Cowards: Benedict Arnold

By Jennifer Linforth

Without fail he is the most famous traitor in US History. Benedict Arnold was a passionate, but discontented man during the US Revolution and constantly under the impression that he was ill treated by Congress. Expecting more from Congress than it was willing to provide, his treason was inevitable.

He was a man with a long history serving his country having been a militia member during the French and India war (1754-1763) and later joined the Continental Army during the Revolutionary war. During it, he helped capture Fort Ticonderoga in 1775, successfully attacked British Quebec and earned the rank of brigadier general as a result. But success was not without enemies, and in 1777 five lesser ranking men were promoted over him resulting in animosity and the start of his downfall. He fell into personal debt during the years that followed and his resentment over not being promoted flared his thoughts of becoming a rebel.

By 1780, Arnold in command of West Point. What would happen next would seal the fate of US history. He met with Sir Henry Clinton, head of the British forces, to proposed handing over West Point. On September 21, 1780, Arnold acted on his thoughts and made his traitorous pact with the British. However, the conspiracy was uncovered. Arnold fled, turned his back on his country and served the British troops in Virginia and Connecticut. He eventually fled the country and died in England.

Jennifer Linforth expands the classics by continuing The Phantom of the Opera. and are available now. Look for future books based on the classics, in addition to her unique historical romances. "Ms. Linforth's prose is phenomenally beautiful and hauntingly breathtaking." ~ Coffee Time RomanceMADRIGALABENDLIED