God Save Benedict Arnold by Jack Kelly

Author:Jack Kelly
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group

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WHILE HE WAS in Philadelphia, Arnold renewed his acquaintance with Philip Schuyler. Besides representing New York as a congressional delegate, Schuyler had traveled down in early April to be on hand for the examination of his handling of the 1776 campaign.

Like Arnold, Schuyler had his share of enemies and detractors. New Englanders in particular considered him a snobbish aristocrat and reluctant supporter of independence. They preferred the more radical Horatio Gates to lead the northern army. Gates took over the role while Schuyler was in Philadelphia. The verdict of the inquiry would determine whether or not Schuyler would return to command.

Rather than follow orders to remain at Fort Ticonderoga, Gates had moved his headquarters to Albany. He left General Arthur St. Clair to command the forces on Lake Champlain. The patriots knew that at any moment they could be confronted by the invasion that British general John Burgoyne was preparing in Canada. The appointment of St. Clair, a Pennsylvania politician before the war, annoyed Arnold, who had helped take and defend the fort. He was especially angered because St. Clair was one of the officers promoted over him in February.

Schuyler soon received good news: His lobbying skill induced five states to support him, while four voted against. Vindicated, he prepared to return to Albany and resume leadership of the northern army. Now it was Horatio Gates who faced a dilemma. The independent field command that he coveted had again slipped from his grasp. He could either subordinate himself as Schuyler’s assistant or resume his former staff position as adjutant to General Washington.

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