But fate conspired against both men. Andre had to walk back to the British lines in civilian disguise, and he was confronted by three American militiamen while Andre believed he was on British territory. The Americans quickly discovered the plot and Arnold was able to flee on the same ship that carried Andre up the Hudson River. Washington reportedly authorized kidnap plots to seize Arnold for execution, or for Arnold to be killed on sight. As a British commander, Arnold led forays into Virginia and Connecticut, and he was able to flee to Britain after the war concluded.
Later in life, Arnold failed in several business ventures in Britain and Canada, and he died in England in Toggle navigation. Arnold brought complaints against Moses Hazen which led to his court-martial. Afterwards, Hazen leveled counter charges. Arnold also became involved in conflicts with both John Brown and James Easton. Brown in response published a pamphlet that claimed of Arnold, "Money is this man's God, and to get enough of it he would sacrifice his country.
After being passed over for promotion to the post of Major General, Arnold tendered his resignation. George Washington, however, refused to accept the withdrawal. Soon after, Arnold participated in the Battle of Saratoga, where he was again wounded in his left leg, the same leg that had been injured previously. Soon after, Washington appointed Arnold military commander of Philadelphia, where his attempts to profit from his position ran afoul of local officials.
In and , Arnold expressed disappointment and pessimism about the prospects of the United States, and evidence mounted that he was conspiring with the British by exchanging sensitive military information for money. Although cleared of a court-martial, Arnold was rebuked by Washington, who called his conduct "imprudent and improper.
Arnold resigned his post in Philadelphia and eventually gained command at West Point where he entered into secret negotiations with the British. He transferred money to British forces and passed on information that would aid the British in capturing West Point, while weakening the fort's defenses and thinning out its supplies. John Andre , Arnold's British contact, was captured and ultimately executed for his role in the plot. The antipathy was mutual, and Gates at one point relieved Arnold of his command.
Ten days later, Burgoyne surrendered his entire army at Saratoga. News of the surrender convinced France to enter the war on the side of the Americans.
Once again, Arnold had brought his country a step closer to independence. Meanwhile, Arnold seriously wounded the same leg he had injured at Quebec in the battle.
Rendered temporarily incapable of a field command, he accepted the position of military governor of Philadelphia in While there, his loyalties began to change. During his term as governor, rumors, not entirely unfounded, circulated through Philadelphia accusing Arnold of abusing his position for his personal profit.
Arnold and his second wife, with whom he would have five children, lived a lavish lifestyle in Philadelphia, accumulating substantial debt. The debt and the resentment Arnold felt over not being promoted faster were motivating factors in his choice to become a turncoat. He concluded that his interests would be better served assisting the British than continuing to suffer for an American army he saw as ungrateful. By the end of , Arnold had begun secret negotiations with the British to surrender the American fort at West Point, New York, in return for money and a command in the British army.
West Point remained in American hands, and Arnold only received a portion of his promised bounty. Arnold soon became one of the most reviled figures in U. Ironically, his treason became his final service to the American cause. By , Americans had grown frustrated with the slow progress toward independence and their numerous battlefield defeats.
After fleeing to the enemy side, Arnold received a commission with the British army and served in several minor engagements against the Americans. After the war, which ended in victory for the Americans with the Treaty of Paris in , Arnold resided in England. He died in London on June 14, , at age The British regarded him with ambivalence, while his former countrymen despised him. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us!
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