Essay/Term paper: Benedict arnold

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Biography Term Papers

Benedict Arnold


The name Benedict Arnold has become a synonym for a traitor to one's
country. In the first years of the American Revolution, however, Arnold was
a brilliant and dashing general, highly respected for his service to the
patriot cause (see Revolution, American).
Benedict Arnold was born on Jan. 14, 1741, in Norwich, Conn. His father,
Benedict, was a well-to-do landowner. His mother was Hannah King Waterman Arnold.
While a boy, young Arnold twice ran away to join the colonial troops fighting in
the French and Indian War. When he was 21 he settled in New Haven. In time he
became a prosperous merchant and a captain in the Connecticut militia. He
married Margaret Mansfield in 1767. They had three sons.
Arnold played a gallant part in the American Revolution and became a major
general in 1777. His wife had died in 1775. Early in 1779 he married Margaret
Shippen, by whom he had four sons and one daughter. Arnold lived lavishly and
soon found himself badly pressed for money.
He then began his treasonable activities. Most historians agree that Arnold
did so for money, though he may also have resented lack of further promotion.
Whatever his motive, he regularly sent vital military information to the British
and was well paid for it. His wife helped him, often acting as messenger. In
1780 Arnold obtained command of West Point and at once conspired to turn over
the garrison to the British. He met Maj. John Andre, a British spy, and made
final plans. Andre was captured, however, and his papers indicated Arnold's
treason.
Arnold heard of the capture and fled to the British headquarters in New York
City. He was given a command and about 6,300. He served with the British for
the rest of the war, leading troops on raids in Virginia and Connecticut. After
the war he lived with his family in England. He failed to obtain a regular
commission in the British army and failed also in several business ventures,
including land speculation in Canada. He died in London on June 14, 1801.
In the first years of the American Revolution, Arnold was a brilliant
and courageous general, highly respected for his service to the patriot cause.
Benedict Arnold was born on Jan. 14, 1741, in Norwich, Conn. He was a very
daring boy. He once ran on a millwheel with another kid. He was also known to
love fireworks and once was caught lighting a jug of gunpowder that would have
resulted in a big explosion. When he was a little older (about 17), Arnold
twice ran away to join the colonial troops fighting in the French and Indian War.
When he was 21 he moved to New Haven. In time he became a prosperous merchant
and a captain in the Connecticut militia. He married Margaret Mansfield in 1767.
They had three sons.
Arnold played a gallant part in the American Revolution and became a major
general in 1777. His wife had died in 1775 and early in 1779 he married Margaret
Shippen, by whom he had four sons and one daughter. Arnold was not careful with
his money and soon found himself hard up for cash. It was because of this that
he began his treasonable activities. Most people think Arnold did it for the
money. Whatever his motive, he regularly sent vital military information to the
British and was well paid for it. His wife helped him, often acting as messenger.
In 1780 Arnold obtained command of West Point and at once conspired to turn over
the garrison to the British. He met Maj. John Andre, a British spy, and made
final plans. Andre was captured, however, and his papers indicated Arnold's
treason.
Arnold heard of the capture and fled to the British headquarters in New York
City. He was given a command and about 6,300 men. He served with the British
for the rest of the war, leading troops on raids in Virginia and Connecticut.
After the war he lived with his family in England. He failed in several business
ventures, including land speculation in Canada. He died in London on June 14,
1801.