This book is dedicated to our lovely teacher Mrs. Kirsten Newman who inspired us to write about the bad apple of the American Revolution.

Did You Know... The Stamp Act is where they put a tax on ship's papers, legal documents, licences, newspapers and other publications.

Benedict Arnold began his career in the 13 colonies as an apothecary and a bookseller. He was very successful and worked hard at what he did until the British imposed the Stamp Act. Benedict was enraged and joined the Sons of Liberty as a Patriot.

He began to get involved more and more, supporting the fight for independence. Benedict joined the Connecticut Militia and was appointed Captain. He and his troops helped to take Fort Ticonderoga and were successful.

After the success of Fort Ticonderoga he joined the Continental Army with George Washington. He was appointed Colonel who fought to take Quebec City. There the Americans lost and Benedict injured his leg. During his wounded period he was promoted to brigadier general which angered him because he thought he should be promoted to major general.

Did You Know...

A brigadier general is an officer in the US Army ranking above colonel and below major general.

Soon after Benedict Arnold healed, George Washington appointed him Major General and he became an American hero at the Battle of Saratoga. Although he wounded his leg yet again, Benedict Arnold did lead the Americans to victory and even though he was a hero, he too had a dark side and soon became known as a traitor.

Did You Know...

The boot memorial is showing Benedict Arnold's injured foot. Although the memorial doesn't actually say it is dedicated to him, the back states his injury and commemorates him for being a great soldier in the Continental Army.

The Oath of Allegiance

Benedict Arnold took the Oath of Allegiance on May 30, 1778 shortly after the Battle of Saratoga, along with many other soldiers as a sign of loyalty to the United States.

The person signing it swears loyalty to a monarch or to their country, which in the case of Benedict Arnold would be to America at the time.

During his second period of recovery he held a position of Military General in Philadelphia. There he began to question the debt he found himself in and resented not being promoted to Major General after he was wounded before. He thought his interests would be better served assisting the British rather than continuing to suffer for any American army he saw as ungrateful.

Benedict Arnold became an official spy for the British in 1779. Working with Major Andre, the British spy chief, he passed coded messages written in invisible ink through his wife Peggy to the Major. Benedict was able to get the British information about supply depots, troop movements, and the number of troops. Soon after he became the commander of the fort at West Point. Arnold agreed to surrender the fort to the British for 20,000 pounds.

Did You Know...

Benedict Arnold never did receive the 20,000 pounds he was promised from the British for surrendering the fort.