Today in Johnson City History, Sunday, September 14, 2025
A letter to Benedict Arnold, and Bemberg in the news
Thursday, September 14, 1775: Two hundred and fifty years ago today, George Washington wrote the following letter to Benedict Arnold; the original spellings and punctuations have been preserved.
“To Colonel Benedict Arnold
“Cambridge Head Quarters Septr 14. 1775
“Sir,
“You are intrusted with a Command of the utmost Consequence to the Interest & Liberties of America: Upon your Conduct & Courage & that of the Officers and ⟨Soldiers⟩ detached on this Expedition, not only the Success of the present Enterprize & your own Honour, but the Safety and Welfare of the whole Continent may depend. I ⟨charge⟩ you therefore and the Officers & Soldiers ⟨under⟩ your Command as you value your own Safety and Honour, & the Favour and Esteem of your Country that you consider yourselves as marching not through an Enemies Country, but that of our Friends and Brethren, for such the Inhabitants of Canada & the Indian Nations have approved themselves in this unhappy Contest between Great Brittain & America.