“General Arnold heretofore had been styled another Hannibal, but, losing a leg in the service of Congress, and the latter considering him unfit for any further exercise of his military talents, permitted him thus to fall into the unmerciful fangs of the executive council of Pennsylvania.” – British Royal Gazette
By 1780, General George Washington faced a critical phase of the war that strained America’s ability to achieve victory. While the Continental Army remained in the field, fought the British, and secured some battlefield successes, they were exhausted from five years of fighting. The British, with their advantages in weapons, manpower, national wealth, and leadership, now also had to contend with the Franco-American alliance.
The British believed it possible to gain control of the South by rallying American loyalists opposed to the patriot cause. They also expected that runaway or captured enslaved people would fight for the Crown against their former owners. Washington feared weaknesses in his southern forces, who were in a precarious position. Although he tried to rebuild the Continental Army in the South, the Americans found greater success through guerrilla warfare and targeting loyalists.
Washington was dismayed by the loss of Charleston, where 3,000 American soldiers under Major General Benjamin Lincoln were captured. The British, with 10,000 troops, outnumbered the Americans. British General Sir Henry Clinton then returned to New York to counter French naval and land forces, while General Charles Cornwallis, with 8,300 men, advanced northward through the Carolinas. Congress ordered a new southern army under General Horatio Gates, the “Hero of Saratoga.” But the American effort worsened as Gates ignored the advice of his officers while advancing toward Camden. Instead of marching through friendly territory to secure food, his men suffered hunger while trudging through swamps. Many were afflicted with dysentery, which Gates attempted to treat with rum. Short on supplies, he substituted molasses, which only worsened their illness. Soldiers even resorted to eating unripe apples.
Believing his army stronger than the British, Gates underestimated their condition. About 1,000 Americans were sick with dysentery, and many of his troops—largely militia—lacked bayonets to withstand a determined British attack. At Camden, disaster followed: 900 Americans were killed, 1,000 captured, and the British seized 1,000 wagons, 2,000 muskets, and other supplies. Gates fled the battlefield and was later investigated. He was replaced by General Nathanael Greene.
Once a trusted ally of Washington, Benedict Arnold by 1780 had grown resentful of American military and political leadership. Earlier in the war, Arnold was wounded in the failed Quebec campaign, built a fleet in upstate New York to halt a British invasion, and helped Gates secure victory at Saratoga. Severely injured in that battle, Arnold received little credit while Gates claimed the glory. Though promoted, he was still outranked by others and felt slighted. Arnold’s efforts at Saratoga had helped secure French support for the patriot cause, but bitterness lingered.
As military governor in Philadelphia, Arnold mingled with loyalist sympathizers. He married Margaret (“Peggy”) Shippen, a 19-year-old accustomed to luxury. Facing financial troubles and accused of misusing funds, Arnold endured hostility from fellow officers and court-martial proceedings pushed by Washington. Though cleared of most charges, he received a mild reprimand from Washington, which deepened his resentment. Arnold’s reputation suffered as critics claimed he lived lavishly and abused his office. He began secret communications with the British, offering intelligence and signaling his willingness to defect.
In letters to Washington, Arnold expressed his disillusionment:
“Having made every sacrifice of fortune and blood, and become a cripple in the service of my country, I little expected to meet the ungrateful returns I have received of my countrymen; but as Congress have stamped ingratitude as a current coin, I must take it. I wish your Excellency, for your long and eminent services, may not be paid off in the same coin.”
Despite this bitterness, Washington still considered him for high command. After his court-martial, Washington even proposed Arnold for a senior combat role. Arnold instead requested the less demanding post of commanding West Point, citing his injuries. Washington agreed.
On September 21, 1780, after months of secret correspondence with British Major John André, Arnold prepared to betray West Point. That morning, Washington traveled from Connecticut to inspect the fort and expected to breakfast with Arnold, who never appeared. Shocked by West Point’s poor defenses, Washington realized it would take months to strengthen the post. Meanwhile, Peggy Arnold feigned hysteria to conceal her husband’s flight.
That same day, André, disguised in civilian clothes under the alias “John Anderson,” carried sensitive documents hidden in his boots—plans Arnold had given him. Stopped by three local militiamen, André was searched. At first, they only sought money, but upon discovering the fort’s plans, they delivered him to American authorities.
For £6,000 and a commission in the British Army, Arnold had agreed to betray West Point. Washington, realizing the treachery, exclaimed: “My God! Arnold has gone over to the British. Whom can we trust now?” He quickly reinforced the garrison to prevent its capture.
Next week will continue with the story of Arnold, André, Benjamin Tallmadge, and the challenges Washington now faced.