Benedict Arnold

Just finished reading The Traitor and the Spy: Benedict Arnold and John Andre by James Thomas Flexner. It is a great script for a Hollywood blockbuster: the seduction, secrecy, disappointments, fear and anxiety of two spy missions gone bad. The words Benedict Arnold are synonymous in this country for being a traitor. He is probably still to this day one of the top 3 despised Americans of all time. Hard to believe how he got to that point. Benedict grew up in the working class, from the time he was a little boy proved always brave and dashing; tried his hand at merchant work and was miserable, then vigor enthusiastically joined the American Revolution utilizing his bravery and intimidation skills to their maximum potential in the military arena where he found his calling. He sacrificed his personal wealth and health (in one battle he irreparably hurt his leg becoming a cripple for life) to feed, house, clothe and protect his men. He fearlessly won the Battle of Ticonderoga (a much needed turning point in the Revolutionary cause) and always was the first to volunteer for a mission when many generals out of fear turned Washington down. Congress became immensely jealous of his success (fearing in that time period he could become a cza much like Napoleon eventually did) and refused to promote him, promoted his underlings above him and even court martialed him (2 charges stuck for ridiculous actions such as using the army's horses and wagons for what was debatable use). Washington advised Arnold to stay patient and not worry himself about Congress' petty issues (they squabbled over the compensation Arnold asked to be recompensed for selling his property to feed the army, one example). Congress' continuing questioning of his integrity crushed his proud spirit. He lost faith in his fellow Americans as he experienced the greatest humiliation of his life (unnecessary court martial over superfluous and laughable charges). He was finally convinced by his young wife (raised with a silver spoon whose father was accused of being a Tory, part of the British government who ruled in the colonies) to turn sides as she convinced him it would be best for America to stay British and he could best use his talents for the good of his country in this way. His is a story on how one can lose sight of their resolve when depression and disappointment set in. It is a lesson on how important it is to watch the company one keeps. Yes, Benedict Arnold ultimately (as some would argue the analogy of Eve tempting Adam to eat the apple...)lost everything (he and his wife died in their middle age unhappy and broke in England) due to the wiles and bad influence of a misguided woman not intelligent enough to see the big picture and lacking in the spirit of her country. The counterpart of the story, the British spy John Andre, from a human character view is even more interesting. He was wealthy, cultured, spoke several languages including French fluently, extremely intellectual and charming. His time in Europe among the philosophical elite is an enlightening and encouraging read. Even the American officers (after becoming acquainted with him once he was caught) did not want him executed. His is a tale of rapidly rising success. He enters the British army quickly ascends to the top aide position of the General Clinton. By a comedy of errors in that famous fateful Arnold meet and exchange of Westpoint military details, he ends up in civilian clothes (rather than his uniform) which subjects him to death as opposed to an exchange of prisoners. He was a playwright, poet, artist, philosopher and incredibly handsome. He was a man of much dignity and bravery. When he realized he was caught and that it was hopeless he wrote a letter to George Washington accepting full responsiblity and asked to be executed by a firing squad to dignify his last moments (rejected, he was hanged). All American children should read this book to learn the values of loyalty, patience, forgiveness and endurance. It never pays to give up on your true beliefs and values... such is the sad tale of Benedict Arnold and John Andre (who never gave up on his but chose to take directions of those less intelligent than him which ultimately led to his death versus mere imprisonment).

Lewis and Clark

Just finished reading Stephen Ambrose's Undaunted Courage. It is an excellent book on the Lewis and Clark expedition into the American West. It was Thomas Jefferson's dream and reality that Lewis got to man an official governmental sojourn into the unexplored territory that would later become American, and at the time the new Louisiana Purchase. The bravery and smarts these men had to possess to survive, let alone successfully launch a scientific (botany, geology, zoology)expedition is astounding. I enjoyed the beautiful friendship that Meriwhether Lewis shared with William. It was the kind of friendship that always respects and trusts. Those two sometimes would not have to speak to know exactly what eachother was thinking, which was very necessary when they would split up on the expedition out of necessity to later reunite. Back then, everyone was excited and wanted to know what was found. They were treated like Kings upon return. However, some Federalists criticized the expedition and it later even resulted in some of the government drafts that were necessary after Lewis was appointed Governor of Louisiana being rejected (putting Lewis in what we would now know as bankrupty but not available then) which resulted in much heartache and a sad end to the expedition's story when Lewis shot himself twice in a suicide. The expedition has to be one of the greatest stories of mankind ever. Hard to imagine life in a time when the world was unexplored. Americans owe much to Lewis and Clark. These brave men gave everything in the name of country. We should honor them with a holiday. Americans need more risk taking spirit. We need to do everything we can to make the world a better place, this requires great courage. Hats off to Lewis and Clark.