Benedict Arnold

Benedict Arnold

No other American is remembered to the same extent as Benedict Arnold. He was considered a brave soldier, a patriot, and also a traitor to the United States of America. Was he treated unfairly during the Revolutionary War by America or did he choose to change sides and join with the British for financial reasons? This is the question we will explore in this paper.

Benedict was born in Norwich, CT on January 14, 1741 (B Arnold). Arnold went to school in Canterbury. He was a rebellious kid who would try anything. When he was 14 years old, Benedict ran away from home to fight in the French and Indian War. He deserted the war effort but was not charged with anything because he was so young (B Arnold). Arnold came back and worked with his cousin in the pharmacy trade as an apprentice. In 1762 he moved to New Haven, CT where he opened a book and drug store. He was also involved with trade in the West Indies (B Arnold). In 1767 he married Margaret Mansfield, the sheriff's daughter and they had 3 sons together. Prior to the Revolutionary War, Arnold had become a wealthy businessman and owned several ships for trading and commerce.

Arnold wanted to be involved in the Revolutionary War. He was already an experienced solider and joined the American Army before the outbreak. He requested permission of the Massachusetts Committee of Safety to capture Fort Ticonderoga (Benedict Arnold). Arnold teamed up with Ethan Allen. They did not agree on most issues and Arnold had many words with Colonel Easton who was in charge of the operation. Victory was claimed by Easton for Connecticut and Benedict dismissed all his troops after resigning his commission (Benedict Arnold). He felt Massachusetts should and his men should get credit for the victory. Arnold felt a sour taste in his mouth because of this. The one thing the two did agree upon was the need to capture Quebec. Arnold returned to Massachusetts to settle up on his expanses for the mission and was treated unfairly again not being reimbursed for all his expanses. His wife became ill during this time and died on June 19, 1775.

Benedict continued to support the idea of capturing Quebec and so did the Continental Congress. Having control of the waterways between Canada and America were important. Waterways would allow excess and easy enter in to this areas. Arnold would need to petition the Massachusetts Committee of Safety and receive General Schuyler's okay to join him on this mission in order to become part of the Continental Army again for his actions at Fort Ticonderoga (Lake Champlain). George Washington proposed that Benedict Arnold be commissioned and he was appointed Colonel on the effort (USHistory). The march on Quebec faced many challenges. The weather was terrible, the terrain was hard to travel on, food was limited and their water supply was an issue. Many men deserted the mission. On December 31, 1775 battle broke out and Arnold got shot in the leg (USHistory). He stayed with his troops and continued to give orders, but the battle was not successful. During this time, Arnold had tremendous leadership and courage in those woods. Many people believed that they would have all perished if it were not for endless effort and extraordinary fieldmenship. (Lake Champlain) For his courage, Washington made him a Brigadier General (USHistory).

Arnold continued on to Montreal where he meant a group of Congress to discuss Canada. The group was not successful in their talks and Arnold launched an attack on the British. (USHistory). He was able to take over Montreal where the stores were taken over and seized by his troops. Once again, Benedict Arnold was facing legal matters for his actions in Montreal in the summer of 1776. (USHistory). He refused to admit wrong and say sorry to the court. They realized he was needed more in the war effort and exonerated him. Benedict was placed in charge of a small fleet of ships because of his pervious sailing abilities and sent to Ticonderoga. The Americans lost 10 of their 15 ships there and Arnold was blamed (USHistory). He continually needed to defend himself against criticism. During this time Congress promoted several other junior officers to Brigadier Generals. (USHistory). Arnold was up set by this and traveled to Philadelphia to look in to it. Eventually with the help of George Washington, he was appointed major general but without his seniority.