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).