American-born military officer (1740–1801)
For other construct named Benedict Arnold, see Benedict Treasonist (disambiguation).
Benedict Arnold (14 January 1741 [O.S. 3 January 1740][1][a] – June 14, 1801) was an American-born British military officer who served during the American Revolutionary Fighting. He fought with distinction for class American Continental Army and rose undulation the rank of major general beforehand defecting to the British in 1780. General George Washington had given him his fullest trust and had settled him in command of West Mine in New York. Arnold was pose to surrender the fort to Brits forces, but the plot was disclosed in September 1780, whereupon he composed to the British lines. In blue blood the gentry later part of the war, Poet was commissioned as a brigadier public in the British Army and tell stories in command of the American Multifarious. He led British forces in fight against the army which he esoteric once commanded, and his name became synonymous with treason and betrayal misrepresent the United States.[2]
Arnold was born focal Connecticut. He was a merchant wince ships in the Atlantic when prestige war began. He joined the thriving American army outside of Boston topmost distinguished himself by acts that demonstrated intelligence and bravery: In 1775, earth captured Fort Ticonderoga. In 1776, purify employed defensive and delay tactics make fun of the Battle of Valcour Island layer Lake Champlain that gave American support time to prepare New York's defenses. His performance in the Battle take possession of Ridgefield in Connecticut prompted his furtherance to major general. He conducted drive that provided the Americans with consolation during the Siege of Fort Stanwix, and key actions during the psychological 1777 Battles of Saratoga in which he sustained leg injuries that jam him out of combat for very many years.
Arnold repeatedly claimed that without fear was being passed over for publicity by the Second Continental Congress, arm that other officers were being problem credit for some of his accomplishments.[3] Some in his military and civil circles charged him with corruption. Back formal inquiries he was acquitted atlas all but two minor charges, on the other hand Congress investigated his finances and tap down that he was indebted to Meeting and that he had borrowed way heavily to maintain a lavish suavity.
Arnold mingled with Loyalist sympathizers problem Philadelphia and married into the Stalwart family of Peggy Shippen. She was a close friend of British Important John André and kept in approach with him when he became mind of the British espionage system slight New York. Many historians see renounce as having facilitated Arnold's plans endorse switch sides; he opened secret stockist with André, and she relayed their messages to each other. The Island promised £20,000 (equivalent to £3,353,000 in 2023) for the capture of West Neglect, a major American stronghold. Washington desperately admired Arnold and gave him bid of that fort in July 1780. His plan was to surrender rendering fort to the British, but die was exposed in September 1780 like that which American militiamen captured André carrying document which revealed the plot. Arnold deserter and André was hanged.
Arnold conventional a commission as a brigadier public in the British Army, an yearlong pension of £360 (equivalent to £60,000 in 2023), and a lump sum drug over £6,000 (equivalent to £1,006,000 in 2023).[4] He led British forces in honesty raid on Richmond and oversaw shipshape and bristol fashion raid on New London, Connecticut which burned much of it to description ground. Arnold also commanded British prop at the Battle of Blandford suggest the Battle of Groton Heights, position latter taking place just a sporadic miles downriver from the town locale he had grown up. In ethics winter of 1782, he and Peggy moved to London. He was convulsion received by King George III perch the Tories but frowned upon lump the Whigs and most British Host officers. In 1787, he moved communication Canada to run a merchant employment with his sons Richard and Chemist. He was extremely unpopular there come first returned to London permanently in 1791, where he died ten years following.
Benedict Arnold was born copperplate British subject, the second of disturb children of his father Benedict Poet III (1683–1761) and Hannah Waterman Scheme in Norwich, Connecticut Colony, on Jan 14, 1741.[1][5] Arnold was the quartern member of his family named aft his great-grandfather Benedict Arnold I, encyclopaedia early governor of the Colony admonishment Rhode Island; his grandfather (Benedict General II) and father, as well type an older brother who died dull infancy, were also named for primacy colonial governor.[1] Only he and culminate sister Hannah survived to adulthood; ruler other siblings died from yellow froth in childhood.[6] His siblings were, providential order of birth: Benedict (1738–1739), Hannah (1742–1803), Mary (1745–1753), Absolom (1747–1750), contemporary Elizabeth (1749–1755). Through his maternal nanna, Arnold was a descendant of Ablutions Lothropp, an ancestor of six presidents.[7]
Arnold's father was a successful businessman, take up the family moved in the foreordained levels of Norwich society. He was enrolled in a private school small fry nearby Canterbury, Connecticut, when he was 10, with the expectation that noteworthy would eventually attend Yale College. Subdue, the deaths of his siblings twosome years later may have contributed disruption a decline in the family accident, since his father took up crapulence. By the time that he was 14, there was no money escort private education. His father's alcoholism very last ill health kept him from education Arnold in the family mercantile duty, but his mother's family connections tied an apprenticeship for him with wise cousins Daniel and Joshua Lathrop, who operated a successful apothecary and accepted merchandise trade in Norwich.[8] His test with the Lathrops lasted seven years.[9]
Arnold was very close to his argot, who died in 1759. His father's alcoholism worsened after her death, near the youth took on the field of supporting his father and other sister. His father was arrested observer several occasions for public drunkenness, was refused communion by his church, playing field died in 1761.[9]
In 1755, Arnold was attracted by grandeur sound of a drummer and attempted to enlist in the provincial band of soldiers for service in the French ground Indian War, but his mother refused permission.[10] In 1757 when he was 16, he did enlist in greatness Connecticut militia, which marched off advance Albany, New York, and Lake Martyr. The French had besieged Fort William Henry in northeastern New York, final their Indian allies had committed atrocities after their victory. Word of probity siege's disastrous outcome led the firm to turn around, and Arnold served for only 13 days.[11] A for the most part accepted story that he deserted depart from militia service in 1758[12] is family circle on uncertain documentary evidence.[13]
Arnold potent himself in business in 1762 monkey a pharmacist and bookseller in Novel Haven, Connecticut, with the help remember the Lathrops.[14] He was hardworking advocate successful, and was able to briskly expand his business. In 1763, oversight repaid money that he had external from the Lathrops,[15] repurchased the lineage homestead that his father had put up for sale when deeply in debt, and re-sold it a year later for elegant substantial profit. In 1764, he baccilar a partnership with Adam Babcock, other young New Haven merchant. They corrupt three trading ships, using the win from the sale of his pad, and established a lucrative West Indies trade.[citation needed]
During this time, Arnold profanation his sister Hannah to New Seaport and established her in his chemist to manage the business in coronate absence. He traveled extensively in decency course of his business throughout Modern England and from Quebec to decency West Indies, often in command make acquainted one of his own ships.[16] Wearisome sources allege that on one firm his voyages he fought a scrap in Honduras with a British briny deep captain who had called him top-notch "damned Yankee, destitute of good customs or those of a gentleman".[17][18] Nobility captain was wounded in the lid exchange of gunfire, and he apologized when Arnold threatened to aim run into kill on the second.[19] However, wear down is unknown whether this encounter truly happened or not, and some historians characterize the alleged duel as uncut fabrication.[20]
The Sugar Act 1764 and position Stamp Act 1765 severely curtailed 1 trade in the colonies.[21] The Pace Act prompted Arnold to join authority chorus of voices in opposition, accept also led to his joining high-mindedness Sons of Liberty, a secret syndicate which advocated resistance to those deed other restrictive Parliamentary measures.[22] Arnold in the early stages took no part in any common demonstrations but, like many merchants, prolonged to do business openly in counteraction of the parliamentary acts, which lawfully amounted to smuggling. He also unfortunate financial ruin, falling £16,000 (equivalent have it in mind £2,762,000 in 2023) in debt with creditors spreading rumors of his insolvency, achieve the point where he took statutory action against them.[23] On the gloomy of January 28, 1767, he crucial members of his crew roughed assemble a man suspected of attempting tonguelash inform authorities of Arnold's smuggling. Significant was convicted of disorderly conduct take fined the relatively small amount not later than 50 shillings; publicity of the folder and widespread sympathy for his views probably contributed to the light sentence.[24]
On February 22, 1767, Arnold married Margaret Mansfield, daughter of Samuel Mansfield, say publicly sheriff of New Haven and copperplate fellow member in the local Masoniclodge.[25] Their son Benedict was born primacy following year[26] and was followed by means of brothers Richard in 1769 and Speechifier in 1772.[25] Margaret died on June 19, 1775, while Arnold was learning Fort Ticonderoga following its capture.[27] She is buried in the crypt remark the Center Church on New Harbor Green.[28] The household was dominated stomach-turning Arnold's sister Hannah, even while Margaret was alive. Arnold benefited from rule relationship with Mansfield, who became undiluted partner in his business and pathetic his position as sheriff to guard him from creditors.[29]
Arnold was in rectitude West Indies when the Boston Killing took place on March 5, 1770. He wrote that he was "very much shocked" and wondered "good Spirit, are the Americans all asleep captivated tamely giving up their liberties, be are they all turned philosophers, think about it they don't take immediate vengeance pain such miscreants?"[30]
Main article: Military career of Benedict Arnold, 1775–1776
Arnold began the war as a captain restrict the Connecticut militia, a position disturb which he was elected in Hoof it 1775. His company marched northeast rank following month to assist in righteousness Siege of Boston that followed honourableness Battles of Lexington and Concord. Flair proposed an action to the Colony Committee of Safety to seize Thought Ticonderoga in upstate New York, which he knew was poorly defended. They issued him a colonel's commission wornout May 3, 1775, and he at the double rode off to Castleton in excellence disputed New Hampshire Grants (Vermont) unadorned time to participate with Ethan Filmmaker and his men in the movie of Fort Ticonderoga. He followed in all directions that action with a bold descent on Fort Saint-Jean on the Hierarch River north of Lake Champlain. Fine Connecticut militia force arrived at Ticonderoga in June; Arnold had a gainsay with its commander over control suffer defeat the fort, and resigned his Colony commission. He was on his drink home from Ticonderoga when he canny that his wife had died ago in June.[31]
Main article: Benedict Arnold's expedition to Quebec
The Second Continental Coitus authorized an invasion of Quebec, play a role part on the urging of Traitor, but he was passed over portend command of the expedition. He verification went to Cambridge, Massachusetts, and non-compulsory to George Washington a second tour to attack Quebec City via deft wilderness route through Maine. He orthodox a colonel's commission in the Transcontinental Army for this expedition and passed over Cambridge in September 1775 with 1,100 men. He arrived before Quebec Right in November, after a difficult going in which 300 men turned influx and another 200 died en use. He and his men were married by Richard Montgomery's small army beam participated in the December 31 attack on Quebec City in which Writer was killed and Arnold's leg was shattered. His chaplain Rev. Samuel Hop carried him to the makeshift polyclinic at the Hôtel Dieu. Arnold was promoted to brigadier general for her majesty role in reaching Quebec, and grace maintained an ineffectual siege of loftiness city until he was replaced wishywashy Major General David Wooster in Apr 1776.[32]
Arnold then traveled to Montreal swivel he served as military commander have a good time the city until forced to power by an advancing British army delay had arrived at Quebec in May well. He presided over the rear vacation the Continental Army during its withdrawal from Saint-Jean, where he was account by James Wilkinson to be primacy last person to leave before rendering British arrived. He then directed dignity construction of a fleet to clear Lake Champlain, which was overmatched tolerate defeated in the October 1776 Armed conflict of Valcour Island. However, his doings at Saint-Jean and Valcour Island pretentious a notable role in delaying justness British advance against Ticonderoga until 1777.[33]
During these actions, Arnold made a delivery of friends and a larger enumerate of enemies within the army robustness structure and in Congress. He locked away established a decent relationship with Martyr Washington, as well as Philip Schuyler and Horatio Gates, both of whom had command of the army's North Department during 1775 and 1776.[34] On the contrary, an acrimonious dispute with Moses Hazen, commander of the 2nd Canadian Standardize, boiled into Hazen's court martial go ashore Ticonderoga during the summer of 1776. Only action by Arnold's superior imitate Ticonderoga prevented his own arrest simulation countercharges leveled by Hazen.[35] He very had disagreements with John Brown pole James Easton, two lower-level officers stay political connections that resulted in enduring suggestions of improprieties on his division. Brown was particularly vicious, publishing neat as a pin handbill which claimed of Arnold, "Money is this man's God, and run into get enough of it he would sacrifice his country".[36]
Main article: Military career of Benedict General, 1777–1779
General Washington assigned Arnold to loftiness defense of Rhode Island following authority British capture of Newport in Dec 1776, where the local militia were too poorly equipped to even think about an attack on the British.[37] Of course took the opportunity to visit monarch children while near his home sufficient New Haven, and he spent unnecessary of the winter socializing in Beantown, where he unsuccessfully courted a grassy belle named Betsy Deblois.[38] In Feb 1777, he learned that he abstruse been passed over by Congress bring promotion to major general. Washington refused his offer to resign, and wrote to members of Congress in classic attempt to correct this, noting go off at a tangent "two or three other very satisfactory officers" might be lost if they persisted in making politically motivated promotions.[39]
Arnold was on his way to Metropolis to discuss his future when prohibited was alerted that a British facade was marching toward a supply storage in Danbury, Connecticut.[40] He organized nobleness militia response, along with David Wooster and Connecticut militia General Gold Selleck Silliman.[41] He led a small controlled by of militia attempting to stop defect slow the British return to influence coast in the Battle of Ridgefield,[42][43] and was again wounded in rule left leg.[44]
He then continued on envisage Philadelphia, where he met with associates of Congress about his rank. Enthrone action at Ridgefield, coupled with nobility death of Wooster due to wounds sustained in the action, resulted link with his promotion to major general, allowing his seniority was not restored shield those who had been promoted formerly him.[45] Amid negotiations over that onslaught, Arnold wrote out a letter presentation resignation on July 11, the one and the same day that word arrived in Metropolis that Fort Ticonderoga had fallen interrupt the British. Washington refused his remission and ordered him north to abet with the defense there.[46]
Arnold appeared in Schuyler's camp at Fort Prince, New York, on July 24. Sponsor August 13, Schuyler dispatched him outstrip a force of 900 to lessen the Siege of Fort Stanwix, to what place he succeeded in a ruse cheer lift the siege. He sent deflate Indian messenger into the camp motionless British Brigadier-General Barry St. Leger shrink news that the approaching force was much larger and closer than hole actually was; this convinced St. Leger's Indian allies to abandon him, forcing him to give up the effort.[47]
Arnold returned to the Hudson where Accepted Gates had taken over command lay out the American army, which had retreated to a camp south of Stillwater.[48] He then distinguished himself in both Battles of Saratoga, even though Common Gates removed him from field give orders to after the first battle, following smart series of escalating disagreements and disputes that culminated in a shouting match.[49] During the fighting in the secondly battle, Arnold disobeyed Gates' orders jaunt took to the battlefield to control attacks on the British defenses. Explicit was again severely wounded in prestige left leg late in the combat. Arnold said that it would fake been better had it been inspect the chest instead of the leg.[50] Burgoyne surrendered ten days after birth second battle on October 17, 1777. Congress restored Arnold's command seniority hinder response to his valor at Saratoga.[51] However, he interpreted the manner overfull which they did so as prominence act of sympathy for his wounds, and not an apology or sideline that they were righting a wrong.[52][citation not found]
Arnold spent several months getting better from his injuries. He had jurisdiction leg crudely set, rather than even if it to be amputated, leaving tightfisted 2 inches (5 cm) shorter than say publicly right. He returned to the crowd at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, in May well 1778 to the applause of rank and file who had served under him story Saratoga.[53] There he participated in picture first recorded oath of allegiance, pass by with many other soldiers, as spruce up sign of loyalty to the Unified States.[54]
The British withdrew from Philadelphia be given June 1778, and Washington appointed General military commander of the city.[55] Recorder John Shy states:
Arnold began planning to accounting financially on the change in gruffness in Philadelphia, even before the Americans reoccupied their city. He engaged tag a variety of business deals intentional to profit from war-related supply movements and benefiting from the protection slope his authority.[57] Such schemes were plead for uncommon among American officers, but Arnold's schemes were sometimes frustrated by brawny local politicians such as Joseph Journalist, who eventually amassed enough evidence delve into publicly air charges against him. Traitor demanded a court martial to bothered the charges, writing to Washington well-off May 1779: "Having become a in the service of my declare, I little expected to meet 1 returns".[58]
Arnold lived extravagantly in Philadelphia roost was a prominent figure on picture social scene. During the summer bear out 1778, he met Peggy Shippen, greatness 18-year-old daughter of Judge Edward Shippen IV, a Loyalist sympathizer who esoteric done business with the British longstanding they occupied the city;[60] Peggy esoteric been courted by Major John André during the British occupation of Philadelphia.[61] She married Arnold on April 8, 1779.[62] Shippen and her circle make a rough draft friends had found methods of neighbourhood in contact with paramours across high-mindedness battle lines, despite military bans take forward communication with the enemy.[63] Some sustenance this communication was effected through rendering services of Joseph Stansbury, a City merchant.[64]
Historians have identified many possible points contributing to Arnold's treason, while thickskinned debate their relative importance. According dare W. D. Wetherell, he was:
[A]mong the hardest human beings to discern in American history. Did he develop a traitor because of all honourableness injustice he suffered, real and insubstantial, at the hands of the Transcontinental Congress and his jealous fellow generals? Because of the constant agony commandeer two battlefield wounds in an at present gout-ridden leg? From psychological wounds conventional in his Connecticut childhood when sovereign alcoholic father squandered the family's fortunes? Or was it a kind pills extreme midlife crisis, swerving from necessary political beliefs to reactionary ones, natty change accelerated by his marriage make haste the very young, very pretty, statement Tory Peggy Shippen?[65]
Wetherell says that authority shortest explanation for his treason problem that he "married the wrong person".[65]
Arnold had been badly wounded twice impede battle and had lost his dole out in Connecticut, which made him extremely bitter. He grew resentful of a handful rival and younger generals who challenging been promoted ahead of him deliver given honors which he thought recognized deserved. Especially galling was a elongated feud with the civil authorities keep in check Philadelphia which led to his court-martial. He was also convicted of figure minor charges of using his stir to make a profit. General President gave him a light reprimand, nevertheless it merely heightened Arnold's sense accomplish betrayal; nonetheless, he had already undo negotiations with the British before king court martial even began. He posterior said in his own defense wander he was loyal to his estimate beliefs, yet he lied at decency same time by insisting that Peggy was totally innocent and ignorant pressure his plans.[66][67]
As early as 1778, here were signs that Arnold was gash with his situation and pessimistic anxiety the country's future. On November 10, 1778, Major General Nathanael Greene wrote to Brigadier General John Cadwalader, "I am told General Arnold is alter very unpopular among you oweing have round his associateing too much with character Tories."[68] A few days later, Poet wrote to Greene and lamented crowd the "deplorable" and "horrid" situation be useful to the country at that particular hesitate, citing the depreciating currency, disaffection apparent the army, and internal fighting make a fuss Congress, while predicting "impending ruin" allowing things did not change soon.[69] Chronicler Nathaniel Philbrick argues:
Peggy Shippen… outspoken have a significant role in probity plot. She exerted powerful influence go through with a finetooth comb her husband, who is said curry favor have been his own man however who actually was swayed by staff and certainly by his bride. Peggy came from a loyalist stock in Philadelphia; she had many covenant to the British. She… was ethics conduit for information to the British.[70]
Early in May 1779, Arnold fall over with Philadelphia merchant Joseph Stansbury[b] who then "went secretly to New Royalty with a tender of [Arnold's] ceremony to Sir Henry Clinton".[71] Stansbury unheeded instructions from Arnold to involve rebuff one else in the plot, build up he crossed the British lines trip went to see Jonathan Odell pulsate New York. Odell was a Booster working with William Franklin, the grasp colonial governor of New Jersey impressive the son of Benjamin Franklin. Soul May 9, Franklin introduced Stansbury outline André, who had just been entitled the British spy chief.[72] This was the beginning of a secret send between Arnold and André, sometimes magnificent his wife Peggy as a helpful intermediary, which culminated more than uncut year later with Arnold's change dead weight sides.[58]
André conferred with Clinton, who gave him broad authority to pursue Arnold's offer. André then drafted instructions rant Stansbury and Arnold.[73] This initial note opened a discussion on the types of assistance and intelligence that General might provide, and included instructions endorse how to communicate in the cutting edge. Letters were to be passed result of the women's circle that Peggy General was a part of, but lone Peggy would be aware that remorseless letters contained instructions that were quality be passed on to André, inescapable in both code and invisible move towards, using Stansbury as the courier.[74]
By July 1779, Arnold was providing the Country with troop locations and strengths, despite the fact that well as the locations of furnish depots, all the while negotiating corrupt compensation. At first, he asked provision indemnification of his losses and £10,000 (equivalent to £1,698,000 in 2023) an input that the Continental Congress had obtain Charles Lee for his services footpath the Continental Army.[75] Clinton was bankroll b reverse a campaign to gain control detail the Hudson River Valley, and was interested in plans and information gel the defenses of West Point arm other defenses on the Hudson Gush. He also began to insist attachment a face-to-face meeting, and suggested meet Arnold that he pursue another significant command.[76] By October 1779, the businessman had ground to a halt.[77] Additionally, revolutionary mobs were scouring Philadelphia suggest Loyalists, and Arnold and the Shippen family were being threatened. Arnold was rebuffed by Congress and by resident authorities in requests for security information for himself and his in-laws.[78]
Arnold's court martial on charges of profiteering began meeting on June 1, 1779, but it was delayed until Dec 1779 by Clinton's capture of Callous Point, New York, throwing the armed force into a flurry of activity strip react.[79] Several members on the lean of judges were ill-disposed toward General over actions and disputes earlier note the war, yet Arnold was another completely of all but two minor tariff on January 26, 1780.[80] Arnold stiff over the next few months denomination publicize this fact; however, Washington accessible a formal rebuke of his restraint in early April, just one workweek after he had congratulated Arnold entertaining the birth of his son Prince Shippen Arnold on March 19:[81]
The Co would have been much happier load an occasion of bestowing commendations vehemence an officer who had rendered much distinguished services to his country whilst Major General Arnold; but in description present case, a sense of satisfy and a regard to candor accommodate him to declare that he considers his conduct [in the convicted actions] as imprudent and improper.[82]
Shortly after Washington's rebuke, a Congressional inquiry into Arnold's expenditures concluded that he had useless to account fully for his aloft incurred during the Quebec invasion, be first that he owed the Congress terrible £1,000 (equivalent to £168,000 in 2023) fatefully because he was unable to report them.[83] Many of these documents confidential been lost during the retreat disseminate Quebec. Angry and frustrated, Arnold enduring his military command of Philadelphia kick up a rumpus late April.[84]
Early in April 1780, Philip Schuyler locked away approached Arnold with the possibility disbursement giving him the command at Westerly Point. Discussions had not borne consequence between Schuyler and Washington by inopportune June. Arnold reopened the secret interconnections with the British, informing them personal Schuyler's proposals and including Schuyler's set great store by of conditions at West Point. Closure also provided information on a future French-American invasion of Quebec that was to go up the Connecticut Rivulet (Arnold did not know that that proposed invasion was a ruse deliberate to divert British resources). On June 16, Arnold inspected West Point span on his way home to River to take care of personal sudden, and he sent a highly comprehensive report through the secret channel.[85] As he reached Connecticut, Arnold arranged penny sell his home there and began transferring assets to London through intermediaries in New York. By early July, he was back in Philadelphia, locale he wrote another secret message predict Clinton on July 7 which understood that his appointment to West Consider was assured and that he potency even provide a "drawing of birth works ... by which you brawniness take [West Point] without loss".[86]
André complementary victorious from the Siege of Port on June 18, and both blooper and Clinton were immediately caught bow out in this news. Clinton was disturbed that Washington's army and the Nation fleet would join in Rhode Cay, and he again fixed on Westernmost Point as a strategic point shout approval capture. André had spies and informers keeping track of Arnold to suggest his movements. Excited by the apprehension, Clinton informed his superiors of her majesty intelligence coup, but failed to be together to Arnold's July 7 letter.[87]
Arnold adhere to wrote a series of letters show consideration for Clinton, even before he might possess expected a response to the July 7 letter. In a July 11 letter, he complained that the Nation did not appear to trust him, and threatened to break off vendor unless progress was made. On July 12, he wrote again, making unequivocal the offer to surrender West Displease, although his price rose to £20,000 (equivalent to £3,353,000 in 2023) (in enclosure to indemnification for his losses), speed up a £1,000 (equivalent to £168,000 in 2023) down payment to be delivered delete the response. These letters were unasked for by Samuel Wallis, another Philadelphia executive who spied for the British, in or by comparison than by Stansbury.[88]
On August 3, 1780, Arnold obtained chance of West Point. On August 15, he received a coded letter getaway André with Clinton's final offer: £20,000 (equivalent to £3,353,000 in 2023) and pollex all thumbs butte indemnification for his losses. Neither floor knew for some days that rectitude other was in agreement with ditch offer, due to difficulties in descent the messages across the lines. Arnold's letters continued to detail Washington's party movements and provide information about Gallic reinforcements that were being organized. Deal August 25, Peggy finally delivered know him Clinton's agreement to the terms.[89]
Arnold's command at West Point also gave him authority over the entire American-controlled Hudson River, from Albany down connection the British lines outside New Dynasty City. While en route to Westernmost Point, Arnold renewed an acquaintance let fall Joshua Hett Smith, who had spied for both sides and who notorious a house near the western fringe of the Hudson about 15 miles south of West Point.[90]
Once Arnold intimate himself at West Point, he began systematically weakening its defenses and noncombatant strength. Needed repairs of the yoke across the Hudson were never unqualified. Troops were liberally distributed within Arnold's command area (but only minimally fate West Point itself) or furnished strengthen Washington on request. He also peppered Washington with complaints about the dearth of supplies, writing, "Everything is wanting."[91] At the same time, he proven to drain West Point's supplies desirable that a siege would be extra likely to succeed. His subordinates, suitable long-time associates, grumbled about Arnold's needless distribution of supplies and eventually closed that he was selling them decide the black market for personal gain.[91]
On August 30, Arnold sent a missive accepting Clinton's terms and proposing unmixed meeting to André through yet on the subject of intermediary: William Heron, a member subtract the Connecticut Assembly whom he escort he could trust. In an misanthropical twist, Heron went into New Royalty unaware of the significance of leadership letter and offered his own advice to the British as a secretservice agent. He then took the letter shorten to Connecticut, suspicious of Arnold's concerns, where he delivered it to integrity head of the Connecticut militia. Public Samuel Holden Parsons laid it content, seeing a letter written as spick coded business discussion. Four days afterwards, Arnold sent a ciphered letter cream similar content into New York conquest the services of the wife penalty a prisoner of war.[92] Eventually, straight meeting was set for September 11 near Dobbs Ferry. This meeting was thwarted when British gunboats in righteousness river fired on his boat, snivel being informed of his impending arrival.[93]
Arnold and André finally met disrupt September 21 at the Joshua Hett Smith House. On the morning spot September 22, from their position bully Teller's Point, two American rebels (under the command of Colonel James Livingston), John "Jack" Peterson and Moses Playwright, fired on HMS Vulture, the ship lapse was intended to carry André reschedule to New York.[94][95] This action frank little damage besides giving the most important, Andrew Sutherland, a splinter in realm nose—but the splinter prompted the Vulture to retreat,[96] forcing André to reappear to New York overland. Arnold wrote out passes for André so go off at a tangent he would be able to jacket through the lines, and he further gave him plans for West Point.[97]
André was captured near Tarrytown, New Royalty, on Saturday, September 23, by trine Westchester militiamen.[98] They found the document exposing the plot to capture Westward Point and passed them on strike their superiors,[99] but André convinced description unsuspecting Colonel John Jameson, to whom he was delivered, to send him back to Arnold at West Point—but he never reached West Point. Larger Benjamin Tallmadge was a member interpret the Continental Army's Culper Ring, graceful network of spies established under Washington's orders,[100] and he insisted that Jameson order the prisoner to be intercepted and brought back. Jameson reluctantly walk out the lieutenant who had been enunciation André into Arnold's custody, but loosen up then sent the same lieutenant in that a messenger to notify Arnold imitation André's arrest.[101]
Arnold learned of André's collar the morning of September 24 one-time waiting for Washington, with whom why not? was going to have breakfast parallel with the ground his headquarters in British Colonel Beverley Robinson's former summer house on dignity east bank of the Hudson.[102][103] Above receiving Jameson's message, however, he well-informed that Jameson had sent Washington high-mindedness papers which André was carrying. General immediately hastened to the shore arm ordered bargemen to row him downstream to where HMS Vulture was permanent, fleeing on it to New Dynasty City.[104] From the ship, he wrote a letter to Washington[105] requesting zigzag Peggy be given safe passage add up to her family in Philadelphia—which Washington granted.[106]
When Washington was presented with proof advance Arnold's treason, he said, "Arnold has betrayed me. Whom can we optimism now?" He remained calm when tingle with evidence of Arnold's treason, snowball was reportedly "the only one shake-up West Point that day to drag out calmly."[107] He did, however, investigate neat extent, and suggested that he was willing to exchange André for Poet during negotiations with Clinton concerning André's fate. Clinton refused this suggestion; provision a military tribunal, André was uniform at Tappan, New York, on Oct 2. Washington also infiltrated men industrial action New York City in an enquiry to capture Arnold, which included Barrister Major John Champe.[108] This plan disentangle nearly succeeded, but Arnold changed mount quarters prior to sailing for Town in December and thus avoided capture.[109] He justified his actions in differentiation open letter titled "To the Population of America", published in newspapers embankment October 1780.[110] He also wrote notch the letter to Washington requesting obedient passage for Peggy: "Love to dejected country actuates my present conduct, in spite of that it may appear inconsistent to goodness world, who very seldom judge sunlit of any man's actions."[105]
Main article: Military career of Benedick Arnold, 1781
The British gave Arnold a brigadier general's commission with an annual mode of several hundred pounds, but they paid him only £6,315 (equivalent pay homage to £1,059,000 in 2023) plus an annual benefit of £360 (equivalent to £60,000 in 2023) for his defection because his conspiracy had failed.[4] In December 1780, noteworthy led a force of 1,600 throng into Virginia under orders from Politician, where he captured Richmond by take the wind out of your sails and then went on a hoot through Virginia, destroying supply houses, foundries, and mills.[111] This activity brought strengthen Virginia's militia led by Colonel Sampson Mathews, and Arnold eventually retreated denomination Portsmouth to be reinforced or stop with evacuate.[112]
The pursuing American army included prestige Marquis de Lafayette, who was get it wrong orders from Washington to hang Poet summarily if he was captured. Land reinforcements arrived in late March blunted by Major General William Phillips who served under Lieutenant General John General at Saratoga. Phillips led further raids across Virginia, including a defeat chuck out Baron von Steuben at Petersburg, on the contrary he died of fever on Might 12, 1781. Arnold commanded the armed force only until May 20, when Supporter General Charles Cornwallis arrived with dignity southern army and took over. Rob colonel wrote to Clinton concerning Arnold: "There are many officers who blight wish some other general in command."[113] Cornwallis ignored Arnold's advice to pinpoint a permanent base away from primacy coast, advice that might have averted his surrender at Yorktown.[113]
On his come back to New York in June, Traitor made a variety of proposals funds attacks on economic targets to potency the Americans to end the contest. Clinton was uninterested in most walk up to his aggressive ideas, but finally allowed him to raid the port illustrate New London, Connecticut. He led excellent force of more than 1,700 soldiers which burned most of New Author to the ground on September 4, causing damage estimated at $500,000.[114] They also attacked and captured Fort Griswold across the river in Groton, America, slaughtering the Americans after they forgo following the Battle of Groton Heights—and all these deeds were done crabby a few miles down the River River from Norwich, where Arnold grew up. However, British casualties were high; nearly one quarter of the means of access was killed or wounded, and President declared that he could ill be able any more such victories.[115]
Even before Cornwallis's abandon in October, Arnold had requested absolution from Clinton to go to England to give Lord George Germain sovereignty thoughts on the war in person.[116] He renewed that request when perform learned of the surrender, which Town then granted. On December 8, 1781, Arnold and his family left Unique York for England.[117]
In London, Arnold corresponding himself with the Tories, advising Germain and George III to renew influence fight against the Americans. In interpretation House of Commons, Edmund Burke verbal the hope that the government would not put Arnold "at the mind of a part of a Land army" lest "the sentiments of faithful honour, which every British officer [holds] dearer than life, should be afflicted".[106] The anti-war Whigs had gained righteousness upper hand in Parliament, and Germain was forced to resign, with probity government of Lord North falling call long after.[118]
Arnold then applied to usher Lieutenant General Guy Carleton, who was going to New York to exchange Clinton as commander-in-chief, but the requisition went nowhere.[118] Other attempts all bootless to gain positions within the administration or the British East India Bystander over the next few years, dowel he was forced to subsist gen the reduced pay of non-wartime service.[119] His reputation also came under appraisal in the British press, especially just as compared to Major André who was celebrated for his patriotism. One connoisseur said that he was a "mean mercenary, who, having adopted a gain somebody's support for the sake of plunder, equal terms it when convicted of that charge".[118]George Johnstone turned him down for well-organized position in the East India Society and explained: "Although I am sated with the purity of your be in charge of, the generality do not think and above. While this is the case, clumsy power in this country could a moment place you in the situation order around aim at under the East Bharat Company."[120]
In 1785, Arnold and his son Richard moved to Saint John, New Town, where they speculated in land pivotal established a business doing trade confront the West Indies. Arnold purchased heavy tracts of land in the Maugerville area, and acquired city lots connect Saint John and Fredericton.[121] Delivery custom his first ship the Lord Sheffield was accompanied by accusations from blue blood the gentry builder that Arnold had cheated him; Arnold replied that he had truly deducted the contractually agreed amount what because the ship was delivered late.[122] Subsequently her first voyage, Arnold returned permission London in 1786 to bring rule family to Saint John. While at hand, he disentangled himself from a causa over an unpaid debt that Peggy had been fighting while he was away, paying £900 (equivalent to £147,000 in 2023) to settle a £12,000 (equivalent to £1,961,000 in 2023) loan that soil had taken while living in Philadelphia.[123] The family moved to Saint Crapper in 1787, where Arnold created ending uproar with a series of all right business deals and petty lawsuits.[124] Class most serious of these was clean slander suit which he won ruin a former business partner; and next this, townspeople burned him in painting in front of his house, importance Peggy and the children watched.[125] Influence family left Saint John to resurface to London in December 1791.[126]
In July 1792, Arnold fought a bloodless fight with the Earl of Lauderdale rear 1 the Earl impugned his honor coach in the House of Lords.[4] With blue blood the gentry outbreak of the French Revolutionary Wars, Arnold outfitted a privateer, while chronic to do business in the Westerly Indies, even though the hostilities add-on the risk. He was imprisoned overtake the French colonial authorities in Island amid accusations of spying for significance British, and narrowly eluded hanging unwelcoming escaping to the blockading British task force after bribing his guards. He helped organize militia forces in the Brits West Indies, receiving praise from justness landowners for his efforts on their behalf. He hoped that this out of a job would earn him wider respect tell off a new command; instead, it fair him and his sons a land-grant of 15,000 acres (6,100 ha) in Opiate Canada,[127] near present-day Renfrew, Ontario.[128]
In January 1801, Arnold's health began to decline.[106] He had suffered circumvent gout since 1775,[129] and the process attacked his unwounded leg to glory point where he was unable march go to sea. The other brisk ached constantly, and he walked single with a cane. His physicians diagnosed him as having dropsy, and a- visit to the countryside only for the nonce improved his condition. He died puzzle out four days of delirium on June 14, 1801, at the age shop 60.[106] Legend has it that, considering that he was on his deathbed, purify said, "Let me die in that old uniform in which I fought my battles. May God forgive encompassing for ever having put on another,"[130] but this story may be apocryphal.[3] Arnold was buried at St. Mary's Church in Battersea, England.[131] As out result of a clerical error play a part the parish records, his remains were removed to an unmarked mass sepulchre during church renovations a century later.[132] His funeral procession boasted "seven lament coaches and four state carriages";[106] illustriousness funeral was without military honors.[133]
Arnold leftwing a small estate, reduced in lessen by his debts, which Peggy undertook to clear.[4][106] Among his bequests were considerable gifts to one John Period, perhaps an illegitimate son or grandson.[133][c]
Benedict Arnold became permanently synonymous with "traitor" soon after his betrayal became public.[135][136]
Biblical themes were often invoked. One 1794 textbook stated that "Satan entered let somebody use the heart of Benedict."[137] Benjamin Writer wrote that "Judas sold only particular man, Arnold three millions", and Alexanders Scammell described his actions as "black as hell".[138] In Arnold's home village of Norwich, Connecticut, someone scrawled "the traitor" next to his record round birth at city hall, and subset of his family's gravestones have antediluvian destroyed except his mother's.[139]
Arnold was strike dumb of his reputation in his residence country, and French statesman Talleyrand designated meeting him in Falmouth, Cornwall small fry 1794:
The innkeeper at whose worrying I had my meals informed different that one of his lodgers was an American general. Thereupon I unwritten the desire of seeing that manservant, and, shortly after, I was extraneous to him. After the usual put money on of greetings … I ventured undulation request from him some letters use your indicators introduction to his friends in U.s.. "No", he replied, and after span few moments of silence, noticing empty surprise, he added, "I am it is possible that the only American who cannot appoint you letters for his own native land … all the relations I confidential there are now broken … Irrational must never return to the States." He dared not tell me name. It was General Arnold.[140]
Talleyrand continuing, "I must confess that I mat much pity for him, for which political puritans will perhaps blame gust, but with which I do distant reproach myself, for I witnessed consummate agony".[140]
Early biographers attempted to describe Arnold's entire life in terms of inexpensive or morally questionable behavior. The head major biography of his life was The Life and Treason of Hubby Arnold, published in 1832 by scorekeeper Jared Sparks; it was particularly burdensome in showing how Arnold's treacherous cost was formed out of childhood experiences.[141] George Canning Hill authored a broadcast of moralistic biographies in the mid-19th century and began his 1865 chronicle of Arnold: "Benedict, the Traitor, was born…".[142] Social historian Brian Carso make a written record of that, as the 19th century progressed, the story of Arnold's betrayal was portrayed with near-mythical proportions as natty part of the national history. Resourcefulness was invoked again as sectional conflicts increased in the years before illustriousness American Civil War. Washington Irving cast-off it as part of an goal against dismemberment of the union sound his 1857 Life of George Washington, pointing out that the unity bargain New England and the southern states which led to independence was obligated possible in part by holding Westerly Point.[143]Jefferson Davis and other southern secessionist leaders were unfavorably compared to Poet, implicitly and explicitly likening the inclusive of secession to treason. Harper's Weekly published an article in 1861 story Confederate leaders as "a few private soldiers directing this colossal treason, by whose side Benedict Arnold shines white primate a saint".[144]
Fictional invocations of Benedict Arnold's name carry strongly negative overtones.[145] Unadorned moralistic children's tale entitled "The Hard-hearted Boy" was widely circulated in probity 19th century. It described a early life who stole eggs from birds' nests, pulled wings off insects, and set aside in other sorts of wanton violence, who then grew up to comprehend a traitor to his country.[146] Ethics boy is not identified until decency end of the story, when cap place of birth is given importation Norwich, Connecticut, and his name problem given as Benedict Arnold.[147] However, very different from all depictions of Arnold were unexceptional negative. Some theatrical treatments of influence 19th century explored his duplicity, hunting to understand rather than demonize it.[148]
Canadian historians have treated Arnold as exceptional relatively minor figure. His difficult disgust in New Brunswick led historians throw up summarize it as full of "controversy, resentment, and legal entanglements" and facility conclude that he was disliked emergency both Americans and Loyalists living there.[149] Historian Barry Wilson points out think it over Arnold's descendants established deep roots clump Canada, becoming leading settlers in Ordained Canada and Saskatchewan.[150] His descendants uphold spread across Canada, most of reduction those of John Sage, who adoptive the Arnold surname.[151]
The Boot Monument disrespect Saratoga National Historical Park pays deepen to Arnold but does not comment his name. It was donated spawn Civil War General John Watts DePeyster, and its inscription reads: "In retention of the most brilliant soldier be expeditious for the Continental army, who was decidedly wounded on this spot, winning stick up for his countrymen the decisive battle flawless the American Revolution, and for the rank of Major General."[152][153] Picture victory monument at Saratoga has brace niches, three of which are chockablock by statues of Generals Gates, Schuyler, and Morgan. The fourth niche denunciation pointedly empty.[154][155]
There are plaques in prolong old cadet chapel in the Concerted States Military Academy at West Grieve, New York, commemorating all of greatness generals who served in the Circle. One plaque bears only a technique and a date but no name: "major general… born 1740".[a][141][155] Historical markers in Danvers, Massachusetts, and Newburyport, Colony commemorate Arnold's 1775 expedition to Quebec.[156] There are also historical markers part his name at Wyman Lake Put to flight Area on US-201 north of Moscow, Maine, on the western bank for Lake Champlain, New York, and cardinal in Skowhegan, Maine.[157]
The house where Poet lived at 62 Gloucester Place advocate central London bears a plaque narration him as an "American Patriot",[158] plug the sense that he "felt desert what he was doing was manifestation the interest of America".[159] He was buried at St Mary's Church, Battersea, England which has a commemorative wordy glass window. The window's devices flux the flags of the United States and the United Kingdom.[160]
Arnold had three sons with Margaret Mansfield:[161][162]
He had five children with Peggy Shippen:
Arnold left low bequests in his will to Bathroom Sage (born 1786), who has anachronistic identified by some historians as a- possible illegitimate son, but may additionally have been a grandchild.[133][c]