September 23rd
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“If any such aspersions lie against him, it is but reasonable, that he should have an Opportunity of vindicating himself, and evincing his innocence.”
To the President of Congress*
Head Quarters, Morris Town, 12 May 1777
Sir,
This will be delivered you by General Arnold, who arrived here to day in his way to Philadelphia. He seems to be anxious to Settle his public Accounts, which are of considerable amount, and waits on Congress, hoping they will appoint a Committee of their Body, or of such Gentlemen as they shall judge proper, to take the Matter into consideration. This he considers the more necessary, as he has heard, some Reports have been propogated, injurious to his Character as a Man of Integrity. If any such aspersions lie against him, it is but reasonable, that he should have an Opportunity of vindicating himself, and evincing his innocence.**
John Hancock
National Portrait Gallery
I find, he does not consider the Promotion, Congress have been pleased to confer upon him, sufficient to obviate the neglect arising from their having omitted him in their late Appointments of Major Generals. He observes, It does not give him the rank he had a claim to from Seniority in the line of Brigadiers; And that he is subject to be Commanded by those, who had been inferior to him. He further adds, that Congress in their last Resolve respecting him, have acknowledged him competent to the Station of Major General, and therefore have done away every objection, implied by their former omission. These Considerations are not without their weight, tho’ I pretend not to judge what motives may have influenced the conduct of Congress upon this occasion. It is needless to say any thing of this Gentleman’s Military Character. It is universally known, that he has always distinguished himself, as a judicious, brave Officer, of great Activity, enterprize and perseverance. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt Servant
G:o Washington
* John Hancock
** “With Washington’s permission Arnold went to Philadelphia on the question of his rank, and Putnam was ordered to Peekskill in his stead. Arnold was unsuccessful in his application to Congress for the adjustment of his seniority. His enemies in that body were more numerous than his friends, though they were compelled to render at least a show of justice to his acts of extraordinary bravery and military conduct.” — Fitzpatrick, et al., WGW
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