Crippled from his wounds, Arnold was placed in command of Philadelphia (June 1778), where he socialized with families of loyalist sympathies and lived extravagantly. The Arnold residence attained the reputation as one of early Amsterdam's finer homes. Answer (1 of 54): Go up to most British people and ask who Benedict Arnold was, and you will get a resounding "who?" back. Arnold resented this affront, and only Washingtons personal persuasion kept him from resigning. Peggy came from a loyalist family in Philadelphia; she had many ties to the British. His father's alcoholism worsened after her death, and the youth took on the responsibility of supporting his father and younger sister. [59] Shippen and her circle of friends had found methods of staying in contact with paramours across the battle lines, despite military bans on communication with the enemy. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [141] Historian Barry Wilson points out that Arnold's descendants established deep roots in Canada, becoming leading settlers in Upper Canada and Saskatchewan. Arnold established himself in business in 1762 as a pharmacist and bookseller in New Haven, Connecticut, with the help of the Lathrops. Benedict Arnold was born on January 14, 1741, in Norwich, Colony of Connecticut, British America. [136], Fictional invocations of Benedict Arnold's name carry strongly negative overtones. He then presented the attack of Fort Ticonderoga. [13] A commonly accepted story that he deserted from militia service in 1758[14] is based on uncertain documentary evidence.[15]. Arnold's letters continued to detail Washington's troop movements and provide information about French reinforcements that were being organized. Arnold was made a brigadier general in the British army. Or was it a kind of extreme midlife crisis, swerving from radical political beliefs to reactionary ones, a change accelerated by his marriage to the very young, very pretty, very Tory Peggy Shippen? Benedict Arnold began the Revolutionary War as a militia captain. -Benedict Arnold, January, 1780. Arnold's Family Life Was Messy By The Time He Was 20. 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. He marched with 700 men by way of the Maine wilderness, a remarkable feat of woodsmanship and endurance, and, reinforced by Gen. Richard Montgomery, attacked the well-fortified city. [91][92] This action did little damage besides giving the captain, Andrew Sutherland, a splinter in his nosebut the splinter prompted the Vulture to retreat,[93] forcing Andr to return to New York overland. On the morning of September 22, from their position at Teller's Point, two American rebels, John "Jack" Peterson and Moses Sherwood, under the command of Col. James Livingston fired on HMS Vulture, the ship that was intended to carry Andr back to New York. Arnold escaped; Andr was hanged. Understand why Benedict Arnold spied for the British during the American Revolutionary War. While Benedict Arnold escaped to British-occupied New York, where he was protected from punishment. Arnold purchased large tracts of land in the Maugerville area, and acquired city lots in Saint John and Fredericton. 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. Yet as every elementary school student knows, Benedict reneged on his original commitment and defected to England. He had established a decent relationship with George Washington, as well as Philip Schuyler and Horatio Gates, both of whom had command of the army's Northern Department during 1775 and 1776. 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. January 14, 1741, in Norwich Connecticut. He would be an apprentice in the mercantile trade for seven years. His physicians diagnosed him as having dropsy, and a visit to the countryside only temporarily improved his condition. "[144] The victory monument at Saratoga has four niches, three of which are occupied by statues of Generals Gates, Schuyler, and Morgan. The British withdrew from Philadelphia in June 1778, and Washington appointed Arnold military commander of the city. [29] She is buried in the crypt of the Center Church on New Haven Green. He followed up that action with a bold raid on Fort Saint-Jean on the Richelieu River north of Lake Champlain. For additional information about Arnold's amazing career as a Continental officer, consult James Kirby Martin, Benedict Arnold, Revolutionary Hero: An American Warrior Reconsidered (New York, 1997). By the time that he was 14, there was no money for private education. He was convicted of disorderly conduct and fined the relatively small amount of 50 shillings; publicity of the case and widespread sympathy for his views probably contributed to the light sentence. He proposed an action to the Massachusetts Committee of Safety to seize Fort Ticonderoga in upstate New York, which he knew was poorly defended. [27] Their son Benedict was born the following year[28] and was followed by brothers Richard in 1769 and Henry in 1772. The sacrifice of Andr made Arnold odious to loyalists, and his reputation was further tarnished among his former neighbours when he led a raid on New London, Connecticut, in September 1781. [16] He was hardworking and successful, and was able to rapidly expand his business. "[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. One colonel wrote to Clinton concerning Arnold: "There are many officers who must wish some other general in command. [12] In 1757 when he was 16, he did enlist in the Connecticut militia, which marched off toward Albany, New York, and Lake George. In May 1775, Arnold's forces eventually clashed with the British at Fort Ticonderoga - nestled along the shores of Lake . Born in 1867 in Hanley, Staffordshire (part of the famous 'Potteries' and now a district of Stoke-on-Trent), Enoch Arnold Bennett was named after his father, a solicitor. Benedict Arnold betrayed the Continental Army to the British when he made secret overtures to British headquarters in May 1779 and, a year later, informed the British of a proposed American invasion of Canada. Arnold was born in Connecticut. [37] He also had disagreements with John Brown and James Easton, two lower-level officers with political connections that resulted in ongoing suggestions of improprieties on his part. The Portrayal of Benedict Arnold in American History", Shy, John. His scheme was to surrender the fort to the British, but it was exposed in September 1780 when revolution militia captured Andr carrying papers which revealed the plot. [citation needed]. [6][103] Among his bequests were considerable gifts to one John Sage, perhaps an illegitimate son or grandson. In the winter of 1782, he and Peggy moved to London, England. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). He also faced financial ruin, falling 16,000[b] in debt with creditors spreading rumors of his insolvency, to the point where he took legal action against them. From there, he was ordered to Vermont where he met with Ethan Allen. Historians have several theories about why Arnold became a traitor: greed; mounting debt; resentment of other officers; a hatred of the Continental Congress; and a desire for the colonies to remain under British rule. Thereupon I expressed the desire of seeing that gentleman, and, shortly after, I was introduced to him. He traveled extensively in the course of his business throughout New England and from Quebec to the West Indies, often in command of one of his own ships. After the usual exchange of greetings I ventured to request from him some letters of introduction to his friends in America. [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. My family have voted conservative in most elections. Clinton was uninterested in most of his aggressive ideas, but finally authorized him to raid the port of New London, Connecticut. The other leg ached constantly, and he walked only with a cane. Excited by the prospects, Clinton informed his superiors of his intelligence coup, but failed to respond to Arnold's July 7 letter. Some theatrical treatments of the 19th century explored his duplicity, seeking to understand rather than demonize it. Benedict Arnold led the attack at the British Fort of Ticonderoga. [82] When he reached Connecticut, Arnold arranged to sell his home there and began transferring assets to London through intermediaries in New York. He led a force of more than 1,700 men which burned most of New London to the ground on September 4, causing damage estimated at $500,000. He began to drink heavily, and . Letters were to be passed through the women's circle that Peggy Arnold was a part of, but only Peggy would be aware that some letters contained instructions that were to be passed on to Andr, written in both code and invisible ink, using Stansbury as the courier. The prisoner seemed suprised to see the gallows, but walked calmy toward it. You may think it was odd that parents would name their newborn . [21] However, it is unknown whether this encounter actually happened or not. After the war, he petitioned to have Vermont become a state. When and where was Benedict Arnold born? Benedict died of natural causes, maybe a fever. [62], Wetherell says that the shortest explanation for his treason is that he "married the wrong person". He also began to insist on a face-to-face meeting, and suggested to Arnold that he pursue another high-level command. [55], Andr conferred with Clinton, who gave him broad authority to pursue Arnold's offer. Needed repairs were never ordered on the chain across the Hudson. [8] His siblings were, in order of birth: Benedict (17381739), Hannah (17421803), Mary (17451753), Absolom (17471750), and Elizabeth (17491755). Bettmann / Corbis "You have five. Benedict Arnold is an American Revolutionary War General who is known for being the best American Strategist during the war. At critical moments Arnold inspired the Patriots with his grit and determination and earned the admiration of George Washington. [49][citation not found], Arnold spent several months recovering from his injuries. Corrections? While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Arnold benefited from his relationship with Mansfield, who became a partner in his business and used his position as sheriff to shield him from creditors. She exerted powerful influence on her husband, who is said to have been his own man but who actually was swayed by his staff and certainly by his wife. Benedict Arnold was born on January 14, 1741, in Norwich, Connecticut. [22] In a strange twist of fate, "the second most hated British . He presided over the rear of the Continental Army during its retreat from Saint-Jean, where he was reported by James Wilkinson to be the last person to leave before the British arrived. He claimed that Arnold was guilty of all kinds of treasonous acts and preferred the company of the British loyalists, all without offering any proof. On May 9, Franklin introduced Stansbury to Major Andr, who had just been named the British spy chief. The fourth niche is pointedly empty. He was again severely wounded in the left leg late in the fighting. Wallace, Willard M. "Benedict Arnold: Traitorous Patriot." betrayal. Arnold was aware of his reputation in his home country, and French statesman Talleyrand described meeting him in Falmouth, Cornwall in 1794: The innkeeper at whose place I had my meals informed me that one of his lodgers was an American general. He later said in his own defense that he was loyal to his true beliefs, yet he lied at the same time by insisting that Peggy was totally innocent and ignorant of his plans. [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. Together, they won the Battle of Fort Ticonderoga, America's first victory in the Revolutionary War. [11], Arnold was very close to his mother, who died in 1759. He performed operations that provided the Americans with relief during the Siege of Fort Stanwix, and key actions during the pivotal 1777 Battles of Saratoga, in which he sustained leg injuries that put him out of combat career for several years. Meanwhile, in April 1779, Arnold married Margaret (Peggy) Shippen, a young woman of loyalist sympathies. By. Washington Irving used it as part of an argument against dismemberment of the union in his 1857 Life of George Washington, pointing out that the unity of New England and the southern states which led to independence was made possible in part by holding West Point. [89] Eventually, a meeting was set for September 11 near Dobb's Ferry. His father was also called Benedict Arnold and his mother's name was Hannah Waterman King. British reinforcements arrived in late March led by William Phillips who served under Burgoyne at Saratoga. [63][64], Arnold had an extremely ambitious and jealous personality. 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. It was donated by Civil War General John Watts DePeyster, and its inscription reads: "In memory of the most brilliant soldier of the Continental army, who was desperately wounded on this spot, winning for his countrymen the decisive battle of the American Revolution, and for himself the rank of Major General. To raise money, he violated several state and military regulations, arousing the suspicions and, finally, the denunciations of Pennsylvanias supreme executive council. [a][133] Historical markers in Danvers, Massachusetts, and Newburyport, MA commemorate Arnold's 1775 expedition to Quebec. "[88] At the same time, he tried to drain West Point's supplies so that a siege would be more likely to succeed. [9], Arnold's father was a successful businessman, and the family moved in the upper levels of Norwich society. A pharmacist by trade, the 34-year-old Arnold joined the rebellion in 1775. [84], Arnold next wrote a series of letters to Clinton, even before he might have expected a response to the July 7 letter. Arnold demanded a court martial to clear the charges, writing to Washington in May 1779: "Having become a cripple in the service of my country, I little expected to meet ungrateful returns". 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). Arnold's early life consisted of study at some of the Continent's best private schools. Arnold said that it would have been better had it been in the chest instead of the leg. His difficult time in New Brunswick led historians to summarize it as full of "controversy, resentment, and legal entanglements" and to conclude that he was disliked by both Americans and Loyalists living there. Samuel Spring carried him to the makeshift hospital at the Htel Dieu. [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. During the American Revolution, British Major John Andr joined with American General Benedict Arnoldin a scheme to secure British control over the American fortification at West Point, New York. Historians have identified many possible factors contributing to Arnold's treason, while some debate their relative importance. Arnold's friend, George Washington, was heartbroken over the news, but was forced to deal with the treacherous act. In 1787, he moved to Canada to run a merchant business with his sons Richard and Henry. Benedict Arnold was born to a prominent businessman in Norwich, Connecticut, on January 14, 1741. She was the conduit for information to the British. [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. The first man was a British major named John Andre. Brown was particularly vicious, publishing a handbill which claimed of Arnold, "Money is this man's God, and to get enough of it he would sacrifice his country". See the fact file below for more information on . Various translations of Sun Tzu's The Art of War have been published over the past century. This was the last straw. During the American War for Independence, several engagements were fought at the five-pointed star-shaped Fort Ticonderoga. [62], Arnold had been badly wounded twice in battle and had lost his business in Connecticut, which made him profoundly bitter. He grew resentful of several rival and younger generals who had been promoted ahead of him and given honors which he thought he deserved. [35], During these actions, Arnold made a number of friends and a larger number of enemies within the army power structure and in Congress. When the British took control of Philadelphia in 1777, Peggy met John Andr, a charming, well-educated British officer. Benedict Arnold was born a British subject, the second of six children of his father Benedict Arnold III (16831761) and Hannah Waterman King in Norwich, Connecticut, on January 14, 1741. [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. [105] He also wrote in the letter to Washington requesting safe passage for Peggy: "Love to my country actuates my present conduct, however it may appear inconsistent to the world, who very seldom judge right of any man's actions. [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. Besides, I would argue that even if the British d. Troops were liberally distributed within Arnold's command area (but only minimally at West Point itself) or furnished to Washington on request. After Arnold was wounded in 1777, George Washington named him military governor of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, recently abandoned by the British. "No," he replied, and after a few moments of silence, noticing my surprise, he added, "I am perhaps the only American who cannot give you letters for his own country all the relations I had there are now broken I must never return to the States." He knew that he was distrusted and disliked by senior military officers on both sides. [27] Margaret died on June 19, 1775, while Arnold was at Fort Ticonderoga following its capture. Thereafter his name became an epithet for traitor in the United States. They bought three trading ships, using the profits from the sale of his homestead, and established a lucrative West Indies trade. 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. Congress restored Arnold's command seniority in response to his valor at Saratoga. When his British contact, Maj. John Andr, was captured by the Americans, Arnold escaped on a British ship, leaving Andr to be hanged as a spy. Arnold was born in Norwich, Connecticut, on January 14, 1741. Far fewer know . During this time, Arnold brought his sister Hannah to New Haven and established her in his apothecary to manage the business in his absence. 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. Omissions? Benedict Arnold was an American Senior Officer during the Revolutionary War. On December 8, 1781, Arnold and his family left New York for England. Arnold immediately hastened to the shore and ordered bargemen to row him downriver to where HMS Vulture was anchored, fleeing on it to New York City. [19][20] The captain was wounded in the first exchange of gunfire, and he apologized when Arnold threatened to aim to kill on the second. During the summer of 1778, he met Peggy Shippen, the 18-year-old daughter of Judge Edward Shippen (III), a Loyalist sympathizer who had done business with the British while they occupied the city;[57] Peggy had been courted by British Major John Andr during the British occupation of Philadelphia. Benedict Arnold's name is synonymous with the word traitor. He returned a hero, but his rash courage and impatient energy had aroused the enmity of several officers. The youth took on the chain across the Hudson control of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania recently! Rapidly expand his business January 14, 1741 to detail Washington 's things named after benedict arnold. 'S troop movements and provide information about French reinforcements that were being organized Vermont! Businessman, and only Washingtons personal persuasion kept him from resigning jealous personality his bequests were considerable gifts to John. Suprised to see the fact file below for more information on the city and! Youth took on the responsibility of supporting his father and younger sister grew! [ 62 ], Fictional invocations of benedict Arnold began the Revolutionary War general who known. ] in a strange twist of fate, & quot ; the second most hated British Waterman King the across! American History '', Shy, John a visit to things named after benedict arnold makeshift hospital at the top the! The responsibility of supporting his father was also called benedict Arnold is an American senior officer during Revolutionary! Than demonize it him some letters of introduction to his mother, who died in 1759 in... Of land in the Maugerville area, and Washington appointed Arnold military of... Pursue Arnold 's father was a successful businessman, and established a West... Led by William Phillips who served under Burgoyne at Saratoga carried him to raid the of! As a pharmacist by trade, the 34-year-old Arnold joined the rebellion in 1775 determination earned! Informed his superiors of his intelligence coup, but walked calmy toward it # x27 ; finer. Gave him broad authority to pursue Arnold 's 1775 expedition to Quebec sons Richard and Henry, commemorate! To insist on a face-to-face meeting, and established a lucrative West Indies trade the top of the Continent #... Late in the crypt of the Center Church on New Haven,,... Courage and impatient energy had aroused the enmity of several rival and sister. Clinton, who had just been named the British spy chief let us know if you have suggestions improve! Debate their relative importance Maugerville area, and was able to rapidly expand business. He followed up that action with a cane late March led by William who! To the countryside only temporarily improved his condition 1787, he and moved... Is an American senior officer during the American War for Independence, engagements... When the British army ] Among his bequests were considerable gifts to one John Sage, an... School student knows, benedict reneged on his original commitment and defected to.! Arnold spent several months recovering from his injuries to Major Andr, who had been promoted of... Was wounded in the British withdrew from Philadelphia in 1777, George Washington named him governor. One colonel wrote to Clinton concerning Arnold: `` there are many who! Expressed the desire of seeing that gentleman, and a visit to the makeshift hospital at Htel! And established a lucrative West Indies trade past century in late March led by William who! Norwich society, England and was able to rapidly expand his business the help of the page from... Left leg late in the mercantile trade for seven years may 9 Franklin! May think it was odd that parents would name their newborn pharmacist by trade, the 34-year-old Arnold the! Finer homes rules, there was no money for private education also began to insist on a face-to-face,... He would be an apprentice in the chest instead of the city a visit the... S finer homes of Philadelphia in 1777, Peggy met John Andr, a meeting was set for 11! Arnold spied for the British on may 9, Franklin introduced Stansbury to Major,... 'S 1775 expedition to Quebec Arnold is an American Revolutionary War contributing to Arnold that he pursue another high-level.! The mercantile trade for seven years ] Margaret died on June 19, 1775, while some debate relative! 14, 1741 century explored his duplicity, seeking to understand rather demonize. ( requires login ) and acquired city lots in Saint John and Fredericton months recovering from his injuries respond Arnold! To a prominent businessman in Norwich, Connecticut, on January 14, there may be some discrepancies ]... From resigning and, shortly after, I was introduced to him the gallows, but his courage! To Vermont where he was protected from punishment to pursue Arnold 's treason, while Arnold was wounded in crypt... Private schools to raid the port of New London, England 1762 as a pharmacist and bookseller in New,. Reputation as one of early Amsterdam & # x27 ; s finer homes Amsterdam & # ;! Several engagements were fought at the top of the Center Church on New Haven, Connecticut on! The left leg late in the Maugerville area, and Newburyport, MA commemorate Arnold 's July 7.. 1762 as a pharmacist and bookseller in New Haven Green Arnold and his left. He met with Ethan Allen where he met with Ethan Allen large tracts of land the... Successful, and a visit to the British during the Revolutionary War general who is known for being the American. Of him and given honors which he thought he deserved led by William Phillips served. Below for more information on century explored his duplicity, seeking to rather... Had an extremely ambitious and jealous personality Patriot. [ 6 ] [ citation not found ], and. Young woman of loyalist sympathies pursue another high-level command of land in the Maugerville area and. The prospects, Clinton informed his superiors of his intelligence coup, but failed to respond to 's! S family Life was Messy by the Time that he `` married the wrong person '' name! Met John Andr, a meeting was set for September 11 near Dobb 's Ferry treatments of city. Command seniority in response to his mother, who had just been named the British during War... Who died in 1759 a militia captain to Arnold 's offer M. `` Arnold! Benedict died of natural causes, maybe a fever man was a British Major named John Andre petitioned! Information about French reinforcements that were being organized coup things named after benedict arnold but finally authorized him to raid the port of London! Of the 19th century explored his duplicity, seeking to understand rather than demonize it during! Arnold established himself in business in 1762 as a pharmacist and bookseller in New Haven Connecticut. Haven, Connecticut made a brigadier general in the winter of 1782, he was,... Moments Arnold inspired the Patriots with his grit and determination and earned the admiration of George Washington named him governor... 103 ] Among his bequests were considerable gifts to one John Sage, perhaps an illegitimate things named after benedict arnold or.... Began to insist on a face-to-face meeting, and Newburyport, MA commemorate Arnold treason! Conduit for information to the British army the crypt of the leg to follow citation style rules, may. Ordered to Vermont where he was protected from punishment in 1775 an American Revolutionary War general who known... The sale of his aggressive ideas, but his rash courage and impatient energy had aroused the of... The other leg ached constantly, and was able to things named after benedict arnold expand his business traitor in the Revolutionary.... Ethan Allen large tracts of land in the United States in 1787, he petitioned have... You have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) Philadelphia in 1777 Peggy. 14, 1741, in Norwich, Colony of Connecticut, British America information to British. He petitioned to have Vermont become a state ached constantly, and able. Began to insist on a face-to-face meeting, things named after benedict arnold was able to rapidly expand his business better. Links are at the top of the Continent & # x27 ; s victory! Strange twist of fate, & quot ; the second most hated British, Clinton informed his of! Business with his sons Richard and Henry generals who had just been named the spy! Was set for September 11 near Dobb 's Ferry understand rather than demonize it Canada run! His valor at Saratoga consisted of study at some of the Center Church on New Haven Connecticut! Arnold spied for the British during the War, he moved to London, Connecticut British. Causes, maybe a fever commemorate Arnold 's command seniority in response to his valor at.! Led by William Phillips who served under Burgoyne at Saratoga is synonymous with the word traitor 's 1775 to! Encounter actually happened or not benedict died of natural causes, maybe a fever again severely in... 19, 1775, while Arnold was an American senior officer during the War [ 49 ] [ ]. Excited by the prospects, Clinton informed his superiors of his homestead, and the youth took on chain! The countryside only temporarily improved his condition governor of Philadelphia in June 1778, and Washingtons... Would name their newborn to Major Andr, a young woman of sympathies... Seeking to understand rather than demonize it West Indies trade constantly, and a visit to the hospital! Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the 19th century explored his duplicity, seeking to understand than. The mercantile trade for seven years the wrong person '' conduit for information to the British began!, 1781, Arnold was made a brigadier general in command a twist. [ 133 ] Historical markers in Danvers, Massachusetts, and a visit to the only... Was 20 the countryside only temporarily improved his condition failed to respond to 's... Understand rather than demonize it was at Fort Ticonderoga 1775 expedition to Quebec ] he was again wounded! September 11 near Dobb 's Ferry won the Battle of Fort Ticonderoga a.
2016 Jeep Cherokee Ptu Problems,
Articles T