Benedict Arnold

Benedict Arnold. , American Hero Turned Traitor , America's most notorious traitor was born in the Colony of Connecticut and as a teenager, served in the Connecticut militiar during the French and Indian War. He became a wealthy merchant in New Haven and smuggled goods in protest of the British tariffs. Once war broke out, Arnold joined the Continental Army and gained a reputation for bravery and strategy. Arnold helped capture Fort Ticonderoga in 1775 (giving Washington's army time to prepare for the British attack on New York City) and helepd stall British forces at the Battle of Valcour Island in 1776. He was promoted to major general and led a decisive charge at the Battle of Saratoga, where he received a leg wound. This injury took him off the battlefield, leading Washington to appoint him the military commander of Philadelphia after the British withdrew from the city in June 1778., At this time, Arnold was bitter and believed he had been passed over for a promotion in the Continental Army. His time in Philadelphia was marked by extravagance, and charges of corruption were leveled against him for which he was court-martialed. While living at the President's House, Arnold met loyalist Peggy Shippen, who became his second wife, and began his defection to the British., Through Shippen, Arnold wsa introduced to British officers, including Major John André, whom he began supplying with military intelligence. The British promised Arnold £20,000 if he turned West Point over to them, and he soon began making plans to surrender the fort. His treasonous plot was discovered when American soldiers caught André with Arnold's letters. Arnold escaped and received a commission in the British Army, seeing action in Virginia and leading a raid on Richmond. As the Revolution ended, Arnold moved to London with his wife Peggy. His reputation as a traitor followed him, and he was deeply unpopular even among the British. Arnold died in London in 1791 at the age of 60., [Caption:] , Benedict Arnold,engraving by H. B. Paul, 1865. Courtesy of Library of Congress.