Benedict Arnold

ARNOLD, Benedict (1741-1801). The name Benedict Arnold has become a synonym for a traitor to one's country. In the first years of the American Revolution, however, Arnold was a brilliant and dashing general, highly respected for his service to the patriot cause (see Revolution, American). Benedict Arnold was born on Jan. 14, 1741, in Norwich, Conn. His father, Benedict, was a well-to-do landowner. His mother was Hannah King Waterman Arnold. While a boy, young Arnold twice ran …

…and his papers indicated Arnold's treason. Arnold heard of the capture and fled to the British headquarters in New York City. He was given a command and about 6,300 men. He served with the British for the rest of the war, leading troops on raids in Virginia and Connecticut. After the war he lived with his family in England. He failed in several business ventures, including land speculation in Canada. He died in London on June 14, 1801.