The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-04-30
From the Philadelphia Sun.
Interesting Original Letter.
GENERAL wArsE's OPINION OF Ansor

GENERAL wAYNE's OPINION OF ARNOLD.
| A kind friend has placed in our hands an
original letter written by General Anthony
| Wayne, to gentleman of this vicinity, which
will be read with interest, as containing the
| opinion Of one Of the bravest of our revolution
| airy officers upon the treachery and previous
character Of Benedict Arnold. We give the
| letter entire:
HAvERsTRAw, NRAR SroNy PoIsr,
let October, 1850.
MY Dean SIR: Will you do me the justice to be-
leve that neither want of affection inclination,
but a thousand other intervening circumstances.
have prevented me from writing sooner? Indeed,
my dear sir, we have hitherto had but a very dis
agreeable campaign; what with private feuds and
public misfortunes, I am almost distracted and
worn down. Just as had effected temporary
reconciliation among the officers Of this line to
measures which had wounded their feelings, and
beginning to feel little happy, the perfdy of
General Arnold has opened new field for anxiety
of mind, and distrust Of some others, both in the
cabinet and the field
can't cay that was much shocked on the oc
| casion. had long known the man; as early as
i776 he produced conviction to me that honor and
true virtue were strangers to his SOUL and, how
ever contradictory it may appear, he did not pos
sess either fortitude or personal courage. He was
naturally coward, and never went into danger
but when stimulated by liquor, even to intoxica-
ton; consequently not capable of conducting any
| command committed TO his charge But, however
that may be, had be succeeded in the dark affair,
Charleston and tho other recent military check we
have experienced in South Carolina would be tries
to the loss of Pest Point and it's dependencies; for
by possessing that pass. the enemy would effec-
tually separate the northern and middle States and
prevent any possible communication short of Half
Noon, situate twelve miles north of Albany. By
this means they might direct their whole force to
any point without being in danger of junction of
the forces of these States to modest them in their
operation.
The storm was to have taken place last Tuesday
night or the next morning. The garrison of West
Point was detached, and the works so wretchedy
manned and provided, that the whole must have
been carried in twenty minutes. His excellency
fortunately-yery fortunately at that place
about half an hour before the treachery was dis
covered; 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 ex-
pecting that, as the enemy were embarked, and
every thing in perfect readiness for tho enterprise
Sir Henry Clinton would Notwithstanding the dis
covery) attempt 10 carry the works by assault,
well knowing the debilitnted state Of the garrison
and the proper points Of attack, and that our army
was not within supporting distance; he therefore
despatched an express at o'clock that evening,
which reached by - at night, directing General
Greene to order the Pennsylvania line to proceed
with all possible dispatch under my command, and
endeavor, II possible, to get possession of tho dees
leading from Stoney to West Points. We imme-
diately marched, leaving our camp standing, and
by sunrise passed that pass, being upwards of six
teen miles in four hours, performed in the night,
without single man left behind.
Here we yet remain, waiting for Sir Harry's mo-
tions. but, knowing our position. he will not be
hardy enough to persevere in an enterprise (al-
though very avorite one) that would be the price
of much blood. shall not commit myself to the
Notifications, but will decide the fate of the day
the point of the bayonet in the gogcs of the dcles
through which the enemy must pass before they
reach the works.
My kindest wishes to sister Sally and her little
people; present my best respects to mother Pen
rose; and believe me yours, most afCectionately.
ANTY: WAYNE.