The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1902-12-24

Not a great deal ls sald or heard OF
,he wife Of Benedict Arnold, although
srerv citizen Of this republic who
leads the story Of the Revolutionary
rar dislikes and fesents the treachery
Of Arnold.
y Nevertheless, General Washington
for long time held Arnold in high
.s,eem as one Of his best officers,
and it is known that his wife was one
Il .be most fashionable and toney wo-
mon Of her time, when she first be-
came acquainted with Arnold.
is thought that her previous ac-
ouaiptance with Major Andre, led to
the intimacy between Andre and Ar
mold. Aaron Burr declared that it
was the wife's influence over her hus-
hand which induced him to commit
treason; and when Benedict Arnold
was informed that his treason was dis
covered he and his wife were seated
at the breakfast table with Alexander
Hamilton, General Lafayette and an
aid Of the latter.
General Arnold was in command at
West Point. and only few weeks be-
fore the crisis came, he sent for Mrs.
Arnold to bring their child and join
him, doubtless preparing then to es-
cane. If the true men who captured
Major Andre had been corrupted by
British gold, the American army at
West Point would have been deliver
ed into the hands of . the British gen.
eral but the inoriminating papers
we're placed before General Washing
ton and Major Andre died as a spy-a
story familiar to all readers Of history.
Mrs. Arnold was Miss Margaret
Shipper; of rich and influential
family. Her ancestors were people
Of wealth and influence, and her great
grandfather was the FIRST mayor Of
Philadelphia-if the record is correct.
Her. father took the English side of
the controversy, that when the army
Of Major General Howe occupied Phil
adelphia, Miss Shippen was the toast
and reigning belle of the town.
A great ball was given in Gen.
Howe's honor, when he decided to re-
turn to return to England and turn
over tie command to another COM
mander-in chief, function without
parallel at that date.
And great ball it was--with fire
works, mirrors, dancing, banqueting
and revelryl
Miss Shippen was among the fore
most, and Major Andre was one Of
her admirers. His letters home to
England relate the details in full,
afterwards published.
But shortly thereafter, the tide in
affairs turned and Gen. Benedict Ar
mold became the commanding officer,
and the British retired in hot haste
from the city, defeated by Gen. Wash
ington's soldiers. The Continentals
then occupied Philadelphia.
General Arnold set himself up in
fine style, as the commanding officer,
and gave evidence Of vanity and ex-
travagance out of keeping with the
genera! poverty os tfhoso who were
aiding Gen. Washington and making q
desperate struggle for liberty. he is
reported as seeking the society of the
aroyalists, and in that way became ac-
quainted with Miss Margaret Shipper.
Arnold was q widower and twenty
years older than the young lady. After
e was stationed in Philadelphia he
seemed to be changed man. His
extravagance became very noticeable,
and his manner to his soldiers YER
bearing.
Congress took cognizance Of his fail
3ings and ordered him to be reprimand-
3ed BY Gen. Washington.
Perhaps his intention to betray his
country begun in Philadelphia while
]ne was entertaining people friendly to
'aning George, and he was further in
named by Gen. Washington's repri-
aIand, no doubt. It is possible that
|4lis =, bride was at heart To5alist, and
i, ||,sa him along in his conspiracy with
g'lalor Andre. Who knows how much
le ,e.. was influenced by all these con
su''ions In time when he was soured
because of the congressional repri-
,,Snand?
IL was year later, when Arnold
A"ss commanding at West Point,
aansre ne received news Of the cap
tufe of Major Afdre and his
UNn exposure as traitor. a messen-
~ delivered letter to him in great