Benedict Arnold Hero or Traitor
Was the infamous Benedict Arnold actually a traitor or in fact an unrecognized hero? Throughout history Benedict Arnold, a name that has become synonymous with the very term "traitor," has been ridiculed and scoffed at by virtually everyone who calls themselves a loyal American. ... Born on January 14, 1741 in Norwich, Connecticut, Benedict Arnold was one of several Benedict Arnolds, including an early governor of Rhode Island, and the son of wealthy widow Hannah Waterman King, since married to the senior Arnold. 1 The familys fortune was secure for a while, but because of bad business deals, the Arnold family soon found themselves in debt. Because of this, Benedict was forced to withdraw from school at Canterbury, and several of his siblings died from yellow fever. ... Arnold left his apprenticeship and established his own business in New Haven. ... 7 American forces were planning an invasion of Canada, and Commander-in-Chief George Washington himself recommended Benedict Arnold to lead it. The Continental Congress approved, and Arnold was commisioned a colonel. ... Arnold and his men endured gruelling weather conditions and terrain, made worse by a shortage of food and provisions. 9 Nonetheless, Arnold finally reached the St. ... However, both Montgomery and Arnold lost a number of their men due to the expiraton of their subscription and an epidemic of smallpox. 11 In the following battle, Montgomery was killed and Arnold was wounded in the leg. Ultimately, the expedition failed, but Arnold received the rank of Brigadier General. On the retreat south, Arnold 3 was the last to leave the Canada shoreline. ... Benedict Arnold, with his extensive seagoing experience, was put in charge of constructing a fleet of ships to slow down the British led by Sir Guy Carleton. ... However, Arnold took advantage of the dense fog that had settled and actually managed to sail right out under the Britishs nose. ... Eventually, Arnold was forced to beach his boats and make a retreat to Ticonderoga, but he had shown the British what the Americans were capable of. 15 The following winter saw Arnold haggling with Congress over their inconsiderate treatment of him.