No other American is remembered quite the same as Benedict Arnold. He was a brave soldier, a patriot- and a traitor. Benedict was born inNorwich, Connecticut, on January 14, 1741. When he was 14 years old,Benedict ran away from home to fight in the French and Indian War, but hewas brought back by his mother, who apparently was driven insane later inher life. If I had a son like Benedict, I might have gone insane too!After his mother insisted that he return home, he ran away for a secondtime. After he was finished playing boy hero for awhile, he learned theapothecary (pharmacy) trade and then in 1762, he opened a book and drugstore in New Haven. Benedict was also involved with trade in the WestIndies. By 1774, he was one of the wealthiest citizens in New Haven.It's a good thing that he had money, because he was one of those peoplewho like to ride around in their Mercedes and wear expensive clothes, evenif he couldn't afford them. Benedict then got hooked up with thesheriff's daughter Margaret Mansfield, and they hit it off. They decidedto get married in 1774. But this marriage was short lived because thenext year Margaret caught a disease and died. When the Revolutionary Warbegan that year Arnold was already an experienced soldier. He had helpedEthan Allen capture Fort Ticonderoga. Then Benedict came up with a greatidea to capture Quebec. This idea failed, but Benedict had already provenhis bravery. He was then commissioned as a colonel in the patriot forces.He was one of General George Washington's most trusted officers. Benedict led his troops to the siege of Boston and Valcour Islandand proved once again to be a bold and skilled officer. At the battle ofValcour Island he was wounded severely in his leg. His bravery won himthe respect of many people. He was promoted to the rank of brigadiergeneral. Arnold felt that his services were not properly rewarded. In1777, Congress promoted five officers, who were j...
