Amazing. Very similar to many of Washington’s experiences. We can’t even conceive of the misery his men endured. Dragging themselves and their war-making materiel through biting wind and snow, up and down icy ravines and across semi-frozen rivers. Mind-boggling. Burlap and newspapers wrapped around their feet instead of shoes. Torn and ragged pants and shirts. Unimaginable.
Arnold led British raids in Virginia, capturing Richmond and Petersburg.
He reportedly asked one Virginian what they would do if they captured Benedict Arnold.
The Virginian replied that they would amputate the leg wounded at Saratoga and bury it with full honors.
The rest they would hang.
Arnold’s second wife was Peggy Shippen, daughter of a prominent loyalist.
One must wonder if he would have turned coat without her prompting.
One of those great “what if” questions of history.