Arnold, Benedict

Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)

Benedict (1741-1801), an American soldier. He was born at Norwich, Connecticut, January 14, 1741. At the beginning of the Revolutionary War he was a colonel in Ethan Allen's force that captured Ticonderoga. He was with General Montgomery in the assault on Quebec, and was wounded. Later he received the rank of brigadier-general as a reward for his soldierly conduct. He took a brave part in the battle of Saratoga. In 1780 he was placed in command of Philadelphia. During the winter, he married a well known lady, but fell into dissipation. He was court-martialed, and was reprimanded by General Washington for official misconduct. Whether he despaired of the American cause and thought he might as well make terms with the enemy, or whether he was led astray by vindictive feelings and a desire for revenge, will never be known; but, in spite of his record for patriotism, he entered into treasonable correspondence with the British commander-in-chief. He asked for the command of West Point , a request which Washington, hoping to conciliate a brave soldier, was glad to grant. Sir Henry Clinton agreed to give Arnold, it appears, $30,000 and a commission in the British army for the surrender of this important post. The story of the negotiations conducted through Major Andre, the latter's arrest and execution as a spy, and Arnold's flight down the Hudson to New York is well known. Arnold was given a British colonel's commission, and in September, 1781, he led an expedition which captured Fort Griswold and burned New London in his native state. At the close of the Revolutionary War Arnold retired to London. It is said that he was shunned and despised by all ranks of society and that he died, June, 1801, a wretched outcast,--a man, literally, without a country. His character is not understood readily. It is difficult to suppose that his early toil, daring, and bravery in the American cause were due to mere love of adventure. It is equally difficult to understand how a sincere patriot, even though he felt himself censured severely for a trivial fault, could have turned against his native country, or have led a marauding band to lay waste, with fire and sword, the scenes of his childhood. In a skirmish in Virginia he is said to have taken two American prisoners. To one of them he put the question, "If the Americans should catch me, what would they do to me?" The soldier replied promptly, "They would bury with military honors the leg which was wounded at Saratoga, and hang the remainder of you upon a gibbet." In this terse reply the frontiersman gave a verdict which the historian still accepts. See Andre ; West Point 2026 Editor's Note: Benedict Arnold's name became America's very word for 'traitor.' The tragedy is that before his betrayal he was among the Revolution's ablest and bravest generals — his leadership at Saratoga helped win the war's turning-point battle. After defecting he fought for Britain, then died in London, honored by neither side. A monument at Saratoga marks his heroism without daring to name him. (Ed: BR 2026-07-08)