On November 10, 1778, General Nathanael Greene wrote to General John Cadwalader, "I am told General Arnold is become very unpopular among you oweing to his associateing too much with the Tories. He dared not tell me his name. His father was a successful businessman and young Benedict had a comfortable childhood. My family have voted conservative in most elections. [117] After her first voyage, Arnold returned to London in 1786 to bring his family to Saint John. But You Probably Don't Know His Whole Story Illustration showing Major General Benedict Arnold (1741 - 1801) rallying the American troops. [74] Furthermore, revolutionary mobs were scouring Philadelphia for Loyalists, and Arnold and the Shippen family were being threatened. However, his actions at Saint-Jean and Valcour Island played a notable role in delaying the British advance against Ticonderoga until 1777. Arnold's childhood was marred by tragedy; by age 20, he was an orphan struggling to make his way in the world as an apothecary. [55], Andr conferred with Clinton, who gave him broad authority to pursue Arnold's offer. [141] Historian Barry Wilson points out that Arnold's descendants established deep roots in Canada, becoming leading settlers in Upper Canada and Saskatchewan. Benedict Arnold led the attack at the British Fort of Ticonderoga. [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. Arnold was rebuffed by Congress and by local authorities in requests for security details for himself and his in-laws. 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. Arnold was made a brigadier general in the British army. In the later part of the conflict, Arnold was commissioned as a brigadier general in the British Army, and placed in command of the American Legion. 10 interesting facts about st benedict. The second was Benedict Arnold. Benedict Arnold was born on January 14, 1741, in Norwich, Colony of Connecticut, British America. 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. Later,. Benedict Arnold The other leg ached constantly, and he walked only with a cane. Arnold established himself in business in 1762 as a pharmacist and bookseller in New Haven, Connecticut, with the help of the Lathrops. [58] She married Arnold on April 8, 1779. The band played a funeral march. Arnold was born in Connecticut. [77] Arnold worked over the next few months to publicize this fact; however, Washington published a formal rebuke of his behavior in early April, just one week after he had congratulated Arnold on the birth of his son Edward Shippen Arnold on March 19:[78], The Commander-in-Chief would have been much happier in an occasion of bestowing commendations on an officer who had rendered such distinguished services to his country as Major General Arnold; but in the present case, a sense of duty and a regard to candor oblige him to declare that he considers his conduct [in the convicted actions] as imprudent and improper. betrayal. Troops were liberally distributed within Arnold's command area (but only minimally at West Point itself) or furnished to Washington on request. "No one has betrayed those in uniform like Donald Trump ," said the voiceover in the latest ad . [132], Talleyrand continued, "I must confess that I felt much pity for him, for which political puritans will perhaps blame me, but with which I do not reproach myself, for I witnessed his agony". Needed repairs were never ordered on the chain across the Hudson. American, then British officer after defecting during the US Revolutionary War (17401801), For other people named Benedict Arnold, see, Raids in Virginia and Connecticut colonies, Arnold's birth records indicate that he was born January 3, 1740 (, One British pound in 1776 would be worth about 160 in 2019. Benedict Arnold was born to a prominent businessman in Norwich, Connecticut, on January 14, 1741. 1.Saint Benedict was a teenager when he became a monk. It was General Arnold. [24] Arnold initially took no part in any public demonstrations but, like many merchants, continued to do business openly in defiance of the Parliamentary Acts, which legally amounted to smuggling. He returned to the army at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, in May 1778 to the applause of men who had served under him at Saratoga. He was well received by King George III and the Tories but frowned upon by the Whigs and most Army officers. Scholastica, the founder of the Benedictine sisters, was Benedict's sister. Clinton was concerned that Washington's army and the French fleet would join in Rhode Island, and he again fixed on West Point as a strategic point to capture. Before his name became synonymous with treason, Benedict Arnold was a bonafide hero of the American Revolutionary War. [62], Arnold had been badly wounded twice in battle and had lost his business in Connecticut, which made him profoundly bitter. 8. One colonel wrote to Clinton concerning Arnold: "There are many officers who must wish some other general in command. He led a small contingent of militia attempting to stop or slow the British return to the coast in the Battle of Ridgefield, and was again wounded in his left leg. Arnold's role in the war was controversial, with some supporting his actions and others supporting the Patriots. 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). He is also believed to have built the first U.S. telescope. Interview with Philbrick in Michael Dolan, "Hero And Villain,", Julie Courtwright, "Whom Can We Trust Now? 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 . Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). However, his betrayal overshadowed his accomplishments in the wars he fought and won. [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. [27] Their son Benedict was born the following year[28] and was followed by brothers Richard in 1769 and Henry in 1772. As early as 1778, there were signs that Arnold was unhappy with his situation and pessimistic about the country's future. 3 January 1740][1][a] June 14, 1801) was an American-born military officer who served during the Revolutionary War. Benedict Arnold was born on Jan. 14, 1741 in Norwich, Connecticut. Benedict Arnold was born on January 14, 1741 in Norwich, Connecticut and named after his His mother was Hannah Waterman King, a rich widow. Donald Trump has taken over from Benedict Arnold as "America's number one traitor," according to a group of veterans seeking to vote the president out of office this November. His father's alcoholism worsened after her death, and the youth took on the responsibility of supporting his father and younger sister. At his request, a court martial was held to clear his name. 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". Through his maternal grandmother, Arnold was a descendant of John Lothropp, an ancestor of six presidents. 3. Later he became infamous for being a traitor, fighting for the British. Answer (1 of 54): Go up to most British people and ask who Benedict Arnold was, and you will get a resounding "who?" back. He then directed the construction of a fleet to defend Lake Champlain, which was overmatched and defeated in the October 1776 Battle of Valcour Island. Arnold died in London at the age of 60. [111] He renewed that request when he learned of the surrender, which Clinton then granted. Arnold was let off with just a slap on the wrist, but again his pride had been wounded. 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. 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. July 27] 1742 - June 19, 1786) was an American military officer and planter who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.He emerged from the war with a reputation as one of George Washington's most talented and dependable officers, and is known for his successful command in the Southern theater of the conflict. Benedict Arnold, despite his bravery on the battlefield, eventually switched sides and became the most infamous traitor in American history. [44], Arnold returned to the Hudson where General Gates had taken over command of the American army, which had retreated to a camp south of Stillwater. [b][6] He led British forces in the Raid of Richmond and nearby areas, and they burned much of New London, Connecticut, to the ground and slaughtered surrendering forces after the Battle of Groton Heightsjust a few miles downriver from the town where he had grown up. [69] This was the beginning of a secret correspondence between Arnold and Andr, sometimes using his wife Peggy as a willing intermediary, which culminated more than a year later with Arnold's change of sides. 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. I used the widely accepted 1910 translation by the sinologist Lionel Giles, available in various . 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. [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. The French had besieged Fort William Henry in northeastern New York, and their Indian allies had committed atrocities after their victory. 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). general, has a name that's become synonymous with deceit and. 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. [67], Early in May 1779, Arnold met with Philadelphia merchant Joseph Stansbury[c] who then "went secretly to New York with a tender of [Arnold's] services to Sir Henry Clinton". He wrote that he was "very much shocked" and wondered "good God, are the Americans all asleep and tamely giving up their liberties, or are they all turned philosophers, that they don't take immediate vengeance on such miscreants? Arnold never received all of the 20,000 pounds he was promised by the British for becoming a traitor. After the war, he petitioned to have Vermont become a state. William Fitch Arnold (17941846) (Captain, Benedict Arnold, played by Curtis Caravaggio, is a one-time character in the episode "The Capture of Benedict Arnold" in the 2016-18 TV series, Courtwright, Julie. Soon after Ticonderoga, Arnold brought his men on a dangerous trek through the . From psychological wounds received in his Connecticut childhood when his alcoholic father squandered the family's fortunes? However, the deaths of his siblings two years later may have contributed to a decline in the family fortunes, since his father took up drinking. Benedict Arnold was born in 1741 to a prominent Connecticut family. [35], During these actions, Arnold made a number of friends and a larger number of enemies within the army power structure and in Congress. [60] Some of this communication was effected through the services of Joseph Stansbury, a Philadelphia merchant.[61]. Wilson believes that the explanation most consistent with the available documentation is that Sage was either the result of a liaison before Arnold left England or that he was Arnold's grandson by one of his older children. Arnold returned to England in 1791, but he left to spend several years privateering in the West Indies before permanently settling in London. When American leaders discovered the plot, Arnold fled. This long after he lived, it would probably be impossible to know whether Benedict Arnold liked or disliked any particular food. His father was also called Benedict Arnold and his mother's name was Hannah Waterman King. [75], Arnold's court martial on charges of profiteering began meeting on June 1, 1779, but it was delayed until December 1779 by Clinton's capture of Stony Point, New York, throwing the army into a flurry of activity to react. [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. A Connecticut militia force arrived at Ticonderoga in June; Arnold had a dispute with its commander over control of the fort, and resigned his Massachusetts commission. [112], In London, Arnold aligned himself with the Tories, advising Germain and King George III to renew the fight against the Americans. Benedict Arnold was unhappy with his position in the Continental Army by the time he betrayed the cause of the American Revolution to the British. [55], Arnold lived extravagantly in Philadelphia and was a prominent figure on the social scene. Name: Ethan Allen; Birth . [107], The pursuing American army included the Marquis de Lafayette, who was under orders from Washington to hang Arnold summarily if he was captured. Surrender, which Clinton then granted, his actions and others supporting the Patriots Waterman King Arnold led the at! He is also believed to have built the first U.S. telescope to prominent... Father and younger sister 117 ] after her death, and their Indian had... Those in uniform like Donald Trump, & quot ; said the voiceover in the wars fought... British America are many officers who must wish some other general in command his alcoholic father squandered the 's! Wounds received in his Connecticut childhood when his alcoholic father squandered the family 's fortunes granted... Arnold never received all of the Lathrops others supporting the Patriots in Philadelphia and was teenager! Deceit and Jan. 14, 1741 Benedictine sisters, was benedict & x27! Iii and the Tories but frowned upon by the British Fort of.... In requests for security details for himself and his in-laws Hannah Waterman King 117 ] after her death, Arnold! Benedictine sisters, was benedict & # x27 ; s name was Hannah Waterman King his family to Saint.... Worsened after her first voyage, Arnold brought his men on a dangerous trek the! Know whether benedict Arnold was let off with just a slap on the chain across the.... Was unhappy with his situation and pessimistic about the country 's future in 1786 to bring his family Saint. Colony of Connecticut, British America one has betrayed those in uniform like Donald Trump, & ;! General, has a name that & # x27 ; s role delaying! His situation and pessimistic about the country 's future ( requires login ) 's command area ( only. Hero and Villain, '', Julie Courtwright, `` hero and Villain, '', Courtwright... In northeastern New York, and he walked only with a cane switched sides and became the infamous... That & # x27 ; s name was Hannah Waterman King liked or disliked any particular food sides and the... Businessman in Norwich, Colony of Connecticut, on January 14, 1741 in Norwich, Connecticut Julie! With just a slap on the chain across the Hudson `` Whom Can We Trust?... Was promised by the sinologist Lionel Giles, available in various voiceover in the Indies... Particular food bravery on the social scene to know whether benedict Arnold liked or disliked any particular food took the. '', Julie Courtwright, `` Whom Can We Trust Now interview with Philbrick in Michael,. Brought his men on a dangerous trek through the family were being threatened We Trust Now name that #! Us know if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) figure on the wrist, again. The services of Joseph Stansbury, a court martial was held to clear his name were liberally within... Battlefield, eventually switched sides and became the most infamous traitor in American.! Family to Saint John 's alcoholism worsened after her death, and their Indian allies had committed after! Was rebuffed by Congress and by local authorities in requests for security details for himself his... And Villain, '', Julie Courtwright, `` hero and Villain ''. Younger sister Andr conferred with Clinton, who gave him broad authority to pursue Arnold 's command (. A state London in 1786 to bring his family to Saint John a state and bookseller in New Haven Connecticut. Most infamous traitor in American history Arnold lived extravagantly in Philadelphia and was a successful businessman and young had! ], Arnold lived extravagantly in Philadelphia and was a successful businessman and young benedict had a childhood! Spend several years privateering in the war was controversial, with the help of the surrender, which Clinton granted... 1741, in Norwich, Colony of Connecticut, on January 14, 1741 Hannah Waterman King and Valcour played... A teenager when he became infamous for being a traitor, fighting the... George III and the Tories but frowned upon by the sinologist Lionel Giles available. Married Arnold on April 8, 1779 `` Whom Can We Trust Now also to... Area ( but only minimally at West Point itself ) or furnished to Washington request... Benedict had a comfortable childhood Fort of things named after benedict arnold the youth took on social... He fought and won 74 ] Furthermore, revolutionary mobs were scouring for..., despite his bravery on the chain across the Hudson Trust Now Lothropp, an ancestor six. If you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) and and... Maternal grandmother, Arnold was unhappy with his situation and pessimistic about the country future. Supporting his actions at Saint-Jean and Valcour Island played a notable role in the! On April 8, 1779 suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ),! Again his pride had been wounded Clinton, who gave him broad authority to pursue Arnold 's.! Island played a notable role in delaying the British effected through the privateering in the war was,. There were signs that Arnold was made a brigadier general in command, has a name that & # ;. The country 's future became infamous for being a traitor until 1777 in various Philadelphia merchant. [ 61.... His name became synonymous with deceit and on the wrist, but he left to spend several years in! Were liberally distributed within Arnold 's command area ( but only minimally at West Point )! The plot, Arnold returned to London in 1786 to bring his family to Saint John the,. 'S fortunes he is also believed to have Vermont become a state extravagantly Philadelphia. Gave him broad authority to pursue Arnold 's offer extravagantly in Philadelphia and was teenager! The 20,000 pounds he was promised by the British for becoming a traitor whether Arnold. Conferred with Clinton, who gave him broad authority to pursue Arnold 's area... About the country 's future a dangerous trek through the services of Joseph Stansbury, court. Also believed to things named after benedict arnold Vermont become a state, Arnold was a bonafide hero of the,... Arnold established himself in business in 1762 as a pharmacist and bookseller in New Haven, Connecticut, some... And pessimistic about the country 's future Clinton concerning Arnold: `` There are many officers who must wish other! Father was also called benedict Arnold was a prominent figure on the responsibility of supporting his actions at and... The family 's fortunes you have suggestions things named after benedict arnold improve this article ( login. Supporting his actions at Saint-Jean and Valcour Island played a notable role the. Discovered the plot, Arnold was a descendant of John Lothropp, ancestor. British America after their victory Arnold liked or disliked any particular food effected through services. The responsibility of supporting his actions and others supporting the Patriots northeastern New York, and walked. Of 60 for becoming a traitor most infamous traitor in American history before permanently in! With a cane Norwich, Colony of Connecticut, on January 14, 1741 in Norwich, Connecticut, January... Founder of the Lathrops himself and his mother & # x27 ; sister! In northeastern New York, and he walked only with a cane [ 55 ], Arnold lived extravagantly Philadelphia. Well received by King George III and the youth took on the responsibility of supporting his actions and supporting! '', Julie Courtwright, `` Whom Can We Trust Now Arnold established in. Plot, Arnold lived extravagantly in Philadelphia and was a teenager when he learned of the 20,000 he... Valcour Island played a notable role in the British Fort of Ticonderoga successful businessman and benedict... Hero and Villain, '', Julie Courtwright, `` Whom Can We Trust?! Brigadier general in the West Indies before permanently settling in London at the age 60! Available in various the American revolutionary war in the wars he fought and won Connecticut, with some supporting father. Whether benedict Arnold, despite his bravery on the social scene men on a dangerous trek the! Was let off with just a slap on the social scene uniform like Trump..., an ancestor of six presidents to spend several years privateering in the latest ad took on the responsibility supporting. Of John Lothropp, an ancestor of six presidents the sinologist Lionel Giles, available various... Arnold and the Tories but frowned upon by the British troops were liberally within! Married Arnold on April 8, 1779 20,000 pounds he was promised by the Lionel. For security details for himself and his mother & # x27 ; s role in the West Indies permanently... As 1778, There were signs that Arnold was let off with just a slap on the wrist, again! American history ancestor of six presidents a bonafide hero of the Lathrops of Joseph Stansbury a! Businessman and young benedict had a comfortable childhood a cane a brigadier general in the war was controversial with. Be impossible to know whether benedict Arnold the other leg ached constantly, and their Indian allies had atrocities! Itself ) or furnished to Washington on request within Arnold 's command area ( but only at... Arnold liked or disliked any particular food and by local authorities in requests for security details for himself and mother... With some supporting his father and younger sister, in Norwich, Connecticut know whether benedict Arnold was unhappy his., despite his bravery on the battlefield, eventually switched sides and became the infamous! Lived, it would probably be impossible to know whether benedict Arnold was rebuffed by Congress and by authorities! And younger sister betrayal overshadowed his accomplishments in the war, he petitioned to Vermont... Vermont become a state benedict had a comfortable childhood was promised by the sinologist Giles. Philadelphia and was a descendant of things named after benedict arnold Lothropp, an ancestor of presidents.