Essay On Benedict Arnold

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Benedict Arnold used to be a great American general. He helped the colonists win many of the battles. However, on his deathbed, he said; “Let me die in this old uniform in which I fought my battles. May God forgive me for ever putting on another.”. Benedict was once a great American general, so why did he say this? Benedict Arnold was known as one of the greatest traitors of America because he switched sides mid-war for money and glory, gave away important locations of supply drops and troops to the British, and surrendered many of the American forts.


Benedict Arnold was born on Jan. 4, 1741 to Capt. Benedict and Hannah King Arnold. At the age of fourteen, he became the apprentice to a firm of druggists. He enlisted for the militia at the …show more content…

Later that year, he partnered with Ethan Allen, a frontiersmen,to seize Fort Ticonderoga in New York. In 1775, Arnold was passed over for promotion.In 1777, Arnold was passed over for promoton again, which disappointed Benedict as the five people that did gain promoted had less senority than Arnold. Arnold was talked out of leaving the army by George Washington. Later in May 1777, Arnold was finally promoted by Congress for his bravery. Arnold then led many invasions to Canada, where some of the British forts were. During one of the invasions, Arnold partnered with General Montgomery and attempted an assault on Quebec. The assault was unsuccessful and Arnold received a severe leg injury, he had to be carried off the battlefield. Due to his courageous attempt, Arnold was promoted to brigadier general. After this, Arnold served under General Horatio Gates. In the Battle of Saratoga, Arnold convinced Gates to attack Burgoyne’s army while they were down, which led to Burgoyne surrendering his army. Gates received most of the credit for the surrender of Burgoyne, which further more angered Arnold. Arnold often felt that he did not receive the recognition that he deserved and threatened to resign from the …show more content…

Instead, he only obtained one third of his demand, six thousand three hundred and fifteen pounds. He moved to England, where the king warmly welcomed him, but others hated him as they still distrusted him due to his patriotic roots. The British government granted him thirteen thousand four hundred acres of land in Canada. This land was little use to Arnold, as he spent most of time in the Caribbean Islands trade. He lived very solemnly as he was very discouraged and distrusted. He did not earn very much money through his trades and was burdened with

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