It is what happened after 1775 that began to wear him down and bring on his disillusionment. Samuel Spring carried him to the makeshift hospital at the Htel Dieu. [1][7] Arnold was the fourth surviving member of his family named after his great-grandfather Benedict Arnold I, an early governor of the Colony of Rhode Island; his grandfather (Benedict Arnold II) and father, as well as an older brother who died in infancy, were also named for the colonial governor. And those of us with long memories can take some comfort that things didn't go much better for Arnold once he left the colonies to live in . During the Revolutionary War, West Point was known as Fort Arnold, but after Benedict Arnold's betrayal, it became known as Fort Clinton. Andr then drafted instructions to Stansbury and Arnold. It was donated by Civil War General John Watts DePeyster, and its inscription reads: "In memory of the most brilliant soldier of the Continental army, who was desperately wounded on this spot, winning for his countrymen the decisive battle of the American Revolution, and for himself the rank of Major General. [12] In 1757 when he was 16, he did enlist in the Connecticut militia, which marched off toward Albany, New York, and Lake George. Arnold was let off with just a slap on the wrist, but again his pride had been wounded. He grew resentful of several rival and younger generals who had been promoted ahead of him and given honors which he thought he deserved. [55], Andr conferred with Clinton, who gave him broad authority to pursue Arnold's offer. [50] There he participated in the first recorded Oath of Allegiance, along with many other soldiers, as a sign of loyalty to the United States.[51]. Arnold remained there until July 1781 and then returned to New York. Though the location was used for training cadets in engineering starting in 1794, it officially became the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1802. [134] Social historian Brian Carso notes that, as the 19th century progressed, the story of Arnold's betrayal was portrayed with near-mythical proportions as a part of the national history. [105] He also wrote in the letter to Washington requesting safe passage for Peggy: "Love to my country actuates my present conduct, however it may appear inconsistent to the world, who very seldom judge right of any man's actions. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. General Washington gave him a light reprimand, but it merely heightened Arnold's sense of betrayal; nonetheless, he had already opened negotiations with the British before his court martial even began. Arnold's Family Life Was Messy By The Time He Was 20. One colonel wrote to Clinton concerning Arnold: "There are many officers who must wish some other general in command. "[108] Cornwallis ignored Arnold's advice to locate a permanent base away from the coast, advice that might have averted his surrender at Yorktown. Background. Harper's Weekly published an article in 1861 describing Confederate leaders as "a few men directing this colossal treason, by whose side Benedict Arnold shines white as a saint". [89] Eventually, a meeting was set for September 11 near Dobb's Ferry. Benedict Arnold was an American Senior Officer during the Revolutionary War. Some historians suggested an Arnold liaison in New Brunswick, but Canadian historian Barry Wilson noted the weakness of this traditional account. In 1763, he repaid money that he had borrowed from the Lathrops,[17] repurchased the family homestead that his father had sold when deeply in debt, and re-sold it a year later for a substantial profit. He then presented the attack of Fort Ticonderoga. May God forgive me for ever having put on another,"[125] but this story may be apocryphal. But You Probably Don't Know His Whole Story Illustration showing Major General Benedict Arnold (1741 - 1801) rallying the American troops. General Parsons laid it aside, seeing a letter written as a coded business discussion. Many historians see her as having facilitated Arnold's plans to switch sides; he opened secret negotiations with her friend Andr, and she relayed their messages to each other. In an ironic twist, Heron went into New York unaware of the significance of the letter and offered his own services to the British as a spy. [13] A commonly accepted story that he deserted from militia service in 1758[14] is based on uncertain documentary evidence.[15]. [3] Arnold was buried at St. Mary's Church in Battersea, England. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. [132], Talleyrand continued, "I must confess that I felt much pity for him, for which political puritans will perhaps blame me, but with which I do not reproach myself, for I witnessed his agony". Benedict Arnold betrayed the Continental Army to the British when he made secret overtures to British headquarters in May 1779 and, a year later, informed the British of a proposed American invasion of Canada. Unable to obtain a regular commission in the British army, he later pursued various business ventures, including land speculation in Canada. [18] On one of his voyages, he fought a duel in Honduras with a British sea captain who had called him a "damned Yankee, destitute of good manners or those of a gentleman". He was named after his great-grandfather Benedict Arnold who was once governor of the colony of Connecticut. Yet as every elementary school student knows, Benedict reneged on his original commitment and defected to England. Updates? Thereupon I expressed the desire of seeing that gentleman, and, shortly after, I was introduced to him. Donald Trump has taken over from Benedict Arnold as "America's number one traitor," according to a group of veterans seeking to vote the president out of office this November. [103] Legend has it that, when he was on his deathbed, he said, "Let me die in this old uniform in which I fought my battles. Jameson reluctantly recalled the lieutenant who had been delivering Andr into Arnold's custody, but he then sent the same lieutenant as a messenger to notify Arnold of Andr's arrest. However, Arnold was a prominent figure in the American Revolution and, for a time, was a distinguished war hero who simply became . Washington Irving used it as part of an argument against dismemberment of the union in his 1857 Life of George Washington, pointing out that the unity of New England and the southern states which led to independence was made possible in part by holding West Point. The French had besieged Fort William Henry in northeastern New York, and their Indian allies had committed atrocities after their victory. His father was also called Benedict Arnold and his mother's name was Hannah Waterman King. [90], Arnold and Andr finally met on September 21 at the Joshua Hett Smith House. "[65] A few days later, Arnold wrote to Greene and lamented over the "deplorable" and "horrid" situation of the country at that particular moment, citing the depreciating currency, disaffection of the army, and internal fighting in Congress, while predicting "impending ruin" if things did not change soon. William Fitch Arnold (17941846) (Captain, Benedict Arnold, played by Curtis Caravaggio, is a one-time character in the episode "The Capture of Benedict Arnold" in the 2016-18 TV series, Courtwright, Julie. On June 16, Arnold inspected West Point while on his way home to Connecticut to take care of personal business, and he sent a highly detailed report through the secret channel. Benedict Arnold was born on January 14, 1741, in Norwich, Colony of Connecticut, British America. But despite all the financial and political reasons he had for his betrayal, it's possible it was actually about love. [34], Arnold then traveled to Montreal where he served as military commander of the city until forced to retreat by an advancing British army that had arrived at Quebec in May. "Since the fall of Lucifer," General Nathanial Greene judged, "nothing has equaled the fall of Arnold." Yet Arnold's accomplishments for the patriot cause were extraordinary. [48] However, he interpreted the manner in which they did so as an act of sympathy for his wounds, and not an apology or recognition that they were righting a wrong. When Arnold learned the following morning that Andr had been caught and that . [22] In a strange twist of fate, "the second most hated British . [63][64], Arnold had an extremely ambitious and jealous personality. After his leg healed, Benedict Arnold was named Military Governor of Philadelphia. British reinforcements arrived in late March led by William Phillips who served under Burgoyne at Saratoga. "[102], The British gave Arnold a brigadier general's commission with an annual income of several hundred pounds, but they paid him only 6,315 plus an annual pension of 360[b] for his defection because his plot had failed. Arnold mingled with Loyalist sympathizers in Philadelphia and married into a Loyalist family when he wedded Peggy Shippen. While this is the case, no power in this country could suddenly place you in the situation you aim at under the East India Company. Only action by Arnold's superior at Ticonderoga prevented his own arrest on countercharges leveled by Hazen. [103], Washington remained calm when he was presented with evidence of Arnold's treason. [19][20] The captain was wounded in the first exchange of gunfire, and he apologized when Arnold threatened to aim to kill on the second. [11], Arnold was very close to his mother, who died in 1759. The Portrayal of Benedict Arnold in American History", Military career of Benedict Arnold, 17751776, Military career of Benedict Arnold, 17771779, A Proclamation to the Officers and Soldiers of the Continental Army, "The Crypt Center Church on the Green New Haven, CT", 10.1093/anb/9780198606697.article.0200008, "Independence National Historical Park: History of the President's House", "The Culper Spy Ring American Revolution", "Loyal American Regiment Historical Treks", "Native Norwich Is Ignoring Benedict Arnold", "Benedict Arnold: The Aftermath Of Treason", Saratoga National Historical Park Tour Stop 7, "In Commemoration of Arnold's Expedition to Quebec", "Letter: Some recognize Gen. Arnold as true hero of the Revolutionary War", "By Brigadier-General Arnold, A proclamation to the officers and soldiers of the Continental army who have the real interest of their country at heart, and who are determined to be no longer the tools and dupes of Congress, or France [Signed]", "Netflix's America: The Motion Picture fails at just about everything", "Netflix's 'America: The Motion Picture' knows who its audience is. Arnold was planning to surrender the fort there to British forces, but the plot was discovered in September 1780, whereupon he fled to the British lines. Benedict Arnold was an enthusiastic patriot who believed passionately in the cause of American liberty. We largely don't even know who he is. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Arnold had three sons with Margaret Mansfield:[150][151]. [10] His apprenticeship with the Lathrops lasted seven years. Corrections? [25] On the night of January 28, 1767, he and members of his crew roughed up a man suspected of attempting to inform authorities of Arnold's smuggling. [40] In February 1777, he learned that he had been passed over by Congress for promotion to major general. [45] He then distinguished himself in both Battles of Saratoga, even though General Gates removed him from field command after the first battle, following a series of escalating disagreements and disputes that culminated in a shouting match. As a teenager, Arnold's family faced financial hardship. He then took the letter back to Connecticut, suspicious of Arnold's actions, where he delivered it to the head of the Connecticut militia. Working as a spy, Armistead gained the trust of General Cornwallis and Benedict Arnold,. This long after he lived, it would probably be impossible to know whether Benedict Arnold liked or disliked any particular food. He was also convicted of two minor charges of using his authority to make a profit. Arnold was aware of his reputation in his home country, and French statesman Talleyrand described meeting him in Falmouth, Cornwall in 1794: The innkeeper at whose place I had my meals informed me that one of his lodgers was an American general. [35], During these actions, Arnold made a number of friends and a larger number of enemies within the army power structure and in Congress. But the brash war herohe helped take Fort Ticonderoga and led troops. By the time that he was 14, there was no money for private education. This plan very nearly succeeded, but Arnold changed living quarters prior to sailing for Virginia in December and thus avoided capture. [113], Arnold then applied to accompany General Carleton, who was going to New York to replace Clinton as commander-in-chief, but the request went nowhere. [44], Arnold returned to the Hudson where General Gates had taken over command of the American army, which had retreated to a camp south of Stillwater. In December 1780, Arnold was given command of British forces sent to raid Virginia. He was well received by King George III and the Tories but frowned upon by the Whigs and most Army officers. Things to remember while reading excerpts from Americans' reactions to Benedict Arnold's treason: Before his betrayal (discovered in 1780), Benedict Arnold was a major American hero. His subordinates, some long-time associates, grumbled about Arnold's unnecessary distribution of supplies and eventually concluded that he was selling them on the black market for personal gain. The prisoner was dressed in miltary uniform. Historians have identified many possible factors contributing to Arnold's treason, while some debate their relative importance. [119] The most serious of these was a slander suit which he won against a former business partner; and following this, townspeople burned him in effigy in front of his house, as Peggy and the children watched. In that era, people ate most of the common foods without. [116] Delivery of his first ship the Lord Sheffield was accompanied by accusations from the builder that Arnold had cheated him; Arnold claimed that he had merely deducted the contractually agreed amount when the ship was delivered late. [86], Arnold's command at West Point also gave him authority over the entire American-controlled Hudson River, from Albany down to the British lines outside New York City. Needed repairs were never ordered on the chain across the Hudson. in George Athan Billias, ed., This page was last edited on 15 February 2023, at 10:05. He dared not tell me his name. [139] However, not all depictions of Arnold were so negative. The crowd of hundreds of people was quiet. [55], Arnold lived extravagantly in Philadelphia and was a prominent figure on the social scene. After the war, he petitioned to have Vermont become a state. [118] The family moved to Saint John in 1787, where Arnold created an uproar with a series of bad business deals and petty lawsuits. Troops were liberally distributed within Arnold's command area (but only minimally at West Point itself) or furnished to Washington on request. [81], Early in April, Philip Schuyler had approached Arnold with the possibility of giving him the command at West Point. This was the last straw. When in February 1777 Congress created five new major generalships, Arnold was passed over in favour of his juniors. In 1775, when the war began, he was a merchant operating ships in the Atlantic Ocean. Scholastica, the founder of the Benedictine sisters, was Benedict's sister. Benedict Arnold [113] Other attempts all failed to gain positions within the government or the British East India Company over the next few years, and he was forced to subsist on the reduced pay of non-wartime service. The house where Arnold lived at 62 Gloucester Place in central London bears a plaque describing him as an "American Patriot". Arnold was born in Connecticut. Discussions had not borne fruit between Schuyler and Washington by early June. Phillips led further raids across Virginia, including a defeat of Baron von Steuben at Petersburg, but he died of fever on May 12, 1781. Historians have several theories about why Arnold became a traitor: greed; mounting debt; resentment of other officers; a hatred of the Continental Congress; and a desire for the colonies to remain under British rule. He had established a decent relationship with George Washington, as well as Philip Schuyler and Horatio Gates, both of whom had command of the army's Northern Department during 1775 and 1776. Benedict Arnold began the Revolutionary War as a militia captain. [138] The boy is not identified until the end of the story, when his place of birth is given as Norwich, Connecticut, and his name is given as Benedict Arnold. Arnold wrote out passes for Andr so that he would be able to pass through the lines, and he also gave him plans for West Point. Benjamin Franklin wrote that "Judas sold only one man, Arnold three millions", and Alexander Scammell described his actions as "black as hell". He was enrolled in a private school in nearby Canterbury, Connecticut, when he was 10, with the expectation that he would eventually attend Yale College. [106] This activity brought out Virginia's militia led by Colonel Sampson Mathews, and Arnold eventually retreated to Portsmouth to be reinforced or to evacuate. 1.Saint Benedict was a teenager when he became a monk. "[144] The victory monument at Saratoga has four niches, three of which are occupied by statues of Generals Gates, Schuyler, and Morgan. [75], Arnold's court martial on charges of profiteering began meeting on June 1, 1779, but it was delayed until December 1779 by Clinton's capture of Stony Point, New York, throwing the army into a flurry of activity to react. At first, he asked for indemnification of his losses and 10,000,[b] an amount that the Continental Congress had given Charles Lee for his services in the Continental Army. According to W. D. Wetherell, he was: [A]mong the hardest human beings to understand in American history. Arnold repeatedly claimed that he was being passed over for promotion by the Continental Congress, and that other officers were being given credit for some of his accomplishments. [126] As a result of a clerical error in the parish records, his remains were removed to an unmarked mass grave during church renovations a century later. [142] His descendants are spread across Canada, most of all those of John Sage, who adopted the Arnold surname. Bettmann / Corbis "You have five. [77] Arnold worked over the next few months to publicize this fact; however, Washington published a formal rebuke of his behavior in early April, just one week after he had congratulated Arnold on the birth of his son Edward Shippen Arnold on March 19:[78], The Commander-in-Chief would have been much happier in an occasion of bestowing commendations on an officer who had rendered such distinguished services to his country as Major General Arnold; but in the present case, a sense of duty and a regard to candor oblige him to declare that he considers his conduct [in the convicted actions] as imprudent and improper. Washington was one of the few who genuinely liked and admired him, but Arnold thought that Washington had betrayed him. For several years before he . For a time, he was a successful businessman, but after yellow fever took the lives of three of the Arnold children, the patriarch was devastated. general, has a name that's become synonymous with deceit and. 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