Free Republic

Benedict Arnold was an early hero of the Revolutionary War who later became one of the most infamous traitors in U.S. history. At the outbreak of the war, Arnold participated in the capture of the British garrison of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775. In 1776, he hindered a British invasion of New York from Lake Champlain. The following year, he played a crucial role in bringing about the surrender of British General John Burgoyne’s army at Saratoga. Yet Arnold felt that he never received the recognition he deserved. In 1779, he entered into secret negotiations with the British, agreeing to turn...

History Abused A fireworks company recently misquoted John Adams in order to peddle its Chinese-made bombs and sparklers. Adams did not say that the Fourth of July should be celebrated with fireworks. Actually, he was speaking of July 2, when the resolution for independence was adopted by a committee, but he was talking about the independence of the United States. And this is what he said: "It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires,...