THE EARLIEST KNOWN AUTOGRAPH OF BENEDICT ARNOLD
(The original letter is owned in New York City. It it particularly interesting as showing Arnold’s dual trade—in books as well as drugs. A few of the characters are almost illegible, and we do not guarantee our correct transcription of them. It is also in evidence from the body of the letter that the “servant-girl question” was alive in 1765.—Ed.)
New Haven, March 2d, 1765.
Sir
Your favour of the 28th ulto came duly to hand—am much obliged to you for your Trouble in sending me a Maid—but had engaged one for Six Months before this came. Mr. Wm Johnston wrote me word that Mrs. Hobby Imagined the maid you have send (sic) was not able to do our business upon which we Engaged an other—as the Girl is willing to return and says it will be no disapointment (sic) we have Sent her back again.
I have credt your acc. ¹⁹⁄₆ according to your desire & have sent you
| —Vitriol ʒ2 9d | 1.6 |
| Liqu-Laud Syd ʒ2p. ⅙ | 3.9 |
| Stoper Vial ½ | |
| Common Vial 2d | 1.4 |
| £0.0.7 |
N. B.—(illegible)
I shall have in a day or two.
The Books you wrote for are Sold.