Benedict Arnold


The name Benedict Arnold has come to mean traitor to Americans. One of the finest generals in the Continental Army, Arnold helped the patriots win victories at Fort Ticonderoga, Valcour Island, and Saratoga. After the Battle of Saratoga, his problems began to get the better of him. He was criticized by some of his political enemies, often unfairly, and he felt that he was not appreciated for the good he had done for the patriot cause. In addition, he was in debt because of his lavish spending habits. Thus, he was angry at the patriot leaders and in need of money when he was approached by the British. Arnold made a deal with the head of British Intelligence, Major John Andre', to surrender West Point to General Clinton of the British Army. The plan was discovered when Major Ande' was captured, and later executed. When Arnold heard that a British officer had been captured, he escaped to British lines. He was made a brigadier-general of a loyalist legion in the British army, and was paid well for his services to the crown. After the war, Arnold became a merchant shipper in England. it is often forgotten that, after the Revolutionary War, he worked for a Russian tyrant, Catherine the Great, as a well-paid merchant.

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