Arnold, Benedict

(1741-1801)

   A druggist at New Haven, Conn. When the War of Independence broke out, in 1775, organized an expedition against British on Lake Champlain. The same year led a body of picked men to Quebec by way of the Kennebec and Chaudière. After the unsuccessful assault on Quebec, was in several small engagements near Montreal; finally driven out of the province. Given command of Philadelphia; took offence at slights put upon him by Congress, and attempted to betray West Point to Clinton. Afterwards commanded a corps of American refugees on the British side; settled for a time in the West Indies; died in London.

   Index: Dr Captures and abandons Fort St. Johns, 83; his early life, 104; assigned command of expedition against Quebec, 105; constitution of his force, 106; his march through the wilderness, 107-109; assisted by the habitants, 110; crosses St. Lawrence and lands at Wolfe's Cove, 110; sends summons for surrender of Quebec, 111; retires to Pointe aux Trembles, 111; repulsed and wounded in attack on Quebec, 128; surrender of his men, 131; is transferred to Montreal, 132-135; advances to meet Foster, 142; burns château of Senneville, 143; his narrow escape, 147; in command of American ships on Lake Champlain, 155; defeated near Crown Point, 156. S Applies for grant of land in Upper Canada, 104. Hd His repulse at Quebec, 112; the invasion, 127; his "Address to the People of America," 227; commissioners sent to Montreal to confer with, 276; furnishes list of rebels to Clinton, 281.

   See also Montgomery, Richard; Allen, Ethan; American Invasion.

   Bib.: Arnold, Life of Benedict Arnold; Todd, The Real Benedict Arnold; Sparks, American Biography; Codman, Arnold's Expedition to Quebec; Henry, Arnold's Campaign against Quebec; Smith, Arnold's March from Cambridge to Quebec; Jones, The Campaign for the Conquest of Canada in 1776; Cyc. Am. Biog.