Historic Reunion of Revolutionary War Letters at Fort Ticonderoga Marks 250 Years

Two letters from the Revolutionary War made headlines recently as they were brought together at a museum in upstate New York, marking an impressive 250 years since they were penned. This notable reunion took place at Fort Ticonderoga, located in Essex County near Lake Champlain.

A Landmark in Revolutionary History

Fort Ticonderoga, a site of multiple battles during the American Revolution as well as the French and Indian War, announced the reunion on May 21. Famous for its strategic importance, the fort was captured in May 1775 by a daring expedition led by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold. This event signified a crucial turning point in the early phases of the Revolutionary War.

Letters from Arnold and Stevens

The historical letters, authored by Arnold and his correspondent John Stevens, were written shortly after the landmark events that transpired at Fort Ticonderoga. In Arnold’s communication dated May 17, he informed Stevens about a troubling encounter he had with Allen, who had recently returned from a raid on the British-controlled Fort St. Jean in Québec.

In the letter, Arnold described the situation as tense, stating, “Col. Allen & his party is just arrived from St. Johns, when they were attacked. [And they] were obliged to make a precipitate retreat … They have returned without provision & much fatigued.” This vivid correspondence captures the immediate challenges facing American forces during the conflict.

Stevens’ Response

Stevens replied with news about the ongoing support for American troops. He reassured Arnold, despite the issues with enlistments, writing, “[T]he City of Albany and Country are sending in provisions continually … I am informed there is a great quantity more coming from different parts of the country.” This exchange highlights the logistical efforts permeating the revolutionary struggle.

Insights from Fort Ticonderoga Curator

Matthew Keagle, curator at Fort Ticonderoga, offered insights into the context of these letters. He pointed out that the correspondence came long before Arnold’s infamous decision to defect to the British. At the time of these writings, Arnold was just beginning to solidify his command over Ticonderoga and Crown Point.

“He had helped capture Fort Ticonderoga and had already sailed north to attack another British post at St. Jean in Québec, capturing more redcoats and the only British sloop on Lake Champlain,” Keagle explained. His comments paint a detailed picture of Arnold’s activities during this pivotal moment in history.

The Dynamics Between Arnold and Allen

Keagle also examined the competitive dynamic between Arnold and Allen. While Allen led the Green Mountain Boys militia during their mission, Arnold held the official authorization from the Massachusetts Committee of Safety, making him the higher-ranking officer.

“This was a tense alliance, and it collapsed the day after the capture [of Fort Ticonderoga],” Keagle added. The curator noted that Arnold’s attempts to maintain order over the supplies and resources led to friction between the two leaders. Following their victory, Arnold chose to depart to mount an attack on St. Jean, which effectively ended their collaboration.

The Role of John Stevens

Curious about the less-celebrated correspondent, Keagle elaborated on Stevens’ contributions to the cause of independence. While not as widely recognized, Stevens actively participated in the revolutionary efforts.

“After Fort Ticonderoga was taken, Stevens came to Fort George at the southern end of Lake George and commanded the forces there through July 1775,” Keagle shared. Later, Stevens received a commission as a captain in a Connecticut regiment but was captured by British forces at the Battle of the Cedars in May 1776.

The Significance of Letter Preservation

Interestingly, these letters had remained apart for centuries, only physically reunited once Stevens responded to Arnold’s message in May 1775. Stevens’ letter has been preserved at Fort Ticonderoga for many years, while Arnold’s letter was recently donated to the museum in memory of former trustee George M. Jones.

Exhibiting History

The letters are currently included in the “Ticonderoga’s Treasures of 1775” experience, where visitors can engage with original documents and artifacts from Ticonderoga’s extensive collections. This immersive encounter allows guests to appreciate the rich history of the site and its role in the American Revolution.

New York’s Role in the Revolution

The recent reunion of these letters underscores the important contributions of New York state during the American Revolution. As a key battleground, its strategic significance cannot be overstated. The New York State Museum has also begun exhibiting a Revolutionary War-era ship at its headquarters in Albany, approximately 100 miles south of Ticonderoga.

A Timeless Connection to History

The emotional reunion of these letters not only sheds light on the personal correspondence between two pivotal figures of the Revolutionary War but also serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of this tumultuous period in American history. Fort Ticonderoga stands as both a museum and a historical landmark, preserving the narratives that shaped the nation.