The Late Years of Benedict Arnold: Fugitive, Smuggler, Mercenary, 1780-1801

Benedict Arnold, the American Revolutionary War general who betrayed his country and spent his last twenty years as a smuggler, mercenary, and pariah, is the subject of this book. It explores his life and operations in Canada, the Caribbean, and London.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

The life of Benedict Arnold, the American Revolutionary War general who attempted to surrender West Point to the British in 1780, did not end after he betrayed his American compatriots. In the newly formed United States, he was condemned as a conspirator and in Britain, he was suspected of the same. He quickly left America, spent a short time in London, and largely operated in Canada and the Caribbean as a smuggler, a mercenary, and a pariah.

Although much has been written about Arnold's famous fall from grace, this book is the story of a charismatic man of vaulting ambition. With new research and photographs, it delves into his last twenty years. Arnold remains fascinating as a toppled hero and a flagrant traitor. Another American general wrote in the 1780s that Arnold never does anything by halves; indeed, he lived on a big scale. This study documents each of the various points of the globe where the restless Arnold operated and lived, pursuing wealth, status, and redemption.

Benedict Arnold's Life After Betrayal:

After betraying his American compatriots, Benedict Arnold's life took a tumultuous turn. Condemned as a conspirator in the newly formed United States, he was also suspected of the same in Britain. Fleeing America, he briefly resided in London before embarking on a career as a smuggler, mercenary, and pariah in Canada and the Caribbean.

Despite his infamous fall from grace, Arnold remains a captivating figure. This book delves into the final twenty years of his life, shedding new light on his enigmatic persona. Arnold's life was marked by his unwavering ambition, as evidenced by his pursuit of wealth, status, and redemption across various continents.

From his operations in Canada and the Caribbean, where he engaged in smuggling and mercenary work, to his time in London, where he sought to rebuild his reputation, Arnold's story is a testament to his complex character and his relentless pursuit of his goals.

While much has been written about Arnold's infamous betrayal, this book offers a fresh perspective on his life, exploring his motivations, actions, and the lasting impact he had on the course of the American Revolutionary War and the early years of the United States.

A Charismatic Man of Vaulting Ambition:

Benedict Arnold was a charismatic man of remarkable ambition. Born into a modest family in Connecticut, he displayed an early aptitude for military leadership and rose through the ranks during the American Revolutionary War.

However, his decision to surrender West Point to the British in 1780 marked a turning point in his career. Despite his efforts to justify his actions, Arnold's betrayal was met with widespread condemnation and suspicion.

In the years that followed, Arnold attempted to rebuild his reputation. He spent time in London, where he sought to cultivate relationships with influential figures and secure his future. However, his attempts were often met with resistance and suspicion, and he was eventually forced to flee to Canada and the Caribbean.

During his time in these regions, Arnold continued to pursue his ambitions. He became a successful smuggler, operating in the Caribbean and Canada, and was also known for his mercenary work. He also sought to redeem himself in the eyes of his former compatriots, writing letters and advocating for American interests.

Despite his efforts, Arnold's reputation remained tarnished. He was widely regarded as a traitor and a coward, and his actions during the Revolutionary War were often portrayed as a betrayal of the American cause.

However, this book seeks to challenge those perceptions. It delves into Arnold's life, exploring his motivations, actions, and the complex circumstances that shaped his career. By examining his life in detail, this book offers a more nuanced understanding of Benedict Arnold, a man of remarkable ambition and a complex character.

A Global Pursuit of Wealth, Status, and Redemption:

Benedict Arnold's life was a global pursuit of wealth, status, and redemption. He operated in various regions, including Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and the United States, seeking to accumulate wealth and secure his place in history.

His career as a smuggler and mercenary was particularly lucrative, allowing him to accumulate a considerable fortune. However, his actions during the Revolutionary War and his subsequent betrayals tarnished his reputation and led to his exile from the United States.

In Canada and the Caribbean, Arnold continued to operate as a smuggler and mercenary, often working for various governments and factions. He also sought to redeem himself in the eyes of his former compatriots, writing letters and advocating for American interests.

Despite his efforts, Arnold's reputation remained tarnished. He was widely regarded as a traitor and a coward, and his actions during the Revolutionary War were often portrayed as a betrayal of the American cause.

However, this book seeks to challenge those perceptions. It delves into Arnold's life, exploring his motivations, actions, and the complex circumstances that shaped his career. By examining his life in detail, this book offers a more nuanced understanding of Benedict Arnold, a man of remarkable ambition and a complex character.

In conclusion, Benedict Arnold's life was a tale of ambition, betrayal, and redemption. Despite his infamous fall from grace, he remains a captivating figure, and his story continues to intrigue and inspire. This book offers a fresh perspective on his life, exploring his motivations, actions, and the lasting impact he had on the course of American history.

Weight: 333g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476676531