Monday Minute: Benedict Arnold's 1780 Letter Before His Betrayal

In this Monday Minute in the Archives, we're spotlighting a rare piece of American history — a letter signed by Benedict Arnold, now on display at the Reagan Library as part of the America 250 exhibition. Before he became America's most infamous traitor, Benedict Arnold was one of the most gifted soldiers in the Continental Army. A serious wound at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777 ended his time on the battlefield — and seemed to change everything about him. This letter, signed on March 20, 1780, was written just months before Arnold defected to the British. It offers a rare look into his state of mind — his growing anger and deep resentment toward the American cause he had once fought so hard to defend. This artifact is part of the Reagan Library's America 250 exhibition, a special collection honoring 250 years of American history and the remarkable stories — and people — that shaped this nation. Plan your visit now at reaganfoundation.org/a250 For more information on the ongoing works of President Reagan's Foundation, please visit http://www.reaganfoundation.org Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RonaldReagan Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ronaldreagan Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/reaganfoundation Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ronald-reagan-presidential-library-foundation Newsletter Sign-up: https://www.reaganfoundation.org/newsletter #reagan #ronaldreagan #american250 #mondayminute #reaganlibrary #americanhistory #benedictarnold