On September 25, 1780, 245 years ago today, General Benedict Arnold defected. Arnold, commander of West Point, was breakfasting with two of George Washington’s aides when he learned that British Major John Andre, alias “John Anderson,” had been captured with incriminating documents, including West Point’s defense plans, which Arnold had provided.
Benedict Arnold had planned to hand over West Point. Realizing his treason was exposed, Arnold fled, telling his wife Peggy he was in danger and deceiving the aides about preparing for Washington’s visit.
He escaped by barge to the British ship Vulture. Washington, arriving soon after, was stunned to learn of Arnold’s betrayal when Andre’s confession and the documents. Peggy feigned hysteria, claiming spirits took her husband and accusing Washington of being an impostor.
Arnold, safe on the Vulture, wrote to Washington, pleading for Peggy’s protection, claiming her innocence. Though Washington believed her, the Pennsylvania Council banished her, and she joined Arnold.
Benjamin Franklin wrote that “Judas sold only one man, Arnold three millions,” and Alexander Scammell described Arnold’s actions as “black as hell.”
In his hometown of Norwich, Connecticut, someone scrawled “the traitor” next to Arnold’s record of birth at city hall, and all of his family’s gravestones have been destroyed except his mother’s.