This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/25/2018
Before his famous act of treason, Benedict Arnold was one of Washington's most able generals and the genius behind Gate's celebrated victory over Burgoyne at Saratoga in 1777. After he defected to the British Army in 1781, Arnold received a general's commission, but little else. He left for England when the British evacuated New York at the end of the Revolutionary War. He spent a period in St. John's, New Brunswick, 1787-91, establishing a mercantile business with his sons Richard and Henry. Spanning back 200+ years comes this response letter to a Colonel Wayne, signed and handwritten by Benedict Arnold himself informing Wayne of a ship coming into Boston loaded with clothing for the Army, including 30,000 shirts and 30,000 shoes. Handwritten on both sides by Arnold with a full signature on the back and last name signature on the front. The side showing in the frame is the backside with the full signature. Encased in a beautiful museum-quality frame to a total overall size of 23" x 30" matted with a photograph of Arnold and a full page biography. Note itself measures 2.5" x 7.5". In overall fine condition with some ink bleed through and paper loss. This is the first Benedict Arnold autograph of any kind we have ever offered at Iconic Auctions! Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication (JSA).