Benedict Arnold’s betrayal is synonymous with treason in American culture, though the impact of his treachery pales in comparison to its legendary status. This post explores the life and motivations of Arnold, offering insights into how and why he became America’s most infamous turncoat.
Benedict Arnold was born in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1741. His great-great-grandfather, also named Benedict Arnold, was the governor of Rhode Island, giving the family a respected name and fortune. Arnold was the only one of eleven siblings to survive past childhood, and these frequent deaths drove his father to drink away the family’s wealth.
At sixteen, Arnold served in the militia during the French and Indian War but deserted twice. He later pursued work as a pharmacist. By twenty-one, both his parents had passed away, prompting Arnold to move to New Haven. There, he established a commerce operation, trading and smuggling as far as Canada and the Caribbean. In 1767, he married Margaret Mansfield and fathered three sons.
The Beginnings of Arnold’s Military Service
Arnold found increasing British taxation unacceptable and joined the anti-British Sons of Liberty, using personal funds to supply militia units. After the battles of Lexington and Concord, he commanded a contingent of soldiers from New Haven. On May 10, 1775, his command worked with Ethan Allen’s Green Mountain Boys to capture Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. Arnold then led assaults on other British strongholds along the lake. However, these successes were overshadowed by Margaret’s death in June.
In 1775, Arnold led an invasion of Quebec, which, despite its failure, inspired revolutionary spirit among the colonists. The Continental Congress appointed him a brigadier general in 1776. In 1777, Arnold offered to resign after being refused promotion to Major General in favor of less experienced leaders. George Washington, however, rejected his resignation and defended him to Congress.
Fall From Grace: Saratoga to Philadelphia
During the early years of the Revolution, Arnold displayed persistent military brilliance and became one of George Washington’s most trusted subordinates. He gained fame at the pivotal Battle of Saratoga in 1777, where he was wounded. This victory convinced France to join the war on the American side. For his efforts, Washington gifted Arnold epaulets from a French dignitary. Arnold was finally promoted to Major General but his injury necessitated a leave from active command, leading him to become military governor of Philadelphia in 1778.
In Philadelphia, Arnold used his military influence and commercial background to live luxuriously and entertain the city’s upper class. He met Peggy Shippen, daughter of a wealthy Loyalist, at a social function. They married despite Arnold’s significant debts incurred during their courtship. Peggy introduced Arnold to Major John André, the chief of intelligence for British commander Henry Clinton. Arnold was court-martialed for abuses of power but was only reprimanded by Washington.
Why Would Arnold Betray His Cause?
Arnold was disliked by fellow military leaders and civilian authorities. His actions at Lake Champlain and Saratoga were often in disobedience of direct orders. Opponents called for his court-martial on several occasions for alleged corruption, and Congress did not reimburse him for his expenses. Arnold complained to Washington in 1779 about the ungrateful returns from his countrymen and despised America’s French allies, seeing them as a threat to freedom.
Rumors circulated that Arnold was considering turning to Britain as early as December 1776. His Philadelphian excesses cemented distrust, and many regarded him as a pretentious, greedy aristocrat, in contrast to the idealized minutemen.
Arnold Becomes the Notorious Villain
Arnold secretly exchanged letters with Clinton, hoping to end the conflict. He agreed to help the British capture West Point for 20,000 pounds of sterling, which would grant the British control over the Hudson River and isolate the Northeastern colonies. Arnold created vulnerabilities at West Point and met with André several times, feeding him vital intelligence. When Washington planned to visit West Point, Arnold urged Clinton to act quickly.
On September 18, 1780, Arnold met with André and gave him signed documents on West Point’s defenses. Three days later, André was captured by American militia, and the papers were discovered. Arnold barely escaped to a British vessel and traveled to occupied New York.
Washington offered Peggy the choice to stay in Philadelphia or join Arnold. Initially, she chose to stay, but townspeople’s hostility forced her to leave, joining her husband within two months. Recent scholarship reveals Peggy was not just an influence but a co-conspirator, encoding Arnold’s communications and goading him on.
Reactions to Benedict Arnold’s Betrayal
Arnold’s betrayal provoked a strong reaction, though he was not the only American to turn to the British. He became a scapegoat, portrayed as the pinnacle of high treason. Revolutionaries claimed the scheme’s collapse demonstrated divine favor for American independence. Cities desecrated effigies of Arnold, and Norwich residents destroyed his father’s gravestone.
Despite being awarded the rank of brigadier general, the British viewed Arnold as a traitor, blaming him for André’s execution. The American Legion Refugees, Arnold’s new unit, struggled to recruit enlistees, and Commander Clinton knew Arnold would face resistance in the field.
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Military Command for the British
In December 1780, Arnold undertook a campaign in Virginia, offering amnesty and control under British rule, which was met with little positive reaction. After occupying Richmond, he proposed a plan to merchants to avoid seizure of their goods, contingent on colonial government approval, which Thomas Jefferson refused. Arnold then captured the material.
Arnold’s soldiers followed his orders to avoid destroying private property in Virginia to a certain extent. His experiences there convinced him the Patriot cause was substantial. In September 1781, Arnold commanded an expedition against a privateering port in Connecticut. This raid was marked by destruction of civilian property and slaughtering defenders after surrendering.
Peace, Later Life, and Death
Arnold returned to England in early 1782 with Peggy and their two children. His three sons from Margaret remained in the United States. After the Revolutionary War ended in 1783, Arnold hoped for an officership in the British Army but was rejected due to his traitorous past. He ventured to Canada to trade land but failed and returned to England in 1791. Arnold sailed as a privateer in the West Indies until 1795 when he retired to London. He died there on June 14, 1801.
Remembrance of Benedict Arnold’s Treason
Early biographers depicted Arnold as naturally evil from childhood. West Point Military Academy has a display of plaques for Revolutionary War generals, but Arnold’s marker only reads “Major General 1741.” At Saratoga National Historical Park, a monument depicts an unnamed leg, reflecting the attitude toward Arnold.
Popular media continues to use Arnold’s name as synonymous with treason. Despite this, recent times have seen some recognition of his wartime contributions. In 2004, a new headstone was crafted for Arnold’s tomb in London, acknowledging the enduring friendship between the two nations he served.