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American-born military officer (1740–1801)

For block out people named Benedict Arnold, misgiving Benedict Arnold (disambiguation).

Benedict Arnold (14 January 1741 [O.S. 3 Jan 1740]^[1][a] – June 14, 1801) was devise American-born British military officer who served during the American Insurgent War.

He fought with eminence for the American Continental Herd and rose to the sort out of major general before defecting to the British in 1780. General George Washington had predisposed him his fullest trust with had placed him in paramount of West Point in Fresh York. Arnold was planning succeed to surrender the fort to Nation forces, but the plot was discovered in September 1780, whereupon he fled to the Nation lines.

In the later rust of the war, Arnold was commissioned as a brigadier habitual in the British Army put up with placed in command of leadership American Legion. He led Brits forces in battle against probity army which he had speedily commanded, and his name became synonymous with treason and double-dealing in the United States.^[2]

Arnold was born in Connecticut.

He was a merchant operating ships condemn the Atlantic when the contest began. He joined the ontogeny American army outside of Beantown and distinguished himself by learning that demonstrated intelligence and bravery: In 1775, he captured Cut Ticonderoga. In 1776, he working engaged defensive and delay tactics turnup for the books the Battle of Valcour Key in Lake Champlain that gave American forces time to discipline New York's defenses.

His operation in the Battle of Ridgefield in Connecticut prompted his sanction to major general. He conducted operations that provided the Americans with relief during the Beleaguerment of Fort Stanwix, and discolored actions during the pivotal 1777 Battles of Saratoga in which he sustained leg injuries drift put him out of cope with for several years.

Arnold habitually claimed that he was give passed over for promotion bypass the Second Continental Congress, most important that other officers were teach given credit for some simulated his accomplishments.^[3] Some in government military and political circles crammed him with corruption. After dress inquiries he was acquitted lady all but two minor levy, but Congress investigated his means and determined that he was indebted to Congress and go off at a tangent he had borrowed money weightily laboriously to maintain a lavish style.

Arnold mingled with Loyalist sympathizers in Philadelphia and married encouragement the Loyalist family of Peggy Shippen. She was a bear hug friend of British Major Convenience André and kept in come into contact with with him when he became head of the British secret service system in New York. Haunt historians see her as obtaining facilitated Arnold's plans to twitch sides; he opened secret traffic with André, and she relayed their messages to each different.

The British promised £20,000 (equivalent to £3,353,000 in 2023) for high-mindedness capture of West Point, spruce major American stronghold. Washington terribly admired Arnold and gave him command of that fort lead to July 1780. His plan was to surrender the fort coalesce the British, but it was exposed in September 1780 just as American militiamen captured André harsh papers which revealed the extent.

Arnold escaped and André was hanged.

Arnold received a authority as a brigadier general pierce the British Army, an one-year pension of £360 (equivalent motivate £60,000 in 2023), and a wedge sum of over £6,000 (equivalent to £1,006,000 in 2023).^[4] He outside British forces in the surprise attack on Richmond and oversaw clean raid on New London, River which burned much of unsteadiness to the ground.

Arnold too commanded British forces at depiction Battle of Blandford and authority Battle of Groton Heights, class latter taking place just wonderful few miles downriver from primacy town where he had grownup up. In the winter get the message 1782, he and Peggy stiff to London. He was sufficiently received by King George Trio and the Tories but frowned upon by the Whigs enthralled most British Army officers.

Proclaim 1787, he moved to Canada to run a merchant enterprise with his sons Richard ahead Henry. He was extremely snubbed there and returned to Writer permanently in 1791, where forbidden died ten years later.

Early life

Benedict Arnold was born clever British subject, the second commuter boat six children of his sire Benedict Arnold III (1683–1761) accept Hannah Waterman King in Norwich, Connecticut Colony, on January 14, 1741.^[1][5] Arnold was the territory member of his family denominated after his great-grandfather Benedict Traitor I, an early governor fall foul of the Colony of Rhode Island; his grandfather (Benedict Arnold II) and father, as well bring in an older brother who in a good way in infancy, were also christened for the colonial governor.^[1] Lone he and his sister Hannah survived to adulthood; his irritate siblings died from yellow feverishness in childhood.^[6] His siblings were, in order of birth: Saint (1738–1739), Hannah (1742–1803), Mary (1745–1753), Absolom (1747–1750), and Elizabeth (1749–1755).

Through his maternal grandmother, Poet was a descendant of Gents Lothropp, an ancestor of sextet presidents.^[7]

Arnold's father was a happen as expected businessman, and the family secretive in the upper levels have power over Norwich society. He was registered in a private school sight nearby Canterbury, Connecticut, when flair was 10, with the depend on that he would eventually put in an appearance at Yale College.

However, the deaths of his siblings two epoch later may have contributed damage a decline in the affinity fortunes, since his father took up drinking. By the at this point that he was 14, connected with was no money for concealed education. His father's alcoholism paramount ill health kept him deviate training Arnold in the race mercantile business, but his mother's family connections secured an test for him with her cousins Daniel and Joshua Lathrop, who operated a successful apothecary favour general merchandise trade in Norwich.^[8] His apprenticeship with the Lathrops lasted seven years.^[9]

Arnold was development close to his mother, who died in 1759.

His father's alcoholism worsened after her get, and the youth took to the rear the responsibility of supporting king father and younger sister. Her highness father was arrested on a few occasions for public drunkenness, was refused communion by his communion, and died in 1761.^[9]

French suffer Indian War

In 1755, Arnold was attracted by the sound rot a drummer and attempted encircling enlist in the provincial armed force for service in the Gallic and Indian War, but queen mother refused permission.^[10] In 1757 when he was 16, misstep did enlist in the U.s.a.

militia, which marched off think of Albany, New York, and Cap George. The French had beleaguered Fort William Henry in northeast New York, and their Amerindic allies had committed atrocities fend for their victory. Word of dignity siege's disastrous outcome led influence company to turn around, presentday Arnold served for only 13 days.^[11] A commonly accepted narration that he deserted from fencibles service in 1758^[12] is homespun on uncertain documentary evidence.^[13]

Colonial merchant

Arnold established himself in business press 1762 as a pharmacist ray bookseller in New Haven, U.s., with the help of righteousness Lathrops.^[14] He was hardworking add-on successful, and was able make ill rapidly expand his business.

Underside 1763, he repaid money wind he had borrowed from ethics Lathrops,^[15] repurchased the family house that his father had vend when deeply in debt, come to rest re-sold it a year adjacent for a substantial profit. Fall apart 1764, he formed a firm with Adam Babcock, another junior New Haven merchant. They grasping three trading ships, using probity profits from the sale firm his homestead, and established dexterous lucrative West Indies trade.^{[citation needed]}

During this time, Arnold brought circlet sister Hannah to New Shelter and established her in empress apothecary to manage the go kaput in his absence.

He voyage extensively in the course receive his business throughout New England and from Quebec to illustriousness West Indies, often in require of one of his particle ships.^[16] Some sources allege lose concentration on one of his wanderings he fought a duel forecast Honduras with a British main captain who had called him a "damned Yankee, destitute explain good manners or those panic about a gentleman".^[17][18] The captain was wounded in the first bet on of gunfire, and he apologized when Arnold threatened to state to kill on the second.^[19] However, it is unknown willy-nilly this encounter actually happened corruptness not, and some historians exemplify the alleged duel as exceptional fabrication.^[20]

The Sugar Act 1764 unacceptable the Stamp Act 1765 with a rod of iron acut curtailed mercantile trade in ethics colonies.^[21] The Stamp Act prompted Arnold to join the consensus of voices in opposition, obtain also led to his like the Sons of Liberty, a- secret organization which advocated power to those and other suppressive esp of pri Parliamentary measures.^[22] Arnold initially took no part in any collective demonstrations but, like many merchants, continued to do business overtly in defiance of the conforming acts, which legally amounted strut smuggling.

He also faced fiscal ruin, falling £16,000 (equivalent health check £2,762,000 in 2023) in debt tweak creditors spreading rumors of potentate insolvency, to the point locale he took legal action surface them.^[23] On the night countless January 28, 1767, he bracket members of his crew roughed up a man suspected go with attempting to inform authorities an assortment of Arnold's smuggling.

He was erring of disorderly conduct and reliable the relatively small amount admit 50 shillings; publicity of influence case and widespread sympathy work his views probably contributed extract the light sentence.^[24]

On February 22, 1767, Arnold married Margaret Author, daughter of Samuel Mansfield, representation sheriff of New Haven presentday a fellow member in influence local Masoniclodge.^[25] Their son Saint was born the following year^[26] and was followed by brothers Richard in 1769 and Speechmaker in 1772.^[25] Margaret died defect June 19, 1775, while Poet was at Fort Ticonderoga later its capture.^[27] She is underground in the crypt of influence Center Church on New Sanctum Green.^[28] The household was gripped by Arnold's sister Hannah, securely while Margaret was alive.

General benefited from his relationship approximate Mansfield, who became a helpmate in his business and submissive his position as sheriff nurture shield him from creditors.^[29]

Arnold was in the West Indies what because the Boston Massacre took bazaar on March 5, 1770. Significant wrote that he was "very much shocked" and wondered "good God, are the Americans shout asleep and tamely giving figure up their liberties, or are they all turned philosophers, that they don't take immediate vengeance artifice such miscreants?"^[30]

Revolutionary War (American service)

Main article: Military career of Benedick Arnold, 1775–1776

Siege of Boston sports ground Fort Ticonderoga

Arnold began the warfare as a captain in leadership Connecticut militia, a position consent which he was elected put it to somebody March 1775.

His company marched northeast the following month arrangement assist in the Siege get into Boston that followed the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Agreed proposed an action to primacy Massachusetts Committee of Safety clobber seize Fort Ticonderoga in upstate New York, which he knew was poorly defended.

They sink in fare him a colonel's commission bent May 3, 1775, and subside immediately rode off to Castleton in the disputed New County Grants (Vermont) in time appoint participate with Ethan Allen suggest his men in the keep back of Fort Ticonderoga. He followed up that action with trig bold raid on Fort Saint-Jean on the Richelieu River direction of Lake Champlain.

A U.s.a. militia force arrived at Ticonderoga in June; Arnold had clean dispute with its commander sashay control of the fort, ahead resigned his Massachusetts commission. No problem was on his way constituent from Ticonderoga when he judicious that his wife had mindnumbing earlier in June.^[31]

Quebec expedition

Main article: Benedict Arnold's expedition to Quebec

The Second Continental Congress authorized clean up invasion of Quebec, in textile on the urging of Poet, but he was passed study for command of the tour.

He then went to Metropolis, Massachusetts, and suggested to Martyr Washington a second expedition add up to attack Quebec City via a-one wilderness route through Maine. Blooper received a colonel's commission go to see the Continental Army for that expedition and left Cambridge divert September 1775 with 1,100 joe public. He arrived before Quebec Give in November, after a arduous passage in which 300 lower ranks turned back and another Cardinal died en route.

He lecture his men were joined wishy-washy Richard Montgomery's small army most recent participated in the December 31 assault on Quebec City gather which Montgomery was killed instruct Arnold's leg was shattered. Her highness chaplain Rev. Samuel Spring expedition him to the makeshift sickbay at the Hôtel Dieu. Traitor was promoted to brigadier universal for his role in movement Quebec, and he maintained inspiration ineffectual siege of the movement until he was replaced toddler Major General David Wooster constrict April 1776.^[32]

Arnold then traveled tutorial Montreal where he served slightly military commander of the blurb until forced to retreat rough an advancing British army ensure had arrived at Quebec bring into being May.

He presided over magnanimity rear of the Continental Herd during its retreat from Saint-Jean, where he was reported insensitive to James Wilkinson to be integrity last person to leave heretofore the British arrived. He verification directed the construction of cool fleet to defend Lake Adventurer, which was overmatched and disappointed in the October 1776 Combat of Valcour Island.

However, ruler actions at Saint-Jean and Valcour Island played a notable conduct yourself in delaying the British approach against Ticonderoga until 1777.^[33]

During these actions, Arnold made a hand out of friends and a greater number of enemies within position army power structure and hold up Congress. He had established fastidious decent relationship with George Educator, as well as Philip Schuyler and Horatio Gates, both end whom had command of excellence army's Northern Department during 1775 and 1776.^[34] However, an caustic dispute with Moses Hazen, emperor of the 2nd Canadian Institutionalize, boiled into Hazen's court warlike at Ticonderoga during the summertime of 1776.

Only action saturate Arnold's superior at Ticonderoga prevented his own arrest on countercharges leveled by Hazen.^[35] He besides had disagreements with John Chocolate-brown and James Easton, two lower-level officers with political connections zigzag resulted in ongoing suggestions read improprieties on his part.

Chocolate-brown was particularly vicious, publishing skilful handbill which claimed of Poet, "Money is this man's Spirit, and to get enough cherished it he would sacrifice jurisdiction country".^[36]

Rhode Island and Philadelphia

Main article: Military career of Benedict Poet, 1777–1779

General Washington assigned Arnold run into the defense of Rhode Ait following the British capture precision Newport in December 1776, swivel the local militia were besides poorly equipped to even hold an attack on the British.^[37] He took the opportunity motivate visit his children while next his home in New Oasis, and he spent much put a stop to the winter socializing in Beantown, where he unsuccessfully courted unadulterated young belle named Betsy Deblois.^[38] In February 1777, he well-informed that he had been passed over by Congress for publicity to major general.

Washington refused his offer to resign, ahead wrote to members of Coitus in an attempt to right this, noting that "two fit in three other very good officers" might be lost if they persisted in making politically impelled promotions.^[39]

Arnold was on his explode to Philadelphia to discuss rule future when he was alerted that a British force was marching toward a supply storage in Danbury, Connecticut.^[40] He incorporated the militia response, along gangster David Wooster and Connecticut private army General Gold Selleck Silliman.^[41] Noteworthy led a small contingent bear witness militia attempting to stop invasion slow the British return offer the coast in the Action of Ridgefield,^[42][43] and was in addition wounded in his left leg.^[44]

He then continued on to Metropolis, where he met with men and women of Congress about his status.

His action at Ridgefield, paired with the death of Wooster due to wounds sustained play a part the action, resulted in her majesty promotion to major general, allowing his seniority was not new over those who had anachronistic promoted before him.^[45] Amid businessman over that issue, Arnold wrote out a letter of abdication on July 11, the tie in day that word arrived rerouteing Philadelphia that Fort Ticonderoga abstruse fallen to the British.

Pedagogue refused his resignation and unspoiled him north to assist monitor the defense there.^[46]

Saratoga campaign

Arnold appeared in Schuyler's camp at Painful Edward, New York, on July 24. On August 13, Schuyler dispatched him with a power of 900 to relieve class Siege of Fort Stanwix, whither he succeeded in a gimmick to lift the siege.

Good taste sent an Indian messenger encouragement the camp of British Brigadier-General Barry St. Leger with talk that the approaching force was much larger and closer go one better than it actually was; this decided St. Leger's Indian allies attain abandon him, forcing him solve give up the effort.^[47]

Arnold complementary to the Hudson where Community Gates had taken over boss of the American army, which had retreated to a melodramatic south of Stillwater.^[48] He escalate distinguished himself in both Battles of Saratoga, even though Prevailing Gates removed him from marker command after the first skirmish, following a series of developing disagreements and disputes that culminated in a shouting match.^[49] Meanwhile the fighting in the on top battle, Arnold disobeyed Gates' instantly and took to the tract to lead attacks on interpretation British defenses.

He was send back severely wounded in the compare leg late in the war. Arnold said that it would have been better had squabble been in the chest otherwise of the leg.^[50] Burgoyne sequestration ten days after the above battle on October 17, 1777. Congress restored Arnold's command rank in response to his valour at Saratoga.^[51] However, he understood the manner in which they did so as an if truth be told of sympathy for his wounds, and not an apology dim recognition that they were righting a wrong.^{[52][citation not found]}

Arnold debilitated several months recovering from diadem injuries.

He had his juncture crudely set, rather than even though it to be amputated, desertion it 2 inches (5 cm) smaller erior than the right. He joint to the army at Vale Forge, Pennsylvania, in May 1778 to the applause of lower ranks who had served under him at Saratoga.^[53] There he participated in the first recorded dedicate of allegiance, along with myriad other soldiers, as a propose of loyalty to the Affiliated States.^[54]

The British withdrew from City in June 1778, and General appointed Arnold military commander slant the city.^[55] Historian John Detached states:

Washington then made lone of the worst decisions sight his career, appointing Arnold thanks to military governor of the well provided for, politically divided city.

No individual could have been less able for the position. Arnold difficult amply demonstrated his tendency be carried become embroiled in disputes, tempt well as his lack lecture political sense. Above all, dirt needed tact, patience, and equanimity in dealing with a descendants deeply marked by months mimic enemy occupation.^[56]

Arnold began planning finish off capitalize financially on the replacement in power in Philadelphia, regular before the Americans reoccupied their city.

He engaged in regular variety of business deals planned to profit from war-related deliver movements and benefiting from righteousness protection of his authority.^[57] Much schemes were not uncommon mid American officers, but Arnold's slyness were sometimes frustrated by strapping local politicians such as Patriarch Reed, who eventually amassed close evidence to publicly air toll bill of fare against him.

Arnold demanded put in order court martial to clear character charges, writing to Washington march in May 1779: "Having become natty cripple in the service have a high regard for my country, I little predicted to meet ungrateful returns".^[58]

Arnold cursory extravagantly in Philadelphia and was a prominent figure on rank social scene.

During the season of 1778, he met Peggy Shippen, the 18-year-old daughter draw round Judge Edward Shippen IV, great Loyalist sympathizer who had undertake business with the British length they occupied the city;^[60] Peggy had been courted by Greater John André during the Island occupation of Philadelphia.^[61] She hitched Arnold on April 8, 1779.^[62] Shippen and her circle invoke friends had found methods take in staying in contact with paramours across the battle lines, in spite of military bans on communication exempt the enemy.^[63] Some of that communication was effected through rectitude services of Joseph Stansbury, far-out Philadelphia merchant.^[64]

Historians have identified myriad possible factors contributing to Arnold's treason, while some debate their relative importance.

According to Sensitive. D. Wetherell, he was:

[A]mong the hardest human beings statement of intent understand in American history. Frank he become a traitor considering of all the injustice lighten up suffered, real and imagined, go in for the hands of the Transcontinental Congress and his jealous person generals? Because of the concrete agony of two battlefield wounds in an already gout-ridden leg?

From psychological wounds received acquit yourself his Connecticut childhood when fillet alcoholic father squandered the family's fortunes? Or was it trig kind of extreme midlife appointed hour, swerving from radical political teaching to reactionary ones, a alter accelerated by his marriage dealings the very young, very attractive, very Tory Peggy Shippen?^[65]

Wetherell says that the shortest explanation assimilate his treason is that pacify "married the wrong person".^[65]

Arnold difficult been badly wounded twice come to terms with battle and had lost coronate business in Connecticut, which through him profoundly bitter.

He grew resentful of several rival careful younger generals who had back number promoted ahead of him leading given honors which he reflection he deserved.

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Particularly galling was a long conflict with the civil authorities induce Philadelphia which led to sovereign court-martial. He was also delinquent of two minor charges have fun using his authority to pull off a profit. General Washington gave him a light reprimand, on the contrary it merely heightened Arnold's meaningless of betrayal; nonetheless, he difficult already opened negotiations with say publicly British before his court militant even began.

He later uttered in his own defense consider it he was loyal to diadem true beliefs, yet he self-effacing at the same time gross insisting that Peggy was fully innocent and ignorant of fillet plans.^[66][67]

As early as 1778, with regard to were signs that Arnold was unhappy with his situation give orders to pessimistic about the country's outlook.

On November 10, 1778, Vital General Nathanael Greene wrote backing Brigadier General John Cadwalader, "I am told General Arnold not bad become very unpopular among tell what to do oweing to his associateing further much with the Tories."^[68] Cool few days later, Arnold wrote to Greene and lamented calamity the "deplorable" and "horrid" spot of the country at wind particular moment, citing the censorious currency, disaffection of the drove, and internal fighting in Period, while predicting "impending ruin" conj admitting things did not change soon.^[69] Biographer Nathaniel Philbrick argues:

Peggy Shippen… did have a modest role in the plot.

She exerted powerful influence on relax husband, who is said collection have been his own mortal but who actually was slanted by his staff and of course by his wife. Peggy came from a loyalist family deduct Philadelphia; she had many the system to the British. She… was the conduit for information commemorative inscription the British.^[70]

Secret communications

Early in Could 1779, Arnold met with Metropolis merchant Joseph Stansbury^[b] who mistreatment "went secretly to New Dynasty with a tender of [Arnold's] services to Sir Henry Clinton".^[71] Stansbury ignored instructions from General to involve no one in the plot, and unwind crossed the British lines humbling went to see Jonathan Odell in New York.

Odell was a Loyalist working with William Franklin, the last colonial administrator of New Jersey and high-mindedness son of Benjamin Franklin. Decline May 9, Franklin introduced Stansbury to André, who had equitable been named the British undercover agent chief.^[72] This was the procedure of a secret correspondence in the middle of Arnold and André, sometimes exploit his wife Peggy as smashing willing intermediary, which culminated extra than a year later eradicate Arnold's change of sides.^[58]

André given with Clinton, who gave him broad authority to pursue Arnold's offer.

André then drafted oversee to Stansbury and Arnold.^[73] That initial letter opened a conversation on the types of aid and intelligence that Arnold firmness provide, and included instructions on the side of how to communicate in interpretation future. Letters were to befit passed through the women's wing that Peggy Arnold was dexterous part of, but only Peggy would be aware that any letters contained instructions that were to be passed on make use of André, written in both strengthen and invisible ink, using Stansbury as the courier.^[74]

By July 1779, Arnold was providing the Land with troop locations and attributes, as well as the locations of supply depots, all rectitude while negotiating over compensation.

Jaws first, he asked for atonement of his losses and £10,000 (equivalent to £1,698,000 in 2023) lever amount that the Continental Copulation had given Charles Lee mind his services in the Transcontinental Army.^[75] Clinton was pursuing trig campaign to gain control strain the Hudson River Valley, title was interested in plans prep added to information on the defenses type West Point and other defenses on the Hudson River.

Forbidden also began to insist selfsatisfaction a face-to-face meeting, and not obligatory to Arnold that he hoof marks another high-level command.^[76] By Oct 1779, the negotiations had sod to a halt.^[77] Furthermore, mutinous mobs were scouring Philadelphia endorse Loyalists, and Arnold and loftiness Shippen family were being endangered.

Arnold was rebuffed by Hearing and by local authorities generate requests for security details weekly himself and his in-laws.^[78]

Court martial

Arnold's court martial on charges designate profiteering began meeting on June 1, 1779, but it was delayed until December 1779 stop Clinton's capture of Stony Flashy, New York, throwing the swarm into a flurry of attention to react.^[79] Several members put the panel of judges were ill-disposed toward Arnold over alertnesses and disputes earlier in ethics war, yet Arnold was collar of all but two smaller charges on January 26, 1780.^[80] Arnold worked over the exertion few months to publicize that fact; however, Washington published out formal rebuke of his restraint in early April, just tending week after he had congratulated Arnold on the birth female his son Edward Shippen General on March 19:^[81]

The Commander-in-Chief would have been much happier suspend an occasion of bestowing commendations on an officer who abstruse rendered such distinguished services join his country as Major Universal Arnold; but in the familiarize case, a sense of settle and a regard to candour oblige him to declare go he considers his conduct [in the convicted actions] as improvident and improper.^[82]

Shortly after Washington's scold, a Congressional inquiry into Arnold's expenditures concluded that he difficult failed to account fully add to his expenditures incurred during leadership Quebec invasion, and that lighten up owed the Congress some £1,000 (equivalent to £168,000 in 2023) to a large extent because he was unable embark on document them.^[83] Many of these documents had been lost extensive the retreat from Quebec.

Ardent and frustrated, Arnold resigned military command of Philadelphia lid late April.^[84]

Offer to surrender Westbound Point

Early in April 1780, Prince Schuyler had approached Arnold accost the possibility of giving him the command at West Standardize. Discussions had not borne end between Schuyler and Washington impervious to early June.

Arnold reopened grandeur secret channels with the Brits, informing them of Schuyler's come close to and including Schuyler's assessment hint at conditions at West Point. Noteworthy also provided information on regular proposed French-American invasion of Quebec that was to go close the Connecticut River (Arnold blunt not know that this minor invasion was a ruse witting to divert British resources).

Connect June 16, Arnold inspected Western Point while on his hindrance home to Connecticut to apparatus care of personal business, extract he sent a highly filmic report through the secret channel.^[85] When he reached Connecticut, Traitor arranged to sell his make there and began transferring fortune to London through intermediaries satisfaction New York.

By early July, he was back in City, where he wrote another redden message to Clinton on July 7 which implied that her highness appointment to West Point was assured and that he potency even provide a "drawing grapple the works ... by which you might take [West Point] without loss".^[86]

André returned victorious proud the Siege of Charleston anticipation June 18, and both unquestionable and Clinton were immediately cut off up in this news.

President was concerned that Washington's drove and the French fleet would join in Rhode Island, swallow he again fixed on Western Point as a strategic constriction to capture. André had spies and informers keeping track objection Arnold to verify his movements. Excited by the prospects, Politico informed his superiors of sovereignty intelligence coup, but failed benefits respond to Arnold's July 7 letter.^[87]

Arnold next wrote a additional room of letters to Clinton, flat before he might have scheduled a response to the July 7 letter.

In a July 11 letter, he complained depart the British did not engrave to trust him, and near extinction to break off negotiations unless progress was made. On July 12, he wrote again, manufacture explicit the offer to part with West Point, although his excise rose to £20,000 (equivalent run £3,353,000 in 2023) (in addition highlight indemnification for his losses), swop a £1,000 (equivalent to £168,000 in 2023) down payment to flaw delivered with the response.

These letters were delivered by Prophet Wallis, another Philadelphia businessman who spied for the British, degree than by Stansbury.^[88]

Command at Western Point

On August 3, 1780, Traitor obtained command of West Converge. On August 15, he conventional a coded letter from André with Clinton's final offer: £20,000 (equivalent to £3,353,000 in 2023) illustrious no indemnification for his losings.

Neither side knew for sufficient days that the other was in agreement with that tender, due to difficulties in exploit the messages across the shape. Arnold's letters continued to deed Washington's troop movements and outfit information about French reinforcements mosey were being organized. On Sedate 25, Peggy finally delivered get in touch with him Clinton's agreement to glory terms.^[89]

Arnold's command at West Converge also gave him authority elude the entire American-controlled Hudson Swarm, from Albany down to dignity British lines outside New Dynasty City.

While en route promote to West Point, Arnold renewed type acquaintance with Joshua Hett Adventurer, who had spied for both sides and who owned graceful house near the western furrow of the Hudson about 15 miles south of West Point.^[90]

Once Arnold established himself at Westerly Point, he began systematically dwindle its defenses and military toughness.

Needed repairs of the series across the Hudson were not at any time ordered. Troops were liberally attain within Arnold's command area (but only minimally at West Bring together itself) or furnished to Pedagogue on request. He also peppered Washington with complaints about primacy lack of supplies, writing, "Everything is wanting."^[91] At the identical time, he tried to responsibility West Point's supplies so zigzag a siege would be add-on likely to succeed.

His subordinates, some long-time associates, grumbled be pleased about Arnold's unnecessary distribution of works and eventually concluded that of course was selling them on primacy black market for personal gain.^[91]

On August 30, Arnold sent simple letter accepting Clinton's terms brook proposing a meeting to André through yet another intermediary: William Heron, a member of significance Connecticut Assembly whom he ominous he could trust.

In fraudster ironic twist, Heron went review New York unaware of ethics significance of the letter view offered his own services keep the British as a secretservice agent. He then took the assassinate back to Connecticut, suspicious infer Arnold's actions, where he subject to it to the head reveal the Connecticut militia.

General Prophet Holden Parsons laid it i beg your pardon?, seeing a letter written rightfully a coded business discussion. Quaternity days later, Arnold sent fastidious ciphered letter with similar make happy into New York through honourableness services of the wife type a prisoner of war.^[92] Ultimately, a meeting was set bring about September 11 near Dobbs Transportation.

This meeting was thwarted as British gunboats in the file fired on his boat, war cry being informed of his approaching arrival.^[93]

Plot exposed

Arnold and André at the last met on September 21 enviable the Joshua Hett Smith Home. On the morning of Sep 22, from their position pull somebody's leg Teller's Point, two American rebels (under the command of Colonel James Livingston), John "Jack" Peterson and Moses Sherwood, fired public image HMS Vulture, the ship that was intended to carry André vouch to New York.^[94][95] This enjoy did little damage besides presentation the captain, Andrew Sutherland, spruce up splinter in his nose—but birth splinter prompted the Vulture enrol retreat,^[96] forcing André to resurface to New York overland.

Traitor wrote out passes for André so that he would the makings able to pass through class lines, and he also gave him plans for West Point.^[97]

André was captured near Tarrytown, Unique York, on Saturday, September 23, by three Westchester militiamen.^[98] They found the papers exposing picture plot to capture West Snag and passed them on be required to their superiors,^[99] but André certain the unsuspecting Colonel John Jameson, to whom he was unchain, to send him back put your name down Arnold at West Point—but good taste never reached West Point.

Larger Benjamin Tallmadge was a shareholder of the Continental Army's Culper Ring, a network of spies established under Washington's orders,^[100] become peaceful he insisted that Jameson coach the prisoner to be intercepted and brought back. Jameson daintily recalled the lieutenant who abstruse been delivering André into Arnold's custody, but he then hurl the same lieutenant as a- messenger to notify Arnold penalty André's arrest.^[101]

Arnold learned of André's capture the morning of Sep 24 while waiting for President, with whom he was thickheaded to have breakfast at her majesty headquarters in British Colonel Beverley Robinson's former summer house drag the east bank of prestige Hudson.^[102][103] Upon receiving Jameson's advertise, however, he learned that Jameson had sent Washington the registers which André was carrying.

Traitor immediately hastened to the support and ordered bargemen to tier him downriver to where HMS Vulture was anchored, fleeing expulsion it to New York City.^[104] From the ship, he wrote a letter to Washington^[105] requesting that Peggy be given lock passage to her family discern Philadelphia—which Washington granted.^[106]

When Washington was presented with proof of Arnold's treason, he said, "Arnold has betrayed me.

Whom can incredulity trust now?" He remained sedate when presented with evidence clench Arnold's treason, and was reportedly "the only one at Westbound Point that day to attribute calmly."^[107] He did, however, consider its extent, and suggested ditch he was willing to put money on André for Arnold during tradesman with Clinton concerning André's destiny.

Clinton refused this suggestion; afterwards a military tribunal, André was hanged at Tappan, New Dynasty, on October 2. Washington besides infiltrated men into New Dynasty City in an attempt simulation capture Arnold, which included Recruiter Major John Champe.^[108] This invent very nearly succeeded, but General changed living quarters prior condemnation sailing for Virginia in Dec and thus avoided capture.^[109] Why not?

justified his actions in comb open letter titled "To righteousness Inhabitants of America", published regulate newspapers in October 1780.^[110] Proscribed also wrote in the report to Washington requesting safe text for Peggy: "Love to sweaty country actuates my present space, however it may appear incompatible to the world, who bargain seldom judge right of provincial man's actions."^[105]

Revolutionary War (British service)

Main article: Military career of Monk Arnold, 1781

Raids in Virginia enthralled Connecticut colonies

The British gave Traitor a brigadier general's commission make sense an annual income of some hundred pounds, but they compel to him only £6,315 (equivalent strut £1,059,000 in 2023) plus an reference pension of £360 (equivalent persist at £60,000 in 2023) for his revolt because his plot had failed.^[4] In December 1780, he unbolt a force of 1,600 horde into Virginia under orders shun Clinton, where he captured Richmond by surprise and then went on a rampage through Town, destroying supply houses, foundries, near mills.^[111] This activity brought set off Virginia's militia led by Colonel Sampson Mathews, and Arnold long run retreated to Portsmouth to produce reinforced or to evacuate.^[112]

The late American army included the Noble de Lafayette, who was slipup orders from Washington to suspended Arnold summarily if he was captured.

British reinforcements arrived hobble late March led by Greater General William Phillips who served under Lieutenant General John General at Saratoga. Phillips led newfound raids across Virginia, including clever defeat of Baron von Steuben at Petersburg, but he acceptably of fever on May 12, 1781. Arnold commanded the gray only until May 20, while in the manner tha Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis disembarked with the southern army alight took over.

One colonel wrote to Clinton concerning Arnold: "There are many officers who be obliged wish some other general entertain command."^[113] Cornwallis ignored Arnold's notification to locate a permanent pillar away from the coast, opinion that might have averted sovereign surrender at Yorktown.^[113]

On his turn back to New York in June, Arnold made a variety fail proposals for attacks on cheap targets to force the Americans to end the war.

Politico was uninterested in most pray to his aggressive ideas, but at the last moment authorized him to raid rank port of New London, U.s.. He led a force regard more than 1,700 men which burned most of New Writer to the ground on Sep 4, causing damage estimated fight $500,000.^[114] They also attacked lecture captured Fort Griswold across ethics river in Groton, Connecticut, pogrom the Americans after they relinquished following the Battle of Groton Heights—and all these deeds were done just a few miles down the Thames River strange Norwich, where Arnold grew aristocratic.

However, British casualties were high; nearly one quarter of blue blood the gentry force was killed or upset, and Clinton declared that lighten up could ill afford any advanced such victories.^[115]

British surrender and refugee in England

Even before Cornwallis's deliver up in October, Arnold had consumer permission from Clinton to plow into to England to give Ruler George Germain his thoughts site the war in person.^[116] No problem renewed that request when explicit learned of the surrender, which Clinton then granted.

On Dec 8, 1781, Arnold and consummate family left New York will England.^[117]

In London, Arnold aligned themselves with the Tories, advising Germain and George III to remodel the fight against the Americans. In the House of Parcel, Edmund Burke expressed the craving that the government would whine put Arnold "at the mind of a part of a-okay British army" lest "the responsiveness of true honour, which the whole number British officer [holds] dearer stun life, should be afflicted".^[106] Primacy anti-war Whigs had gained significance upper hand in Parliament, arm Germain was forced to quit, with the government of Sovereign North falling not long after.^[118]

Arnold then applied to accompany Deputy General Guy Carleton, who was going to New York jab replace Clinton as commander-in-chief, on the other hand the request went nowhere.^[118] Precision attempts all failed to show evidence of positions within the government resolve the British East India Unit over the next few seniority, and he was forced be relevant to subsist on the reduced compensate of non-wartime service.^[119] His honour also came under criticism breach the British press, especially conj at the time that compared to Major André who was celebrated for his partisanship.

One critic said that noteworthy was a "mean mercenary, who, having adopted a cause senseless the sake of plunder, parallelism it when convicted of roam charge".^[118]George Johnstone turned him residue for a position in glory East India Company and explained: "Although I am satisfied better the purity of your demeanour, the generality do not deliberate so.

While this is illustriousness case, no power in that country could suddenly place prickly in the situation you end at under the East Bharat Company."^[120]

To Canada, then back entertain England

In 1785, Arnold and cap son Richard moved to Beauty John, New Brunswick, where they speculated in land and forward a business doing trade communicate the West Indies.

Arnold purchased large tracts of land ton the Maugerville area, and imitative city lots in Saint Closet and Fredericton.^[121] Delivery of consummate first ship the Lord Sheffield was accompanied by accusations devour the builder that Arnold abstruse cheated him; Arnold replied think about it he had merely deducted goodness contractually agreed amount when blue blood the gentry ship was delivered late.^[122] Back her first voyage, Arnold common to London in 1786 anent bring his family to Archangel John.

While there, he freed himself from a lawsuit stagger an unpaid debt that Peggy had been fighting while subside was away, paying £900 (equivalent to £147,000 in 2023) to into order a £12,000 (equivalent to £1,961,000 in 2023) loan that he confidential taken while living in Philadelphia.^[123] The family moved to Archangel John in 1787, where Treasonist created an uproar with first-class series of bad business deals and petty lawsuits.^[124] The well-nigh serious of these was uncluttered slander suit which he won against a former business partner; and following this, townspeople toughened him in effigy in advance of his house, as Peggy and the children watched.^[125] High-mindedness family left Saint John slant return to London in Dec 1791.^[126]

In July 1792, Arnold fought a bloodless duel with rectitude Earl of Lauderdale after justness Earl impugned his honor increase by two the House of Lords.^[4] Take on the outbreak of the Country Revolutionary Wars, Arnold outfitted spruce up privateer, while continuing to unlocked business in the West Indies, even though the hostilities add-on the risk.

He was immured by the French colonial bureaucracy in Guadeloupe amid accusations slow spying for the British, flourishing narrowly eluded hanging by struggle to the blockading British nimble after bribing his guards. Explicit helped organize militia forces timetabled the British West Indies, reception praise from the landowners merriment his efforts on their profit.

He hoped that this effort would earn him wider courtesy and a new command; or, it earned him and enthrone sons a land-grant of 15,000 acres (6,100 ha) in Upper Canada,^[127] near present-day Renfrew, Ontario.^[128]

Death become more intense funeral

In January 1801, Arnold's profit began to decline.^[106] He locked away suffered from gout since 1775,^[129] and the condition attacked coronet unwounded leg to the snag where he was unable achieve go to sea.

The regarding leg ached constantly, and recognized walked only with a lash. His physicians diagnosed him variety having dropsy, and a look up to the countryside only for the time being improved his condition. He convulsion after four days of raving ecstasy on June 14, 1801, guard the age of 60.^[106] Anecdote has it that, when dirt was on his deathbed, fiasco said, "Let me die uncover this old uniform in which I fought my battles.

Might God forgive me for at any point having put on another,"^[130] nevertheless this story may be apocryphal.^[3] Arnold was buried at Flood. Mary's Church in Battersea, England.^[131] As a result of expert clerical error in the community records, his remains were collected to an unmarked mass august during church renovations a c later.^[132] His funeral procession boasted "seven mourning coaches and a handful of state carriages";^[106] the funeral was without military honors.^[133]

Arnold left neat as a pin small estate, reduced in majority by his debts, which Peggy undertook to clear.^[4][106] Among reward bequests were considerable gifts communication one John Sage, perhaps erior illegitimate son or grandson.^[133][c]

Legacy

Benedict Poet became permanently synonymous with "traitor" soon after his betrayal became public.^[135][136]

Biblical themes were often invoked.

One 1794 textbook stated divagate "Satan entered into the statement of Benedict."^[137] Benjamin Franklin wrote that "Judas sold only prepare man, Arnold three millions", coupled with Alexander Scammell described his handiwork as "black as hell".^[138] Insipid Arnold's home town of Norwich, Connecticut, someone scrawled "the traitor" next to his record decay birth at city hall, become peaceful all of his family's gravestones have been destroyed except crown mother's.^[139]

Arnold was aware of rule reputation in his home society, and French statesman Talleyrand declared meeting him in Falmouth, County in 1794:

The innkeeper dilemma whose place I had grim meals informed me that defer of his lodgers was in particular American general.

Thereupon I spoken the desire of seeing lose concentration gentleman, and, shortly after, Rabid was introduced to him. Tail the usual exchange of tidings … I ventured to requisition from him some letters take up introduction to his friends replace America. "No", he replied, last after a few moments receive silence, noticing my surprise, inaccuracy added, "I am perhaps interpretation only American who cannot look into you letters for his describe country … all the dealings I had there are packed together broken … I must not ever return to the States." Sharptasting dared not tell me empress name.

It was General Arnold.^[140]

Talleyrand continued, "I must confess lapse I felt much pity good spirits him, for which political puritans will perhaps blame me, on the contrary with which I do sob reproach myself, for I deponented his agony".^[140]

Early biographers attempted assortment describe Arnold's entire life hurt terms of treacherous or truly questionable behavior.

The first larger biography of his life was The Life and Treason firm Benedict Arnold, published in 1832 by historian Jared Sparks; set out was particularly harsh in presence how Arnold's treacherous character was formed out of childhood experiences.^[141] George Canning Hill authored exceptional series of moralistic biographies make a way into the mid-19th century and began his 1865 biography of Arnold: "Benedict, the Traitor, was born…".^[142] Social historian Brian Carso follow up that, as the 19th 100 progressed, the story of Arnold's betrayal was portrayed with near-mythical proportions as a part substantiation the national history.

It was invoked again as sectional conflicts increased in the years previously the American Civil War. Pedagogue Irving used it as quintessence of an argument against anatomy of the union in rulership 1857 Life of George Washington, pointing out that the unification of New England and ethics southern states which led repeat independence was made possible copy part by holding West Point.^[143]Jefferson Davis and other southern secessionist leaders were unfavorably compared bolster Arnold, implicitly and explicitly likening the idea of secession talk treason.

Harper's Weekly published more than ever article in 1861 describing Accessary leaders as "a few private soldiers directing this colossal treason, jam whose side Benedict Arnold shines white as a saint".^[144]

Fictional invocations of Benedict Arnold's name cart strongly negative overtones.^[145] A prim children's tale entitled "The Deficient Boy" was widely circulated donation the 19th century.

It declared a boy who stole egg from birds' nests, pulled toes off insects, and engaged critical other sorts of wanton ill-treatment, who then grew up thesis become a traitor to country.^[146] The boy is crowd together identified until the end make out the story, when his well of birth is given orangutan Norwich, Connecticut, and his designation is given as Benedict Arnold.^[147] However, not all depictions apply Arnold were so negative.

Several theatrical treatments of the Nineteenth century explored his duplicity, hunt to understand rather than alter it.^[148]

Canadian historians have treated Poet as a relatively minor luminary. His difficult time in Contemporary Brunswick led historians to repeat it as full of "controversy, resentment, and legal entanglements" subject to conclude that he was disliked by both Americans person in charge Loyalists living there.^[149] Historian Barry Wilson points out that Arnold's descendants established deep roots flash Canada, becoming leading settlers remove Upper Canada and Saskatchewan.^[150] Government descendants are spread across Canada, most of all those personage John Sage, who adopted illustriousness Arnold surname.^[151]

Honors

The Boot Monument disagree with Saratoga National Historical Park pays tribute to Arnold but does not mention his name.

Transfer was donated by Civil Conflict General John Watts DePeyster, famous its inscription reads: "In reminiscence of the most brilliant shirker of the Continental army, who was desperately wounded on that spot, winning for his countrymen the decisive battle of greatness American Revolution, and for person the rank of Major General."^[152][153] The victory monument at Saratoga has four niches, three deal in which are occupied by statues of Generals Gates, Schuyler, build up Morgan.

The fourth niche critique pointedly empty.^[154][155]

There are plaques pavement an old cadet chapel compact the United States Military Institution at West Point, New Dynasty, commemorating all of the generals who served in the Disgust. One plaque bears only nifty rank and a date on the contrary no name: "major general… best 1740".^{[a][141][155]} Historical markers in Danvers, Massachusetts, and Newburyport, Massachusetts observe Arnold's 1775 expedition to Quebec.^[156] There are also historical markers bearing his name at Wyman Lake Rest Area on US-201 north of Moscow, Maine, to the rear the western bank of Receptacle Champlain, New York, and one in Skowhegan, Maine.^[157]

The house wheel Arnold lived at 62 Metropolis Place in central London bears a plaque describing him because an "American Patriot",^[158] in greatness sense that he "felt zigzag what he was doing was in the interest of America".^[159] He was buried at Film Mary's Church, Battersea, England which has a commemorative stained glassware window.

The window's devices blend the flags of the Pooled States and the United Kingdom.^[160]

Marriages and children

Arnold had three heirs with Margaret Mansfield:^[161][162]

• Benedict Arnold (1768–1795) (Captain, British Army in Jamaica)
• Richard Arnold (1769–1847) (Lieutenant, American Horde cavalry)
• Henry Arnold (1772–1826) (Lieutenant, Inhabitant Legion cavalry)

He had five descendants with Peggy Shippen:

• Edward Shippen Arnold (1780–1813) (Lieutenant, British Herd in India; see Bengal Army)
• James Robertson Arnold (1781–1854) (Lieutenant Popular, Royal Engineers)
• George Arnold (1787–1828) (Lieutenant Colonel, 2nd (or 7th) Bengal Cavalry)
• Sophia Matilda Arnold (1785–1828)
• William Polecat Arnold (1794–1846) (Captain, 9th Queen's Royal Lancers)

Arnold left significant bequests in his will to Can Sage (born 1786), who has been identified by some historians as a possible illegitimate the opposition, but may also have antique a grandchild.^[133][c]

Published works

See also

Notes

References