New London

A Narrative of the Capture of the Ship Hannah (Ebenezer Holt) — Connecticut Historical Society

Eyewitness account of the burning of New London harbor by a local merchant. Describes the destruction of privateering vessels and warehouse fires that spread to the town.

Benedict Arnold to General Henry Clinton, September 8, 1781 — British Headquarters Papers, Clements Library, University of Michigan

Arnold's official after-action report to his British commanding officer describing the September 6, 1781 raid on New London and Groton. The primary British-side account of the operation.

Fort Trumbull State Park: The 1781 Raid on New London — Connecticut DEEP State Parks / National Park Service

Interpretive materials at Fort Trumbull examining the British attack coordinated with the Groton assault. Documents the fort's fall and the burning of New London's wharves.

The Public Records of the State of Connecticut, 1781 — Connecticut State Library

Official state records documenting the destruction of New London and the subsequent legislative response, including relief measures for displaced residents.

The Traitor and the Spy: Benedict Arnold and John André — Harcourt, Brace (James Thomas Flexner)

Pulitzer Prize finalist biography of Arnold with detailed treatment of the New London raid as an act of deliberately cruel symbolism--Arnold burning his own home state.

Benedict Arnold's Army: The 1779 American Invasion of Canada — Savas Beatie (Mark Hayes)

While focused on Arnold's earlier career, provides essential background on his leadership style and strategic thinking that characterized his 1781 Connecticut raid.

Connecticut History Online: New London in the Revolution — Connecticut Humanities

State humanities council essays on New London's Revolutionary War experience, including its role as a naval base and the devastating impact of the 1781 raid.

History of New London, Connecticut — H.D. Utley (Frances M. Caulkins)

Nineteenth-century local history drawing on town records and oral accounts from survivors of the 1781 raid. Chapter 14 covers the burning of New London in detail.

Privateers of New London: Commerce Raiding in the American Revolution — Connecticut History (Connecticut Humanities)

Contextualizes New London's importance as a privateer base and why Arnold's raid specifically targeted the harbor and shipping. Draws on admiralty records and local maritime history.

The Occupation of Fort Trumbull, 1781 — New London County Historical Society

Local historical society monograph examining the fall of Fort Trumbull to British forces during the Arnold raid and its impact on American naval defense in Long Island Sound.

New London Landmarks Commission: Revolutionary War Sites — City of New London

Municipal tourism and landmarks commission information on Revolutionary-era sites, including the Hempsted Houses and Shaw-Perkins Mansion that survived the 1781 burning.

Raid on New London -- Wikipedia — Wikimedia Foundation

General reference entry with narrative overview and footnotes pointing to primary sources. Useful starting point; factual details should be cross-checked with Caulkins and state records.