Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-06-20
THE TREASON OF ARNOLD.

REMINlscENcR OF GEN. wAsHISGToN.
In a collection Of portion of the private let
tiers and correspondence of Washington recent
ly published Under the ediiorship of Mr. Richard
Rush, We have found the subjoined very inter-
esting opinion of Washington upon Arnold's
treason. 1t was spoken by the General during
an afler-dinner conversation, at tho residence of
Coi. Tobias Losr, white Muum veIuou, ~io
recorded it in his diary, and from which Mr..
Rush obtained it. Gen. Washington remark
ed -
al confess ] had good opinion Of Arnold
before his treachery was brought to light; had
that not been the case, should have had some
reason 10 suspect him sooner, for when he com
manded in Philadelphia, the Marquis Lafayette
brought accounts from France Of the armament
which was 10 be sent to cooperate with us in
the ensuing campaign. Soon after this was
known, Arnold pretended to have some private
business 10 transact in Connecticut, and on his
way there he called at my quarters and in the
course of conversation expressed desire of
quitting Philadelphia and joining the army the
ensuing campaign. told him it was probable
we should have very active one, and that if
mo NouHu anu otdtC VI uCiltH WOulu pcIlut L
should be extremely glad of his services with
the army. He replied that he did not think
his wound would permit him TO take very ac-
tive part but still he persisted in his desire To
be with the army. He went on to Connecticut,
and on his return called again upon me. He
renewed his request ofbeing with the next cam
paign, and | made him the same answer had
done before. He again repeated that he did
not think his wound would permit him to do ac-
tive duty, and intimated desire TO have the
command a, West Point. told him did not
think that would suit him, as should leave none
IN the garrison but invalids, because it would
be entirely covered by the main army. The
subject was dropped at that time, and he return
ed to Philadelphia. 1t then appeared some.
what strange to me that man Of Arnolds well
known activity and enterprise should be desi-
rous Of taking SO inactive part. /, however,
thought no more Of the matter. When the
French troops arrived at RhoGe Island had in
telligence from New York that General Clinton
intended TO make an attack upon them before
they could get themselves settled and fortified.
1 10 consequence of that, was determined to at
tack New York, which would be left much ex-
posed by his drawing off The British troops
and accordingly formed my line of battle, and
moved down the whole army to Kings ferry,
which we passed. Arnold came to the camp
at that time, and having no command, and con-
sequenly no quarters (all the houses ihereabouts
being occupied by the army,) he was obliged
to seek lodgings al some distance from tho camp
While the army was crossing at Kings ferry
| was going to see the last detachmen, over
and met Arnold, who asked me if had thought
of anything for him. told him he was to
have the command of the light troops, which
was post of honor, and which his rank indeed
entitled him TO. Upon this information his
countenance changed, and he appeared to bequitt
fallen; and instead of thanking me, or express
ing any pleasure of the appointment, neve
opened his mouth. | desired him to go on tC
my quarters and get something to refresh him
self, and would meet him there soon. He
did so. Upon his arrival there, he found Col
Tilghman, whom lie took one side, mentioning
what told him, seemed TO express great un
easiness at it-as his leg he said, would no
permit him to be long on horseback; and init
mated great desire to have the command a
w cbt Olut. w Hcu W my puaitOto
Col. Tilghman informed me Of what had pass
ed. made no reply to it-but his behavio
struck me as strange and accountable. In tn,
course of that night, however, received infor
nation from New York that General Clintol
had altered his plan and was debarkng hi
troops. This information obliged me TO alte
my disposition and return 10 my former station