Benedict Arnold and John Stevens' letters reveal Revolutionary War alliances
- Two letters from Benedict Arnold and John Stevens written in May 1775 were recently reunited at Fort Ticonderoga.
- Arnold's correspondence highlights challenges in consolidating control at the fort and the relationship between various military leaders.
- The reunion of these documents underlines the importance of New York in the early stages of the Revolutionary War.
In 2025, the historical significance of two letters from the Revolutionary War was underscored as they were reunited at Fort Ticonderoga in New York, 250 years after their writing. The letters, exchanged between key figures Benedict Arnold and John Stevens, provide insight into the early dynamics of the American Revolutionary efforts. Arnold's letter, dated May 17, 1775, relayed his encounters with Ethan Allen, who had recently captured Fort St. Jean in Canada, marking a significant event in the conflict against British control. During this period, Arnold was instrumental in consolidating power at Fort Ticonderoga, following its capture alongside Allen. He had the official support of the Massachusetts Committee of Safety, granting him an authoritative role in the military operations. In his correspondence, Arnold addressed logistical challenges and shared news of military movements, while Stevens responded with updates about reinforcements headed to bolster American forces despite recruitment difficulties, highlighting the precariousness of their situation. The relationship between Arnold and Allen, who commanded the Green Mountain Boys militia, was complex, as Arnold faced challenges in maintaining discipline among the fighters. This tension ultimately led to the breakdown of their alliance the day after the fort's capture. Historical analysts point out that Arnold's efforts to secure control over military supplies were viewed as a necessity amidst growing chaos, reflecting the difficult reality of coordinating efforts between independent military factions. Stevens, while less recognized than Arnold, played a pivotal role in the independence struggle. After reporting from Fort Ticonderoga, he took command of forces at Fort George during pivotal moments of 1775. His military journey continued as he was later commissioned and captured by the British at the Battle of the Cedars in Canada. The recent reunion of these letters not only brings to light personal histories of these commanders but also emphasizes New York's crucial involvement in the American Revolution. This rare opportunity to examine primary source documents was made possible through the recent donation of Arnold's letter to the museum, providing a deeper understanding of the early revolutionary movement.