On September 21, 1780, American General Benedict Arnold meets
with British Major John Andre to discuss handing over West Point to the
British, in return for the promise of a large sum of money and a high position
in the British army. The plot was foiled and Arnold became synonymous with the
word "traitor."
Arnold was born on January 14, 1741 into a well-respected
family in Norwich, Connecticut. He apprenticed with an apothecary and was a
member of the militia during the French and Indian War (1754-1763). He later
became a successful trader and joined the Continental Army at the onset of the Revolutionary
War in 1775. During the war, Arnold proved himself a brave and skillful leader,
helping Ethan Allen's troops capture Fort Ticonderoga in 1775 and then
participating in the unsuccessful attack on British Quebec later that year, which
earned him a promotion to brigadier general. Arnold distinguished himself in
campaigns at Lake Champlain, Ridgefield and Saratoga, and gained the support of
George Washington. However, Arnold had enemies within the military and in 1777
five men of lesser rank were promoted ahead of him. Over the course of the next
few years, Arnold married for a second time and he and his new wife lived a
lavish lifestyle in Philadelphia, accumulating substantial debt. The debt and
the resentment Arnold felt over not being promoted faster were motivating
factors in his choice to become a traitor. In 1780, Arnold was given command of
West Point, an American fort on the Hudson River in New York. Arnold contacted
Sir Henry Clinton, head of the British forces, and proposed handing over West
Point and his men. On September 21st of that year, Arnold met with Major John
Andre and made his traitorous pact. However, the conspiracy was uncovered and
Andre was captured and executed. Arnold, the former American patriot, fled to
the enemy side and went on to lead British troops in Virginia and Connecticut.
He later moved to England, though he never received all of what he'd been
promised by the British. He died in London on June 14, 1801.
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Mayhem-Shocked-California-1849-1949/dp/0764339680/ref=la_B0035CPN70_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1361552464&sr=1-3
No comments:
Post a Comment