Benedict Arnold V (January 14, 1741 – June 14, 1801) was a successful Connecticut merchant who fought for American independence from the British Empire as a general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
In the United States, Arnold is best known for his betrayal of the rebel cause when he plotted to surrender the American fort at West Point, New York to the British during the American Revolution. The measure of Arnold's treachery was made worse by the fact that he was considered by many to be the best general and most accomplished leader in the Continental Army. In fact, without Arnold's earlier contributions to the American cause, the American Revolution might well have been lost; notwithstanding, his name, like those of several other prominent traitors throughout history, has become a byword for treason.
Arnold distinguished himself early in the war through acts of cunning and bravery. His many successful campaigns included the Capture of Fort Ticonderoga (1775), the Invasion of Canada (1775), victory at the Battle of Valcour Island on Lake Champlain in 1776, the battles of Danbury and Ridgefield in Connecticut (after which he was promoted to Major General), and the Battle of Saratoga in 1777.
In spite of his success, Arnold was passed over for promotion by the Continental Congress while other general officers took credit for his many accomplishments. As his personal debts mounted, political adversaries conspired to have Arnold investigated for corruption. Frustrated, bitter, and disaffected by the assaults on his honor, Benedict Arnold betrayed the American cause. In July 1780, he sought and obtained command of West Point in order to surrender it to the British. Arnold's scheme was detected when American forces captured British Major John André carrying papers that ultimately revealed Arnold's plan.
Upon learning of André's capture, Benedict Arnold escaped down the Hudson River to the British Sloop-of-War, "Vulture", narrowly avoiding capture by the forces of General Washington who had departed for West Point immediately upon learning of Arnold's plan. For his efforts, Arnold received a commission as a Brigadier General in the British army and £6,000. However, the British never entirely trusted Arnold and this time their Army did not last.
In the winter of 1782, Arnold had left the army and moved to London with his second wife, Margaret "Peggy" Shippen Arnold. He was well received by the King and the Tories but frowned upon by the Whigs. In 1787 he entered into mercantile business with his sons Richard and Henry in Saint John, New Brunswick, but returned to London to settle permanently in 1791.
Benedict Arnold lived long enough to regret his actions. On his death bed, Arnold is reputed to have said "Let me die in this old uniform (Colonial) in which I fought my battles. May God forgive me for ever having put on another." Benedict Arnold died in London in 1801. The cause of his death has never been attributed and is presumed to be the result of natural causes.