Benedict Arnold: A Traitor, but Once a Patriot

Arnold was constantly the victim of venomous political slanders by superiors and subordinates throughout his service. Congress not only refused to recognize his right to promotion which he earned with his blood on the battlefield, but they also refused to reimburse him for expenses he incurred during the march to Quebec. No general officer sacrificed more than Arnold in the cause of liberty. And none were disrespected like he was either. Even his friend Gen. Washington succumbed to the threats of Joseph Reed of Philadelpia and reprimanded Arnold for minor charges he was convicted of. All Benedict Arnold wanted was to to restore dignity to his family name and fight on the side of freedom. But I think that he genuinely believed that being governed by the congress that treated him dismally would be worse than being governed by the Crown.

Very few gave as much as Arnold had. His downfall was the appointment as governor of Philadelphia which was recently vacated by the British and full of Loyalists. His love for Peggy Shippen doomed him. His decision is legendary and unfortunate.

I understand why he chose to defect. I also think he had other options which I feel would have been more honorable. But most importantly I think Arnold should be given credit for playing a major role in winning the war. Valcour Island bloodied the Brits enough to cause them to retreat to Canada for the winter. Saratoga was his victory and this caused France to join the fight. And the march to Quebec was one of the most heroic ventures of any military group in US history, and demonstrated to the British that they were going to be in for a fight!

John of IA 2:54AM April 01, 2011