Two Revolutionary War letters between Benedict Arnold and John Stevens were recently brought together at Fort Ticonderoga in New York, exactly 250 years after they were written. The meeting of these historic documents highlights the significance of the fort’s capture in the early stages of the American Revolution.
Fort Ticonderoga, located in Essex County near Lake Champlain, announced the reunion of the letters in a statement on May 21. The fort was the site of several battles during the American Revolution and the French and Indian War. The capture of the British fortress by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold in May 1775 marked a critical turning point in the conflict.
The letters, written by Arnold and his correspondent John Stevens, were composed after the capture of the fort. Arnold’s May 17 letter to Stevens detailed his encounter with Allen, who had recently raided the British-controlled Fort St. Jean (or John) in Québec. Arnold’s letter described the raid and the aftermath of the attack, expressing the challenges of dealing with the aftermath of the conflict.
Stevens, in his response, acknowledged the difficulties of maintaining supply lines and the efforts to support American forces despite these challenges. He noted that the City of Albany and surrounding areas were continuously sending provisions, indicating the logistical efforts during the war.
The reunion of the letters is significant as they were written before Arnold’s infamous defection to the British. At the time, Arnold was in the early stages of consolidating control over Ticonderoga and Crown Point, having recently led the attack on a British post in Québec and captured the only British sloop on Lake Champlain.
Matthew Keagle, the Fort Ticonderoga curator, emphasized the complex relationship between Arnold and Allen, as well as the tension that led to their eventual separation. The letters provide a glimpse into these personal dynamics, offering historical insight into the individuals involved in the Revolution.
Stevens, while less well-known, played an active role in the fight for independence. He later commanded forces at Fort George and was captured by the British at the Battle of the Cedars in 1776. The letters have not been physically close since Stevens wrote his response to Arnold’s letter in May 1775.
The reunited letters are part of the ‘Ticonderoga’s Treasures of 1775’ experience, where visitors can engage with original documents and artifacts from the site’s collections. This exhibit underscores the significance of New York’s role during the American Revolution and is part of broader efforts to preserve and share historical narratives.
In a related development, the New York State Museum recently began displaying a Revolutionary War-era ship at its Albany headquarters, continuing the legacy of preserving historical artifacts associated with the American Revolution.