ARNOLD'S TREASON – STRACHAN, William. Autograph letter signed ("Wm Strachan") to Major Sebastian Bauman, "Camp at Totaway," 22 October 1780.

One page, 335 x 212mm, (scattered foxing, a few toned spots, tear at bottom margin) with address panel on verso.

Writing to the commander of artillery at West Point on Arnold's treason. Strachan, a fellow artillery officer in the 2nd Continental Artillery, offers his thoughts on Arnold's betrayal: "Arnold's Character with You I Agree, his Abilities are not Equal for Royal company, Neither Can the Acquaintance that he has with States or history, be Very Shining[?], Nor Can I See any thing which could Induce him, had Not his Avaricious Soul thirsted after Gold, Despised by us, Despysed by them, he lives now I am convinced his Own Torment, if he dare Suffer himself to Reflect on his Conduct, his Conscience must Eternally be Stabbing him to the Soul for his Cursed Treacherry, but its One Villain gone I wish they was all with him, for Doubtless there are More Among us." William Strachan served as the regimental quartermaster for the 2nd Continental Artillery from 1778 to 1783 (Heitman). Major Sebastian Bauman (1739-1803) commanded a company of New York artillery from 1776 until early 1777, when he was commissioned a captain in the 2nd Continental Artillery (Heitman), and was in command of the artillery at West Point in September 1780 when Arnold decamped to the British lines after John André, his go-between, was captured near Tarrytown, New York. One of the documents found on André's person was prepared and signed by Bauman detailing the ordnance stored at West Point. Bauman is perhaps best known today for his map of the siege of Yorktown.