Note 56 — AFTERMATH
Reading edition
Major Tallmadge, Dear Sir: As I know you to be a man of sense, I am convinced you are by this time fully of opinion that the real interest and happiness of America consists in a reunion with Great Britain. To effect which happy purpose I have taken a commission in the British Army, and invite you to join me with as many men as you can bring over with you. If you think proper to embrace my offer, you shall have the same rank you now hold, in the Cavalry I am about to raise. I shall make use of no arguments to convince you, or to induce you to take a step which I think right. Your own good sense will suggest everything I can say on the subject. I will only add that the English Fleet has just arrived with a very large reinforcement of Troops. I am, Sir, Your Hmbl. Servt.
B. Arnold.
N. York, Oct. 25th, 1780.