Then he seemed to hesitate, and I stood waiting his will. “The
despatch,” he said, “is open in case it becomes needful to show it
Perhaps you had better read it.”
This sounded unusual, but I opened it, and read to the effect that the
exchanges would go on if Sir Henry did not see fit to alter his former
proposal, but that some time might elapse before the lists on our side
were made out. “The officer charged with this letter will be unable to
give any further information, as he has no powers to act for me.
“I have the honour to be
“Your obedient, humble servant,
“BENEDICT ARNOLD,
“_Major-General in command of
Philadelphia and the western Jerseys_.”