To George Washington from Major General Benedict Arnold, 7 June 1780
From Major General Benedict Arnold
Philadelphia June 7th 1780
Dear Sir
Two days since I had the honor to receive your Excellencys favor of the 4th Inst. Inclosing a draught of a Proclimation; immediately on receit of it, I applied to several Printers, but could not find one, who had any Person in their employ who understood French, that could be Confided in: I was therefore obliged to have a proof Sheet struck of[f] by a Person who did not understand French; and who was greatly at a loss with respect to many of the letters: the first proof Sheet was so very Erroneous, I was obliged to send it back Corrected, and have this minute received the second which is Inclosed.1
Tomorrow or next day I expect to set out for Head Quarters, I have therefore sealed up the Original draught, with a proof Sheet similar to the One Inclosed, which I have left with Mrs Arnold, to be delivered to your Excellency’s Order; the Printer employed is Mr Claypole in Second Street, who will print any Number of Copies, you will please to direct, and Carefully Seal, and deliver Them to any Person your Excellency will Name to send them to Head Quarters, I make no doubt He will observe the greatest Caution, and secrecy.2
I am sorry to Inform your Excellency that there is little doubt of Charles Town being in possession of the Enemy. I have the honor to be with great respect, and esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedient & Very Humble Servt
B. Arnold
ALS, PHi: Gratz Collection.
1. For GW’s handling of this proof sheet, see his letter to David C. Claypoole, 30 June, found at GW to Lafayette, 19 May, n.4.
2. Intended for deception, GW’s proclamation misled the British. Using the alias “Mr Moore,” Arnold, who had begun treasonous communications with the British in May 1779, wrote Capt. George Beckwith, Lt. Gen. Wilhelm von Knyphausen’s intelligence chief, on this date: “I have received from The Commander-in-Chief a Proclamation in order to have a number of Copies printed, the purport of which, will be transmitted to you by J[oseph]: S[tansbury]: to whom I have communicated it. The Minister of France this day assured me that the French Troops destined for Canada amount to Eight Thousand. … you may expect every intelligence in my power which will probably be of consequence. … The American Army intended to cooperate with the French will probably go up Conecticut River to Number Four and cross the Country to St Johns” (, 459–60). Stansbury transcribed the proclamation and sent the transcription to Beckwith, asking that it remain “a profound secret” (, 460). Arnold thus unwittingly served GW’s purpose: to get the proclamation into the hands of the British commander in chief and create the impression that the expected French army was intended for an attack on Canada.