T.W.

Arnold was born January 14, 1741, in the town of Norwich, CT. While he had the same hopes and dreams as the other boys around him, there was not much time for sitting around day dreaming. Chores in the morning, school through the day, and more chores at night kept him busy and out of trouble. In due time all that hard work paid off. He finished his schooling, got married and soon had a successful business in New Haven, CT.

During that time, 1770s, the relations between the Colonies and England were deteriorating rapidly. Arnold was elected a captain in his state militia. In April of 1775, when fighting began in Lexington, MA, he immediately volunteered for service and joined Col. Ethan Allen in the successful attack on the British held Fort Ticonderoga in New York. That fall, Arnold was appointed by Continental Army General George Washington to command an expedition to capture Quebec. On December 31, his troops joined forces with General Richard Montgomery in attacking the well fortified city, but failed to gain the victory.

In the fall of 1776, Congress promoted him to the rank of Brigadier General, and shortly after he won important battles near Lake Champlain for the Americans. The following spring he held off a British attack on Danbury, CT and was made a Major General!

During the Battle of Saratoga, later that year, Arnold was seriously wounded which forced him to end his active duties in the war. He was very well known and respected for all his military achievements.

This fame and recognition soon became his downfall. General Washington placed him in command of Philadelphia, in June of 1778, where he enjoyed the social life with those who had a lot of money and lived very comfortably. Many of these people were still loyal to England and persuaded Arnold to support England secretly.

In May 1779, Arnold made a secret agreement with the British headquarters. He would remain on the American side and send information to them about the American's plans and activities. The following May, Arnold informed the British of a planned American invasion of Canada. He asked for a large amount of money for helping them and betraying his country.

While the battle was won by the Americans, Arnold managed to escape on a ship sailing to England, where he would spend the rest of his life.

In the end Benedict Arnold turned his back on the country which had brought fame and fortune to him. He did not appreciate all the things he had received. He was stripped of all his military rank and achievements by the American Government.

From the beginning of time God has blessed mankind with only what is best for them, yet since Adam and Eve, man has turned his back against Him. God says we are "all like sheep" and have turned to our own way. While God must punish sin, He has provided a way that we can be brought back to Him. (1Peter 3:18)

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