Benedict Arnold started out as a merchant’s son apprenticed to an apothecary. Arnold was unhappy with the apprenticeship because, as he said, “There is no excitement or danger in the work of a druggist measuring out mercury and opium…” When the Revolutionary War broke out, Arnold enlisted and worked his way up to become a major of the Connecticut army. Arnold love to be in the action of things. Galloping up and down the fighting lines of men, his heroic figure and brave words calling them to fight for freedom had the ability to inspire his soldiers to great acts of heroism. After the capture of several forts up and down the coast, Arnold wrote to and expected Congress to reward him financially and honourably and remember the acts of bravery and valour he had performed. Although Congress rewarded him fairly, Arnold selfishly felt that they were not truly grateful and became disgruntled, often commenting that “If Congress cannot properly thanks its valiant soldiers with honour, how can it be expected to run a country?” Because of lack of gratitude and finances, Arnold then began to deal with the British, offering his services as major general. He kept his dealings quiet and low, passing plans and secrets over to British lines. Although the British commanders were grateful, they did not trust Arnold’s shifty and fickle nature. In December of 1779, Arnold was court-marshalled by his fellow American generals and majors for using army wagons, supplies, passes, and surplus materials for his own use, and slandering officers within the hearing of the soldiers. Arnold, stating that it was not a criminal offense, defended himself while calling attention to all his past glories and deeds of bravery, as all his crimes and breaches of the rules did not matter. “How can it be that I, who have sacrificed domestic ease and happiness along with a great part of a handsome income for my country be suspected of wrongdoing? My conduct from the earliest period of this war has been steady and uniform.” Arnold received a formal letter of reprimand from General Washington, which pushed him to join the British forces. No one knew of his treason and betrayal until on the dark night of September 23, 1780, a certain Major John Andre of England was caught with the blueprints and weak spots of the American fort of West Point. These plans, letters, routes, passes and strategies were signed with a swooping and distinctive signature: Benedict Arnold.
All Arnold wanted was to be a hero. His treachery caused great loss to the American forces, but though Arnold was accepted by the British, he was never trusted. He was brave, yes, but he lacked the honour and selflessness of a true hero. Arnold was greedy and power-hungry, wanting the best for himself and not caring about other men. His self-esteem was sky-high and made it seem to himself that he had simply changed his mind. His love of money was his ruling passion. Because of his treachery, several forts were lost, hundreds of men were killed, he was a wanted man by the American army, and because of their anger and he himself attacked a privateering port some twelve miles from his hometown. Arnold wanted to be on the winning side and he thought he was until the Americans won the war in 1781. He wanted to be someone whose name would be written down in the pages of history. And it is. A name ever synonymous with the word traitor.
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