From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 7 May 1779
To Major General Benedict Arnold
Head Quarters Middle Brook May 7th 1779
Dear Sir,
I have the pleasure to inform you that the time of your trial is now finally fixed on the first day of June. If something very extraordinary does not intervene to prevent it, it will certainly come on then; as I am truly desirous that it may have as speedy a decision, as a regard to propriety will permit.1 I am Dr Sir with much esteem your most Obedt servant
G.W.
Df, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. GW enclosed this letter in his letter to Joseph Reed of 8 May, indicating that Reed should forward it on to Arnold if the Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council agreed that Arnold’s trial could take place on 1 June. Although Arnold wrote to GW on 18 May that Reed had forwarded this letter to him, the trial did not take place for another six months; see Arnold to GW, c.18 April, n.2.