Benedict Arnold: A Champion, A Villain, A Morality Tale
There are many moments in history that capture the imagination. There are many characters that stand out. In terms of property management Providence Rhode Island has several historical figures that almost changed Providence property management. Benedict Arnold is one of them. His acts almost turned the fight for independence in favor of the British. His name is synonymous with being a traitor, but the truth is not so black and white. He was a hero before he became a traitor and an argument can be made that because of Arnold that the Colonies defeated England.
Arnold was part of the first successful campaign of the colonial war. Fort Ticonderoga in up state New York was occupied by the British. Benedict Arnold asked for and received permission for his militia to capture the fort. They met up with Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys in pursuit of the same goal. Arnold felt he should lead both companies in battle and felt Allan should follow his plans and command. The Green Mountain Boys refused to be under Arnolds command. Allen and Arnold worked out a plan that allowed for the two commanders to attack and capture the fort. The battle for Fort Ticonderoga was about as dramatic as watching a cow at a salt lick. Attempting to get the troops across the river in the earlier hours, Arnold and Allen became aware of the approaching dawn. They decided to make their assault with only 83 men. They marched right up to the Fort, suggested the British should surrender and the battle was over without a shot.
It was at the battle of Saratoga that Arnold may have saved the Colonies. Arnold was a smart and aggressive leader. He was willing to take risks and push for an advantage. At Saratoga, Arnold wanted an aggressive approach, but was thwarted by the more conservative General Gates. Later Arnold learned that Gates failed to mention the contribution Benedict made to the first battle of Saratoga. Arnold commanded the left flank where great casualties were inflicted on the British. Benedict Arnold refused to go unrewarded or unacknowledged. In the ensuing confrontation command. The second battle of Saratoga was well underway when Arnold mounted a horse and charged into battle, in open defiance of General Gates. Gates had officers go after Arnold with the instruction to remove him from the battle field. Before that could happen, Arnold was breaking the British line and capturing a part of their defenses. He was injured as the battle came to a close. After about ten days the British surrendered their position. It was this colonial victory that convinced the French to enter the fray and was instrumental in winning the war.
After five months of convalescence, Arnold was appointed the Military Governorship of Philadelphia. Arnold had his seniority restored and, despite the fact that others were advanced before him, was finally promoted. The congress began to suspect that Arnold was taking advantage of his position and they had investigated him several times already. While he was in Philadelphia Arnold began negotiating with the British. For a substantial amount of sterling, 100,000 pounds, and a position as Brigadier General, Arnold was willing to surrender West Point, a pivotal fort on the Hudson River.
Arnold’s plan was thwarted when his messenger was apprehended with detailed correspondence in his boots. Arnold ran to the British and tried to justify his behavior in an open letter. After many years, despised in the new nation, un-trusted in Britain, Benedict Arnold died a pauper. He was both the hero that saved the colonies and the turn coat that almost brought them down.
