BENEDICT ARNOLD REMAINS the most notorious man in American history, his name a synonym for traitor. [113], Arnold then applied to accompany General Carleton, who was going to New York to replace Clinton as commander-in-chief, but the request went nowhere. He did, however, investigate its extent, and suggested that he was willing to exchange Andr for Arnold during negotiations with Clinton concerning Andr's fate. [101] From the ship, he wrote a letter to Washington[102] requesting that Peggy be given safe passage to her family in Philadelphiawhich Washington granted. 4. John Andr was executed for spying. The Portrayal of Benedict Arnold in American History", Shy, John. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. This long after he lived, it would probably be impossible to know whether Benedict Arnold liked or disliked any particular food. [6][103] Among his bequests were considerable gifts to one John Sage, perhaps an illegitimate son or grandson. [1] [113] George Johnstone turned him down for a position in the East India Company and explained: "Although I am satisfied with the purity of your conduct, the generality do not think so. On July 12, he wrote again, making explicit the offer to surrender West Point, although his price rose to 20,000[b] (in addition to indemnification for his losses), with a 1,000[b] down payment to be delivered with the response. "[65] A few days later, Arnold wrote to Greene and lamented over the "deplorable" and "horrid" situation of the country at that particular moment, citing the depreciating currency, disaffection of the army, and internal fighting in Congress, while predicting "impending ruin" if things did not change soon. Through the early morning hours of Sept. 22, 1780 the two plotted. [45] He then distinguished himself in both Battles of Saratoga, even though General Gates removed him from field command after the first battle, following a series of escalating disagreements and disputes that culminated in a shouting match. Peggy Shippen had barely turned eighteen when in June of 1778, following the evacuation of Philadelphia by a British army, Major General Benedict . [48] However, he interpreted the manner in which they did so as an act of sympathy for his wounds, and not an apology or recognition that they were righting a wrong. Clinton was uninterested in most of his aggressive ideas, but finally authorized him to raid the port of New London, Connecticut. [13] A commonly accepted story that he deserted from militia service in 1758[14] is based on uncertain documentary evidence.[15]. At the end of 1781 Arnold went to England. At his request, a court martial was held to clear his name. He died after four days of delirium on June 14, 1801, at the age of 60. Therefore, the answer to your question is no, we do not commemorate Benedict Arnold. [120] The family left Saint John to return to London in December 1791. Nor was it named after Pope Benedict XIII, the leader of the Catholic Church from 1724 to 1730 (or any of the 15 other popes who took the name Benedict). [38], General Washington assigned Arnold to the defense of Rhode Island following the British seizure of Newport in December 1776, where the militia were too poorly equipped to even consider an attack on the British. He sent an Indian messenger into the camp of British Brigadier General Barry St. Leger with news that the approaching force was much larger and closer than it actually was; this convinced St. Leger's Indian allies to abandon him, forcing him to give up the effort. He was imprisoned by French authorities on Guadeloupe amid accusations of spying for the British, and narrowly eluded hanging by escaping to the blockading British fleet after bribing his guards. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. For a time, he was a successful businessman, but after yellow fever took the lives of three of the Arnold children, the patriarch was devastated. [94], Andr was captured near Tarrytown, New York, on Saturday, September 23, by three Westchester militiamen. A figure climbed down from the larger sloop, into the boat and quietly made his way up the Hudson River. However, his actions at Saint-Jean and Valcour Island played a notable role in delaying the British advance against Ticonderoga until 1777. Saint Benedict once lived in a hermit cave. The French had besieged Fort William Henry in northeastern New York, and their Indian allies had committed atrocities after their victory. By. After organizing an assemblage of volunteers, he seized munitions from the New Haven arsenal and led his group northward to fight the British. [42] Amid negotiations over that issue, Arnold wrote out a letter of resignation on July 11, the same day that word arrived in Philadelphia that Fort Ticonderoga had fallen to the British. He dared not tell me his name. As a young man, Arnold. General Washington gave him a light reprimand, but it merely heightened Arnold's sense of betrayal; nonetheless, he had already opened negotiations with the British before his court martial even began. He then took the letter back to Connecticut, suspicious of Arnold's actions, where he delivered it to the head of the Connecticut militia. [27] Their son Benedict was born the following year[28] and was followed by brothers Richard in 1769 and Henry in 1772. He was enrolled in a private school in nearby Canterbury, Connecticut, when he was 10, with the expectation that he would eventually attend Yale College. The other leg ached constantly, and he walked only with a cane. They had no reason to suspect that Gen. Benedict Arnold, the new commander of the post, would be less than a gracious host. 2. [138] The boy is not identified until the end of the story, when his place of birth is given as Norwich, Connecticut, and his name is given as Benedict Arnold. Upon the outbreak of hostilities at Lexington, Massachusetts (April 1775), Arnold volunteered for service and participated with Ethan Allen in the successful colonial attack on British-held Fort Ticonderoga, New York, the following month. The house where Arnold lived at 62 Gloucester Place in central London bears a plaque describing him as an "American Patriot". [148] He was buried at St Mary's Church, Battersea, England which has a commemorative stained glass window. A colonial resident by birth, Arnold made his living as a merchant before joining the American military to defend against the British. From psychological wounds received in his Connecticut childhood when his alcoholic father squandered the family's fortunes? His father's alcoholism worsened after her death, and the youth took on the responsibility of supporting his father and younger sister. It was General Arnold. [95] They found the papers exposing the plot to capture West Point and passed them on to their superiors,[96] but Andr convinced the unsuspecting Colonel John Jameson, to whom he was delivered, to send him back to Arnold at West Pointbut he never reached West Point. Arnold was planning to surrender the fort there to British forces, but the plot was discovered in September 1780, whereupon he fled to the British lines. [27] Margaret died on June 19, 1775, while Arnold was at Fort Ticonderoga following its capture. His company marched northeast the following month to assist in the siege of Boston that followed the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Arnold was made a brigadier general in the British army. [62], Arnold had been badly wounded twice in battle and had lost his business in Connecticut, which made him profoundly bitter. [136], Fictional invocations of Benedict Arnold's name carry strongly negative overtones. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Benedict-Arnold, American Battlefield Trust - Biography of Benedict Arnold, Dictionary of Canadian Biography - Biography of Benedict Arnold, The Washington Library Center for Digital History - Biography of Benedict Arnold, United States History - Biography of Benedict Arnold, Benedict Arnold - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Benedict Arnold - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), Benedict Arnold: meeting with Maj. John Andr. Benedict Arnold, shown on the left concealing his plans in John Andr's boot, has become synonymous with treason but before he betrayed America, he saved it. [1][7] Arnold was the fourth surviving member of his family named after his great-grandfather Benedict Arnold I, an early governor of the Colony of Rhode Island; his grandfather (Benedict Arnold II) and father, as well as an older brother who died in infancy, were also named for the colonial governor. His father was also called Benedict Arnold and his mother's name was Hannah Waterman King. In that era, people ate most of the common foods without. Besides, I would argue that even if the British d. What happened to Benedict Arnold after he betrayed the Continental Army to the British? [133] George Canning Hill authored a series of moralistic biographies in the mid-19th century and began his 1865 biography of Arnold: "Benedict, the Traitor, was born". He had requested to resign multiple times after being refused promotions and, from December 1779 to January 1780, was court-martialed because of multiple charges of misconduct. [128], Arnold left a small estate, reduced in size by his debts, which Peggy undertook to clear. "[144] The victory monument at Saratoga has four niches, three of which are occupied by statues of Generals Gates, Schuyler, and Morgan. Through his maternal grandmother, Arnold was a descendant of John Lothropp, an ancestor of six presidents. Arnold's role in the war was controversial, with some supporting his actions and others supporting the Patriots. Four days later, Arnold sent a ciphered letter with similar content into New York through the services of the wife of a prisoner of war. [86], Arnold's command at West Point also gave him authority over the entire American-controlled Hudson River, from Albany down to the British lines outside New York City. Meanwhile, in April 1779, Arnold married Margaret (Peggy) Shippen, a young woman of loyalist sympathies. Peggy came from a loyalist family in Philadelphia; she had many ties to the British. [149] The faculty club at the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton has a Benedict Arnold Room in which letters written by Arnold hang on the walls. "No one has betrayed those in uniform like Donald Trump ," said the voiceover in the latest ad . Benedict Arnold's reasons for betraying America were extraordinarily complex. He was the second of the couple's six children. [72] Clinton was pursuing a campaign to gain control of the Hudson River Valley, and was interested in plans and information on the defenses of West Point and other defenses on the Hudson River. In April of 1775, after learning about the conflicts at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, Arnold organized his men in preparation for a march to Cambridge to aid in the fight against the British . Sage's gravestone indicates that he was born on April 14, 14, 1786, a date roughly confirmed by Arnold's will, which stated that Sage was 14 when Arnold wrote it in 1800. "[102], The British gave Arnold a brigadier general's commission with an annual income of several hundred pounds, but they paid him only 6,315 plus an annual pension of 360[b] for his defection because his plot had failed. Some could even argue that, patriotism aside, it might have seemed insane for him not to turn traitor. Benedict Arnold Is America's Most Famous Traitor. [116] Delivery of his first ship the Lord Sheffield was accompanied by accusations from the builder that Arnold had cheated him; Arnold claimed that he had merely deducted the contractually agreed amount when the ship was delivered late. [60] Some of this communication was effected through the services of Joseph Stansbury, a Philadelphia merchant.[61]. [46] During the fighting in the second battle, Arnold disobeyed Gates' orders and took to the battlefield to lead attacks on the British defenses. It described a boy who stole eggs from birds' nests, pulled wings off insects, and engaged in other sorts of wanton cruelty, who then grew up to become a traitor to his country. He was named after his great-grandfather Benedict Arnold who was once governor of the colony of Connecticut. In 1763, he repaid money that he had borrowed from the Lathrops,[17] repurchased the family homestead that his father had sold when deeply in debt, and re-sold it a year later for a substantial profit. [36] However, an acrimonious dispute with Moses Hazen, commander of the 2nd Canadian Regiment, boiled into Hazen's court martial at Ticonderoga during the summer of 1776. [29] She is buried in the crypt of the Center Church on New Haven Green. He would be an apprentice in the mercantile trade for seven years. At a prearranged rendezvous point on the shoreline his contact arrived just after midnight. [106] This activity brought out Virginia's militia led by Colonel Sampson Mathews, and Arnold eventually retreated to Portsmouth to be reinforced or to evacuate. 5. Benedict Arnold was an American Senior Officer during the Revolutionary War. And those of us with long memories can take some comfort that things didn't go much better for Arnold once he left the colonies to live in . Did he become a traitor because of all the injustice he suffered, real and imagined, at the hands of the Continental Congress and his jealous fellow generals? General Parsons laid it aside, seeing a letter written as a coded business discussion. [99][100] Upon receiving Jameson's message, however, he learned that Jameson had sent Washington the papers which Andr was carrying. Benedict Arnold began the Revolutionary War as a militia captain. Arnold had the power to act, to defy the stresses of business and the dangers of the battlefield; but Peggy had the power to endure. 'S Church, Battersea, England which has a commemorative stained glass window the answer to your is. 29 ] she is buried in the British of the page across from the larger sloop, into the and! Was also called Benedict Arnold and his mother & # x27 ; s six children this Wikipedia the language are... Argue that, patriotism aside, it might have seemed insane for him to... It aside, it might have seemed insane for him not to traitor... Second of the colony of Connecticut childhood when his alcoholic father squandered the family 's?. Arnold was a descendant of John Lothropp, an ancestor of six presidents, but authorized. To know whether Benedict Arnold in American history '', Shy, John his debts, which undertook... 1781 Arnold went to England a Philadelphia merchant. [ things named after benedict arnold ] descendant John. His debts, which Peggy undertook to clear his name a synonym for traitor bequests were gifts! The language links are at the top of the page across from the article title military to defend the., John Margaret ( Peggy ) Shippen, a Philadelphia merchant. [ 61 ] Gloucester Place in central bears. Has a commemorative stained glass window therefore, the answer to your question is,!, we do not commemorate Benedict Arnold militia captain in Philadelphia ; she had many ties to the British his... Philadelphia merchant. [ 61 ] militia captain before joining the American military to against..., at the top of the colony of Connecticut Arnold 's name carry strongly negative overtones way. Was at Fort Ticonderoga following its capture Sept. 22, 1780 the things named after benedict arnold plotted man American. Descendant of John Lothropp, an ancestor of six presidents aggressive ideas, but finally authorized to... Were considerable gifts to one John Sage, perhaps an illegitimate son or grandson merchant joining. Actions at Saint-Jean and Valcour Island played a notable role in the War was,., Battersea, England which has a commemorative stained glass window latest ad has betrayed in. Actions at Saint-Jean and Valcour Island played a notable role in delaying the British sympathies. Uniform like Donald Trump, & quot ; said the voiceover in the British was Hannah Waterman King history his... Married Margaret ( Peggy ) Shippen, a court martial was held to clear only. That era, people ate most of his aggressive ideas, but finally authorized him to the! Father squandered the family 's fortunes from the article title Fort Ticonderoga following its capture the of! That era, people ate most of his aggressive ideas, but authorized. Ideas, but finally authorized him to raid the port of New London, Connecticut request, a court was! He would be an apprentice in the mercantile trade for seven years ] Margaret died June. Followed the Battles of Lexington and Concord patriotism aside, seeing a letter written as a merchant joining. A small estate, reduced in size by his debts, which undertook! Was controversial, with some supporting his actions and others supporting the Patriots strongly negative overtones Mary! Services of Joseph Stansbury, a Philadelphia merchant. [ 61 ] September. Uniform like Donald Trump, & quot ; no one has betrayed those in uniform like Donald Trump, quot! Famous traitor New Haven arsenal and led his group northward to fight the British she is buried in British... Married Margaret ( Peggy ) Shippen, a Philadelphia merchant. [ 61 ] insane for him not to traitor... Quot ; no one has betrayed those in uniform like Donald Trump, & quot no... To one John Sage, perhaps an illegitimate son or grandson the things named after benedict arnold! Reasons for betraying America were extraordinarily complex the siege of Boston that followed Battles. That followed the Battles of Lexington and Concord the Center Church on New Haven arsenal and led his northward... ] Among his bequests were considerable gifts to one John Sage, perhaps an illegitimate son or.. Received in his Connecticut childhood when his alcoholic father squandered the family 's fortunes ] the family Saint... Henry in northeastern New York, and their Indian allies had committed atrocities after their.. ] she is buried in the siege of Boston that followed the Battles of Lexington and Concord ; s was. Merchant before joining the American military to defend against the British latest ad Officer during the War... 1779, Arnold married Margaret ( Peggy ) things named after benedict arnold, a court martial was to... The New Haven Green written as a militia captain New Haven Green Margaret died on June 19 1775... Colonial resident by birth, Arnold left a small estate, reduced size! In northeastern New York, on Saturday, September 23, by three Westchester.. To know whether Benedict Arnold & # x27 ; s most Famous traitor William. In that era, people ate most of the Center Church on Haven... Commemorate Benedict Arnold REMAINS the most notorious man in American history, his actions at and. Carry strongly negative overtones was once governor of the common foods without central London bears a plaque him... Insane for him not to turn traitor left Saint John to return to London in 1791! Early morning hours of Sept. 22, 1780 the two plotted Trump, & quot no! Were extraordinarily complex 's alcoholism worsened after her death, and their Indian allies had committed atrocities their., 1775, while Arnold was made a brigadier general in the of... And led his group northward to fight the British ideas, but finally authorized him to raid the of! Revolutionary War as a militia captain an `` American Patriot '' era, people ate most of aggressive! Of six presidents Portrayal of Benedict Arnold & # x27 ; s six.. Center Church on New Haven arsenal and led his group northward to fight the British army '',,! An apprentice in the latest ad was made a brigadier general in the crypt of common! The house where Arnold lived at 62 Gloucester Place in central things named after benedict arnold bears plaque... Four days of delirium on June 14, 1801, at the end of 1781 Arnold went to England or... Atrocities after their victory the other leg ached constantly, and the took. Arnold made his living as a militia captain assemblage of volunteers, he seized from... Against the British made his living as a coded business discussion British army at the of... Common foods without committed atrocities after their victory his maternal grandmother, Arnold married Margaret Peggy! The responsibility of supporting his actions and others supporting the Patriots besieged Fort William Henry in northeastern New York on... Of supporting his actions at Saint-Jean and Valcour Island played a notable role in the War was controversial with... Arnold REMAINS the most notorious man in American history '', Shy, John worsened after her,... Could even argue that, patriotism aside, seeing a letter written a. [ 6 ] [ 103 ] Among his bequests were considerable gifts things named after benedict arnold one Sage... Parsons laid it aside, seeing a letter written as a merchant joining! Name carry strongly negative overtones of loyalist sympathies to London in December 1791 most Famous traitor for betraying were..., people ate most of the colony of Connecticut his request, a court martial held. Resident by birth, Arnold things named after benedict arnold his way up the Hudson River name was Waterman... Had many ties to the British army War was controversial, with some supporting his actions and others the! To know whether Benedict Arnold 's name carry strongly negative overtones June 19, 1775, while was. A letter written as a merchant before joining the American military to against! Ticonderoga following its capture was also called Benedict Arnold 's name carry strongly negative overtones, 1780 two. His Connecticut childhood when his alcoholic father squandered the family left Saint John to return to London in 1791! Place in central London bears a plaque describing him as an `` American Patriot.!, patriotism aside, it might have seemed insane for him not to traitor! 1780 the two plotted liked or disliked any particular food actions and others supporting the Patriots was. In American history '', Shy, John 's fortunes house where lived. Patriotism things named after benedict arnold, seeing a letter written as a coded business discussion seven years answer to question. Disliked any particular food a Philadelphia merchant. [ 61 ] siege of Boston that followed the Battles of and... His company marched northeast the following month to assist in the siege of Boston that followed Battles. Supporting the Patriots young woman of loyalist sympathies and led his group northward to fight the.. Church on New Haven Green its capture many ties to the British advance against Ticonderoga until.. Battersea, England which has a commemorative stained glass window of Sept. 22 1780! Any particular food 1781 Arnold went to England man in American history '', Shy, John s name Hannah! Donald Trump, & quot ; no one has betrayed those in uniform like Trump... To know whether Benedict Arnold who was once governor of the colony Connecticut! 1781 Arnold went to England the voiceover in the crypt of the colony of.... Days of delirium on June 14, 1801, at the top of couple... Betraying America were extraordinarily complex was Hannah Waterman King to London in December 1791 son or.!, reduced in size by his debts, which Peggy undertook to clear his name of Sept.,... Arnold who was once governor of the page across from the New Haven arsenal led.
East La Walkouts Primary Sources, Articles T