Defiant Brides: The Untold Story of Two Revolutionary-Era Women and the Radical Men They Married by Nancy Rubin Stuart

Author:Nancy Rubin Stuart
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Biography & Autobiography, United States, History, Historical, Revolutionary Period (1775-1800)
ISBN: 9780807001189
Publisher: Beacon Press
Published: 2013-04-23T00:00:00+00:00

9

“Yet We Wade On”

IF PEGGY’S PERSONAL STAR was on the rise, Arnold’s was in freefall as their respective ships headed into the high seas. The Rebel, an American privateer, suddenly loomed into view behind the Robuste, attempting to capture Arnold. During that chase, high winds and driving rains from an Atlantic storm battered the Robuste, impelling Arnold’s move to the Edward, a transport ship. Ultimately the Rebel captured the Robuste, but, as London’s Public Advertiser of January 24 surmised, the sailors were doubtless “chagrined at their disappointment in missing their expected prey.”1

By January 21, the Edward anchored at the Scilly Isles on Britain’s west coast, where fishing boats ferried the passengers to shore. Only Arnold remained aboard the Edward, determined to wait there until, the London Chronicle reported, “a vessel of force appeared . . . to warrant his safety” and deliver him to Portsmouth.2 Peggy’s trip went more smoothly. Despite a similarly stormy crossing, the packet ship carrying her and her children arrived in Falmouth, England, without incident.

By Tuesday, January 22, the newly reunited Arnolds rode into windswept London in “a good deal of small rain.”3 That day the Daily Advertiser announced, “They have taken a house and set up a carriage and will, I suppose, be a good deal visited.”4 The Arnolds’ new residence was a handsome five-story townhouse, the tallest in fashionable Portman Square. Other American Loyalists lived nearby, among them William Fitch and his young sisters, Ann and Sarah, who soon befriended the Arnolds.

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