAL LETTER.
GENERAL wAYNEs OPINION OF ARNOLD.
The Philadelphia Sun publishes an original letter. written
by Gen. Anthony Wayne TO gentleman OF that vicinity
which will be with interest," containing the opinion OF
one of the bravest of revolutionary officers upon the
1eachey and previous character of Benedict Arnold We
give the letter entire
HAvERsTRAw, SToSY PoIST,
LIST October, $780, )
My Dear SIR Will you 60 the justice TO believe tnat
neither want affection inclination but thousand other
Intervening circumstances have prevented me from writing
soonerl Indeed, my dear sir we have hitherto had but
very disagreeable campaign what with private feuas ana
public msortunes am almost distracted and down.
Just as had effected temporary reconciliation among e
officers Of this line measures which had wounded their
feelings and beginning 10 feel little happy Inc peruy
Gen. Arnold has opened field for anxiety Of mind and
dstrust of Others boil, in the cabinet and the field
can't say that much shocked on the occasion. |
had long known the man; early 16 he produced
yction 10 honor and virtue were strangers TO
hi. sou-and however contradictory may appear he did
not possess either ortitude personal courage. lie was
naturally coward and went into danger but when
stimulated by liquor uoxcaion, consequently not
capable conducting command committed 10 his charge
But however that may be- succeeded in the dark a
Charleston and the other recent military checks We nave
experienced in South Carolina would be rlics 10 the loss OF
West Point and its dependencies by possessing that
the enemy would eectuay separate the Northern and Mid
die States and prevent any possible short OF
holt anoon situate y miles north Of Albany by this means
they might direct their whole force TO any point without be-
ing danger Of junction of the forces OF these States 10
modest them in their operation
The have taken place last tuesday night or
the morning The garrison of West Point SO de-
tached and the work wrechedy manned and provided
that the whole have been carried i'll twenty minutes
His Excelency foruna.e VERY ortunately-arrived al
that place about half hour before the eachery dis
covered-but Arnold made his escape boat and proceed
ed down the river flag, and got board the Vuture
Sloop-of-War 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 debated of the garrison and the proper
points of attack and that army not within support
ing dstance-he therefore dispatched express at O'Clock
that evening" which reached by - night; directing
Gen. Greene the Pennsyvani Line proceed with
all possible dispatch under my command and endeavor il
possible possession OF the dces euang from Stone
TO West Points. We Immediately marched leaving our
camp standing and by sunrise passed that pass being up
wards Of sixteen miles in four hours performed in the night,
without single man left behind
Here yet remain waiting for Sir ilarry's motions
but knowing POSITION he will not be hardy enough TO
perseverc in enterprise although very avorte one that
would be the price of much blood. shall commit
self 10 the Notifications but will decide the fate of the
day the pon, of the bayonct in the goges Of the dees
through which the enemy must pass before they reach the
works.
My kindes, wishes sister Sally and her little people
present best respects mother Penrosc and believe
YOURS most atieconatc!y, ASTy WAySE.