Note 969 — Chapter V · (continued 2)

The writing in which Washington conveyed this reprimand is about the most adroit piece of literary composition which we have from his pen, and he contrived, while complying with the sentence of the court, to signify his estimate of the venial character of the offences, and to pronounce what some have considered a practical eulogy on a brilliant soldier. (Isaac N. Arnold's Arnold, Irving's Washington.) The former book gives a full examination of Arnold's career during his command in Philadelphia (chapters 12-14). For the trial, see Sparks's Washington, vi. 231, 248, 261, and App. p. 514. The trial closed Jan. 26, 1780. Congress ordered the report of the trial to be printed: Proceedings of a general Court-Martial for the trial of Benedict Arnold. Philadelphia, 1780. It was reprinted in a few copies for presentation, with introduction, notes, and index, by F. S. Hoffman, in New York in 1865. A letter of Arnold, transmitting the report to President Weare of New Hampshire, dated March 20, 1780, is in MS. Miscell. Papers, 1777-1824, vol. i. p. 156 (Mass. Hist. Soc. library).