Benedict Arnold: Patriot and Traitor

Rating:
Summary: Good Over View of How a Hero Became a Traitor
Review: Although a little disturbed by reviewer York's comments that Arnolds hazardous march to Quebec is not altogether accurate particularly in regards to sabotage and desertion, the book provides a grand over view of Arnold's life that I was not altogether familiar with. The book starts with Arnold's early life where his father virtually becomes financially destroyed which seems to make him forever conscious of a need for him to be prosperous and financial solvent in the author's view. The best part of the book is the detail on Arnold's military accomplishments, which include his command of the Great lakes during the early part of the war in which he funded the building of small boats with his own money. One or part of the boats is in the Natural Museum of History on display in Washington D.C. where you can see the modest boat with a good size hole near the bow from a British war ship. Covers Arnold's failed but brave attempt to attack Canada and his great victorious battle at Saratoga where he suffers a crippling injury. In convalescence he is the military governor of Philadelphia where he meets his beautiful young wife whose family is suspect of being Tories. In the meantime, Arnold becomes frustrated with the failure of the Continental Congress to reimburse him for his costs in building the Great Lakes fleet. The author suggests this failure to appreciate Arnold and the lack of refund along with his love for his Tory wife may have prepared Arnold for the great act of treason at West Point. It is surprising that Arnold after he fled from West Point to the British he commanded a British army that captured Petersburg and burned his way south to Portsmouth. Arnold risked a hanging if he was caught by the Americans thus he leaves no doubt that he was brave on which ever side he served. Arnold allegedly counseled Cornwallis against moving to the Peninsula and Yorktown. The author reviews Arnold's post war quarrels with the British over money and commissions for his sons along with his failed land investments in Canada. Surprising that Arnold had business in Canada so close to the country he betrayed. A complex man that is fascinating to read about.

Rating:
Summary: Libeling History
Review: Mr. Randall does history a great diservice in his flawed and shallow interpretation of the march to Quebec in 1775. He resorts to rumor-mongoring in the handling of the local Maine heros involved with the mission. Particularly concerning Major Reuben Colburn who organized the expedition and built the 220 bateaux in under two weeks time. I am the grandson of Colburn and writing a biography of his life. Randall openly accuses him of fraudulent, selfish behavior in providing these services for his country. Even alleging Colburn knowingly passed up stores of dried lumber in Falmouth on his way home to Pittston to save money by substituting his own green pine which was heavy and later opened up during the river journey under the abuse of inexperienced boatmen and the grinding of a shallow stream. These charges are false, but then Randall couldn't even get the mapmaker Samuel Goodwin's name correct, calling him "Goodrich," perhaps confusing him with Capt. Goodrich one of the company commanders on the march; except to suggest that his maps, requested from him by Colburn were purposely misleading, because of Goodwin's Tory leanings. The leanings were true, but the maps were as accurate as could be found at the time. Besides, Arnold used the outdated version of Montressor's anyway, but it allows the author to lay further blame on Colburn, which appears to be his thesis. Colburn was never paid for the bateaux and supplies; he only received 26 pounds from Washington, and traveled with the expedition repairing the bateaux as they went, without fear of repercussions from the ragtag army struggling against the stream. Some bateaux made it all the way to Quebec but you won't learn that from this book. I recommend James Kirby Martin for a reasoned handling of this chapter in Arnold's life.

Rating:
Summary: Suspect
Review: Randall did an excellent job separating the patriot and the traitor. But most importantly, he gives a factual glimpse of the patriot and the why's and whereall's of the traitor. Recommend you follow up with Ketchum's "Saratoga - Turning Point of the Revolutionary War"

Rating:
Summary: Thoroughly Researched and Skilfully Written
Review: Randall's work is strikingly well researched and thoroughly engaging. His book traces Arnold's early years and his efforts in the American cause and gives an incredibly fair and detailed treatment to the events leading up to Arnold's betrayal of his country. In the face of Arnold's legendary infamy, for which for centuries his name was scorned, Randall allows Arnold a fair hearing and the reader the chance to see a broader picture. The Arnold portrayed by Randall is an Arnold, to an extent, abused by his congressional masters and denied the honours rightly due to him in the cause for which fought.

Randall reveals the Arnold, who not only fought bravely for his country, but at considerable personal sacrifice. Indeed the Arnold of Randall's scholarly work is one equal in valour to Washington himself but one who, perhaps even wisely, was far from willing to bear the unjust suffering inflicted, not only by his enemy the British, but from his countrymen as well.

No doubt the patriotic words of Wilfrid Owen, 'dulce et decorum est pro patria mori' are all well and good. But they're difficult to maintain in the face of obstinate compatriots.

Rating:
Summary: An informative look at an American hero turned bad.
Review: This Biography reads like a novel. I didn't want to put it down. Willard Randall presents a view of a person that was wronged by the powers of the war for independence. I gained a view of General Arnold that I never thought possible. (I do admit that I bought the book after spending the night on a train from New York to Vermont with the author). AFter reading this book, I have a desire to follow in the subjects footsteps. It changed my judgement of General Arnold, although I still don't believe he was justified in his actions concerning West Point. This book has generated an overpowering interest to follow in General Arnold's footsteps to Quebec and to the Battle of Valcour Bay where the Navy, under the command of General Arnold effectively delayed the progress of the British for a year. I really believe tahe Arnold's actions at Valcour Bay and Saratoga were instrumental in the creation of the United States of America as we know it today.

Rating:
Summary: Benedict Arnold: Patriot and Traitor
Review: This book offers insight into the complex, controversial and ever-changing political landscape of the American Revolution. Benedict Arnold personifies the kaleidoscopic nature of loyalties, betrayals and intrigue prevalent during the War, circumstances much of which determined his course in life. In those days, most citizens were not revolutionaries but either loyalists or non-participants. Arnold's ambitions and abilities were manipulated by his constant striving for recognition and wealth. His inconsistency in allegiance reflected the inconsistencies of society and geography. Unlike Washington whose stability was based on his status as a general, statesman, politician and aristocrat, Arnold was a maverick sometime general and contraband entrepreneur seeking permanent social status, which was denied him throughout his life. Consequently, he jumped sides, outmaneuvering himself and suffering the consequences of traitor to both the new republic and England.

Rating:
Summary: Benedict Arnold: Patriot and Traitor
Review: This book offers insight into the complex, controversial and ever-changing political landscape of the American Revolution. Benedict Arnold personifies the kaleidoscopic nature of loyalties, betrayals and intrigue prevalent during the War, circumstances much of which determined his course in life. In those days, most citizens were not revolutionaries but either loyalists or non-participants. Arnold's ambitions and abilities were manipulated by his constant striving for recognition and wealth. His inconsistency in allegiance reflected the inconsistencies of society and geography. Unlike Washington whose stability was based on his status as a general, statesman, politician and aristocrat, Arnold was a maverick sometime general and contraband entrepreneur seeking permanent social status, which was denied him throughout his life. Consequently, he jumped sides, outmaneuvering himself and suffering the consequences of traitor to both the new republic and England.