LITR 4231 Early American Literature Sample Research Posts 2014 (research post assignment) Research Post 2

Danielle Meza

18 April 2014

The Unrecognized Patriot

          Benedict Arnold is known to the American people as the turncoat patriot whom they associate with betrayal and disloyalty.  The average American knows little surrounding the life of Benedict Arnold, excluding the fact that he later went on to exchange his allegiance to the British during the American Revolution.  This realization leads me to investigate his life and the reasons for his betrayal in order to discover whether the detestation associated with Benedict Arnold is truly warranted or if it is a perpetuation of biased slandering.

           Shortly after the American Revolutionary War began, Benedict Arnold rushed to join the Continental Army.  He joined Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys.  It was here that Benedict Arnold became involved with the preparations for the siege on Fort Ticonderoga.  During battle, he received a gunshot wound to his leg.  In addition, Arnold soon received word that his wife had died during his absence.  Despite his losses, he continued to devise a way to hold their position.  Throughout the war, Arnold proved to be instrumental in countering the advances of the British during many battles including the Battle of Saratoga, Lake Champlain, and the Danbury raid.

Despite Arnold’s militaristic achievements, Congress frequently refused to acknowledge him.  Instead, he was repeatedly overlooked for promotions.  In 1777, Congress promoted five brigadiers to the position of major generals, despite the fact that Arnold was older and more experienced.  It was only after the request by George Washington that Arnold agreed to reenlist in the army.  He served under the command of General Horatio Gates.

Gates and Arnold shared in many disputes.  The two men held conflicting views on how to proceed with the war.  While Gates held a more precautious vision towards the war, Arnold desired to advance their forces.  When Arnold led a victorious assault against the British during the Battle of Bemis Heights, Gates stole most of the credit.  During battle, Arnold became crippled after his horse was shot and crushed the same leg that had previously been injured.  As a form of compensation, through the unrelenting petition of George Washington, Arnold was appointed Governor of Philadelphia.

However, Arnold’s permanent injury only caused his bitterness from Congress’s lack of respect to grow.  Not long after gaining his position he was accused of controversial business deals.  When asked, “Washington, himself pronounced the charges ‘imprudent and improper’ and ‘peculiarly reprehensible.’’” (“Benedict Arnold”).  However, he was eventually cleared of all but some of the more trivial charges.  Less than a year later, he began engaging in negotiations with the British for the surrender of the American Fort, West Point.  It was not long before his plans were found out and he fled to Britain before America could detain him.  Although Arnold joined the British for respect, he never gained the full trust of Britain nor achieved, “the high military commands he craved” (Wright 35).

Considering the sacrifices Arnold suffered during his service to America, it is understandable why he grew frustrated in regards to America’s treatment of him.   His outstanding service during the war remains impressive.  However, this does not excuse the fact that he ultimately betrayed the cause that he sacrificed so much for.  In pursuit of the recognition he deserved, he ultimately forfeited his honor with the result of never truly gaining what he truly desired.  I find it interesting that, as a man who contributed so much toward the American Revolution, he is only remember for his final act of betrayal.  Benedict Arnold’s role in helping to solidify America’s victory for independence is completely overshadowed by one of his final acts during the war.

Works Cited

"Benedict Arnold." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2014.

Wright, Esmond. "A Patriot For Whom?: BENEDICT ARNOLD AND THE LOYALISTS." History Today 36.10 (1986): 29. Academic Search Complete. Web. 20 Apr. 2014.