The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery by Steve Sheinkin

Author:Steve Sheinkin [Sheinkin, Steve]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Published: 2010-11-08T16:00:00+00:00

Back in his tent, Arnold calmed down just enough to hold a pen. “I have been received with the greatest coolness at headquarters,” he complained to Gates, “and often huffed in such a manner as must mortify a person with less pride than I have.”

Gates’s reply pushed Arnold closer to the edge: “I know not what you mean by insult or indignity.”

Arnold tumbled into Gates’s trap, demanding a pass to go to Pennsylvania. “Where I propose to join General Washington,” he wrote, “and may possibly have it in my power to serve my country, although I am thought of no consequence in this department.”

Gates gladly sent the pass.

But Arnold didn’t leave Saratoga. Still in camp on September 24, Arnold watched General Lincoln arrive and thought he saw Lincoln giving orders to his—Arnold’s—wing of the army. Arnold charged out of his tent, shouting vows of “certain death” to anyone who tried to command his men.

The next day Gates issued new orders. Lincoln was now in charge of what had been Arnold’s wing. If Arnold interfered again, he would be arrested.

“I have reason to think your treatment proceeds from a spirit of jealousy,” Arnold wrote to Gates. Then, displaying his typical touch for diplomacy, he went on to give Gates military advice.

Gates sent back a note saying basically, Oh, are you still here?

It was awkward and embarrassing for Arnold to stay at Saratoga, but he just couldn’t leave—not with the most important battle of the Revolution coming any day.

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