Arnold, Benedict (1741-1801), was an American general of the Revolutionary War period. Once trusted and admired, he became the most famous traitor in United States history.
Arnold was born on Jan. 14, 1741, in Norwich, Connecticut. He learned the apothecary (pharmacy) trade and, in 1762, established a book and drug store in New Haven, Connecticut. Arnold also carried on trade with the Caribbean Islands. By 1774, he was one of the wealthiest citizens in New Haven. In 1767, Arnold married Margaret Mansfield, daughter of the sheriff of New Haven County. She died in 1775.
A courageous soldier.
In 1774, Arnold became a captain in the Connecticut militia. Soon after the American Revolution began in 1775, he was commissioned as a colonel in the patriot forces. Arnold and Ethan Allen led the capture of Fort Ticonderoga, in New York, on May 10, 1775.
Later that year, Arnold led 1,100 soldiers into Canada. He cooperated with Brigadier General Richard Montgomery in an unsuccessful assault on Quebec. Arnold’s leg was severely wounded in the assault, and his courage won him a promotion to brigadier general. In October 1776, he distinguished himself during the Battle of Valcour Island, a naval battle on Lake Champlain.
A disappointed officer.
Arnold had several disappointments. He was passed over for promotion in February 1777, when Congress appointed five new major generals. Arnold, who had more seniority than any of the men promoted, was talked out of leaving the army by General George Washington. In May 1777, Congress promoted Arnold to major general as a reward for his bravery in helping drive a British raiding party out of Connecticut.
Later that year, Arnold served under Major General Horatio Gates against British Lieutenant General John Burgoyne. Burgoyne hoped to cut New York in half during an advance from Canada. In October 1777, at the Second Battle of Freeman’s Farm, Arnold showed extraordinary courage and leadership against Burgoyne’s army and was again seriously wounded. This battle, won by the patriots, is also known as the Battle of Bemis Heights. The patriot victory led to Burgoyne’s surrender at Saratoga several days later. Gates took credit for the victory. Congress voted Arnold the country’s thanks and had Washington restore Arnold’s seniority over the other generals.
In 1778, Arnold took command of Philadelphia. There he married Margaret Shippen, a young woman from a prominent family. Arnold was not a good administrator, and he drew criticism for living extravagantly. The executive council of Pennsylvania accused him of being too gentle with Americans who opposed independence from the United Kingdom. The council also accused him of using military personnel to do personal favors. A court-martial cleared Arnold, but it ordered General Washington to reprimand him.
Turns traitor.
Arnold brooded over what he considered his country’s ingratitude and injustice, and he began corresponding with the enemy. Arnold was in command of West Point in 1780, and he worked out a plan to surrender that important military base to the British commander, General Sir Henry Clinton.
The capture of British Major John André, who was carrying papers sent by Arnold to Clinton, exposed Arnold’s treachery. Arnold escaped to New York City and became a brigadier general in the British Army. He demanded 20,000 pounds from the British for the losses he incurred in joining them. But he received only 6,315 pounds. As a British officer, he led expeditions that raided Richmond, Virginia, and burned New London, Connecticut.
Scorned in England.
Arnold was received warmly by King George III when he went to England in 1782, but others there scorned him. In 1797, the British government granted him 13,400 acres (5,423 hectares) in Canada, but the land was of little use to him. He spent most of his remaining years as a merchant in the Caribbean Islands trade. In his last days, Arnold was burdened with debt, became discouraged, and was generally distrusted. He died on June 14, 1801.
