Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1857-05-28

In collection of portion of the private let
ters and correspondence of Washington recent
" published under the editorship of Mr. Rich
ard Rush, we have found the subjoined very
interesting opinion of Washington upon Ar
nold's treason. 1t was spoken by the General
during an after-dinner conversation, at the resi-
dence of Col Tobias Lear, while at Mount Yer
non, who recorded it in his diary, and from
which Mr. Rush obtained it. Gen. Washing
ton remarked
confess l had good opinion Of Arnold be-
fore his treachery was brought to light had
that not been the case, should have some
reason to suspect him sooner for when he com
manded in Philadelphia, the Marquis Layfette
brought accounts from France Of the armament
which was to be sent to cooperate with US in
the ensuing campaign. Soon after this was
known, Arnold pretended to have some private
business to transact in Connecticut, and on his
way there called at my quarters ; and in the
course of conversation expressed desire ofqult-
ting Philadelphia and joining the army the en-
suing campaign / told him that it was prob
able we should have very active one, and
that if his wound and state of health would
permit, should be extremely glad of his ser
vices with the army. He replied that he did
not think his wound would permit him to take
very active part but still he persisted in his
desire of being with the army. He went on to
Connecticut, and on his return called again
upon me. He renewed his request of being
with me the next campaign, and l made him
the same answer had done before He again
repeated that he did not think his wound would
permit him to do active duty, and intimated
i H. ~ "acfp inf
| told him did not think that would suit him,
as | should leave none in the garrison but III
valids, because it would be entirely covered by
the main army The subject was dropped at
that time, and he returned to Philadelphia. IL
then appeared somewhat strange to me that a
man of Arnolds known activity and enterpriZe
should be desirous of taking so inactive part
l. however, thought no more OF the matter
When the French troops arrived at Rhode
Island had intelligence from New YORK that
General Clinton intended to make an attack
upon them before they could get themselves
settled and fortified. In consequence of that,
/ was determined to attack New York, which
would be left much exposed by his drawing Oft
the British troops and accordingly formed
nv line of battle, and moved down with the
whole army to Kings ferry, which we passed.
Arnold came to camp at that time, and having
no command, and consequently no quarters (ali
the houses thereabOuts being occupied by the
army, he was obliged to seek lodgings at some
distance from the camp While the army was
crossing at Kings ferry, | was going to see
the last detachment over and met Arnold,
who asked me if had thought of anything
for him. told him that he was to have COM
mand 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 be quite fallen
and instead Of thanking me, or expressing any
pleasure at the appointment, never opened his
mouth. / desired him to go on to my quar-
ters and get something to refresh himself and
would meet him there soon. He did So
Upon his arrival there, he found Tilghman,
whom he took a-one-side, and mentioning what
had told him, seemed to express great uneasi-
ness at it-as his leg he said, would not per-
nit him to he long on horseback and intimat-
ed great desire to have the command at
West Point When returned to my quarters,
Col. Tilghman informed me Of what had pass
ed, | made no reply to it-but his behavior
struck me as strange and unaccountable. In
'ne course Of that night, however, | received
incarnation from New York that Gen. Clinton