ood impeach'd to Congress by the same
Genl. Arnold of every high Crimes which if true effected the
Reputation of the united States and Genl. Arnold's sacred
Character stood then impeached by your Petitioners of thirteen
capital Charges, which in the opinion of those most knowing would
have effected the life of a more honest Man, in consequence of a
proper trial before a generous Court Martial--on these
considerations your Petitioner presumes his Resignation was not
accepted but on Supposition it was, yet your Petitioner conceives
that to make no material odds, as it can not be presumed that
congress would try a Citizen without a hearing, whatever they may
imagine their authority to be. However let this matter be as it
may Congress are sensible that your Petitioner notwithstanding
the most flagrant abuses received was not out of Service from the
commencement of the War untill the reduction of the british Army
under the Commandg genl. Burgoyne, in which he challenges to
himself some show [?] of merit since no one else (to his
knowledge) has been willing to give it him.

Your Petitioner is sensible that Congress at the time of Genl.
Arnold's application for a trial were imbarrassed on all
Quarters, and no doubt laboured under high prejudices with
Respect to your Petitioners Character owing perhaps to the
Representations made them by Genl. Gates, who 'tis possible has
been mistaken to his Sorrow with respect to his Friend--which
prejudices your Petitioner hopes time and events have eradicated,
he therefore can assure Congress, that he hopes and wishes for
nothing more than common justice altho the History of the War and
his present infirmities received therein, might entitle him to
something more. But to stand conviction by a Decree of Congress
of publishing cruel and groundless assertions or Libels without a
hearing when actually fighting for Liberty is intolerable in a
free Country and has a direct tendency to check the ambition,
and even disaffect those Men by whose wisdom Valour and
perseverance America is to be made free, not to mention the
dangerous president such trials may afford. Your Petitioner
therefore implores Congress to reconsider their determination on
the impeachment of Genl. Arnold, as there cannot at this Day
remain a poss