Hillsdale Whig standard. (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1846-1851, 1851-05-27
Ffom the Philadelphia Sun.
Gen. Wayne's Opinion Of Arnold.

A kind friend has placed in our hands an
original letter written by Gen. ANTHONY
WAYNE to gentleman of this vicinity.
which will be read with interest as contain
ing the opinion of one d the bravest of our
Revolutionary officers upon the treachery
and previous character of Benedict Arnold.
We give the letter entire:
HAvERsrRAw, NEAR SToNY POINT,
OCTOBER l. 1850.
MY DEAR SIR: VIII you do me the JUS
tce to believe that neither want of affection
nor inclination, but thousand other inter-
vening circumstances, have prevented me
from writing sooner Indeed, my dear sir,
we have hitherto had but very disagreeable
campaign; what with private feud and pub
lie misfortunes. am almost distracted and
worn down. Just as had effected tempo
rary reconciliation among the officers of this
line TO measures which had wounded their
feelings. and beginning to feel little happy,
the perfidy of Gen. Arnold has opened new
field for anxiety of mind, and distrust Of
some others, both in the cabinet and the
field.
| can't say that was much shocked on
the occasion. had long known the man;
as early as l776 he produced conviction to
me that honor and true virtue were stran-
pers to his soul-and, however contradictory
it may appear, he did not possess either forll-
tude or personal courage. Hewa naturally
a coward, and never went into danger but
when stimulated by liquor, even to intoxlca-
tion; consequently not capable of conducting
any command committed to his charge. But
however that may be. had he succeeded in
the dark affair, Charleston and the other
recent military checks we have experienced
in South Carolina would be uifes to the loss
of Vest Point and its dependencies; for, by
possessing that pass. the enemy would ef-
fectually separate the North aud Middle
States, and proven any possible communl-
cation short of half moon, situate twelve
miles north Of Albany. BY this means they
might direct their whole force to any point
without being in danger of a junction OF the
forces of these States to molest them IN their
operations.
The storm was to have taken place last
Tuesday night or the next morning. The
garrison of West Point was so detached.
and the works so wretchedy manned and
provided, that the whole must have been car
ried in twenty minutes. His Excellency
fortunately-very fortunately-arived at
that place about half an hour before the
treachery was discovered; but Arnold made
his escape in boat, and proceeded down
the river as flag, and got on board the
Vulture sloop-of-war. The General expect.
ing that, as the enemy were embarked, and
every thing ia perfect readiness for the ente-
iprise, Sir Henry Clinton would (notwith-
standing the discovery attempt to carry the
works by assault, well knowing the debiltat-
ed state ofthe garrison and the proper points
of attack, and that our army was not within
supporting distance an express at seven
o'clock that evening, which reached us by
twelve at night, directing Gen. Greene to
order the Pennsylvania line to proceed with
all possible dispatch under my command.
and endeavor if possible to get possession of
the defles leading from Stony to West Point.
We Immediately marched, leaving our camp
standing, and by sunrise passed that pass
being upwards of sixteen miles in four hours,
performed in the night, without single
man left behind.
Here we yet remain, waiting for Sir Har-
rys motions; bu:, knowing our position, he
will not be hardy enough to persovere in an
enterprise (although very favorite one) that
would be the price Of much blood, shall not
commit myself TO the fort fcations, but will
decide the fate of the day at the poi mt of the
bayonet in the gorges ofth pass before they
reach the works.
My kndest wishes to Sister Sally, and
her little people; present my best respects to
mother Penrose, and believe me yours, most
affectionaely. ANTY. WAYNE.