Arnold, Benedict (1741-1801)

US soldier and military strategist who, during the American Revolution, won the turning-point battle at Saratoga in 1777 for the Americans. He is chiefly remembered as a traitor to the American side, having plotted to betray the strategic post at West Point to the British.

Arnold was a merchant in New Haven, Connecticut, who joined the colonial forces and distinguished himself in the battles of Ticonderoga and Québec. He reached the rank of major general and was one of the most trusted officers of Gen Washington, but he felt bitter at having previously been passed over for promotion. However, he continued in his post, fought at Ridgefield and Saratoga, was commander at Philadelphia 1778, and was then put in charge of West Point on the Hudson River 1780. Although cleared of charges arising from investigations into his conduct in Canada, Arnold later began to send military information to the British, ultimately offering to surrender his garrison to them. Maj John André was sent by the British to discuss terms with him, but was caught and hanged as a spy. Arnold escaped to the British lines, where he was given an army command. He migrated to England 1782 and stayed there until his death.