Benedict Arnold Revolutionary Hero

By: Michelle Ryan

  Benedict Arnold was a courageous man who was unfortunately flawed. He is a very well known man in history – known for his ties as a traitor. One aspect of his life is what millions of people only associate as historical facts and either do not know or dismiss Arnold’s many other accomplishments. Arnold was a hero and a brave military leader. He poured his all into the Revolutionary cause.

  Arnold’s cause left him physically crippled and his many sacrifices in regards to his family, health, and financial well being. Arnold felt he was doing what was best because he truly believed in the Revolutionary cause and wanted to prevail. In some ways he did, but in other ways he was a failure, and to too many people he will always be remembered as a traitor.

  The Danbury Raid occurred during April 25-28, 1777 and Arnold was accompanied by David Wooster and some New Haven neighbors. Truculent William Tryon arrived at Danbury before Arnold and his troops. Tryon was not a kind man and destroyed everything he and his men could. Supplies, food, clothing, and medicines that were not hidden well were not spared.

Arnold

Tryon

Danbury Raid, April 25-28,

1777

  Arnold believed that Tyron employed both fire and sword and these measures were used to scare and remove patriot morale from the common folk.

  Arnold had said he felt Tyron would move southwestward and notified Brigadier General Alexander McDougall. McDougall sent men to the Hudson river in order to cut off Tyron. However, Tyron got wind of the attack and used an alternate route instead. Arnold did catch up with Tyron at Ridgefield, causing Tyron to halt. Battle ensued and Arnold survived, but Wooster did not.

  Arnold was at a loss for the events that occurred, but was determined to get the job done. He was up for accommodations, but Congress was unsure if he was truly deserving because of Arnold’s mistakes with the troops.

  Arnold’s inability to read the enemy’s next moves cost him his integrity and thus, was humiliated. It did not matter or count that in the past he proved himself, all that mattered now, was these mistakes.