Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-10-23
Ths VIC Of senedIet Arnold.


~OT a great deal is said or heard Of
:;s :s 4: 8. s az "a: !:
Revolutionary war dislikes and resents
the treachery OF Arnold.
Nevertheless. General Washington for
long time held Arnold in high esteem. as
one OF his best officers. and il is known
that his wife was one OF the most fashion
able and tony women Of her time. when
she first became acquainted with Arnold
It's thought that her previous acquain-
lance with Major Andre led 20 the inti-
macy between Andre and Arnold Aaron
Burr declared that IL was the wife's infiu-
ence over her husband which induced him
"a commit treason: and when Benedict
Arnold was informed that his treason was
discovered he and his wife were seated at
the breakfast table with Alexander ham
nton. General lafayette and an aid OF
the latter.
General Arnold was in command at
West Point and only few weeks before
the crisis came he sent for Mrs Arnold
10 bring their child and join him, douotleSs
nreuarfnr then TO escape. II the true
men who captured Major Andre had been
corrupted BY British gold. the American
army at West Point would have been de-
livered into the hands OF the British gen.
eral. but the discriminating papers were
placed before General Washington and
Major Andre died as a spa story famii-
lar TO all readers OF history.
Ms Arnold was Miss Margaret Ship
nar- az a rich and influential family. Her
ancestors were people Of wealth and in
fuence. and her great grandfather was
the first mayor OF Philadelphia the rec
Her father took the English side OF the
controversy. that when the army OF Major
General Howe occupied Philadelphia. Miss
shippen was the toast and reigning belle
OF the town
A great ban was given in Cen Howe's
honor when he decided 10 return to Eng
land and turn over the command 70 an
other commander-in-chief. function
without a parallel at that date.
And a great ball IL was-wfth fireworks,
mirrors. dancing. banqueting and revelryl
Miss Shipper was among the foremost,
and Major Andre was one OF her admirers.
His letters home TO England relate the de-
tails in full. afterwards published
But shortly thereafter. the tide IN AFFAIRS
turned and Gen. Benedict arnold became
the commanding officer, and the British
retired in hot haste from the city, de-
feated BY Gen. Washington's soldiers.
The Continentals then occupied Philadel-
phia.
General Arnold set himself up In fine
style as the commanding officer. and gave
evidence OF vanity and extravaganza out
Of keeping with the general poverty OF
lnose who were aiding Gen. Washington
and maAang a desperate struggle for lib
erty. He is reported as seeking the socie-
" OF the royansts. and in that way be-
came acquainted with Miss Margaret
Shippen-
Arnold was a w1dower and twenty years
older than the young lady. After he was
stationed In Philadelphia he seemed TO be
a changed man. His extravaganza be-
came very noticeable. and his manner TO
his soldiers overbearing.
Congress took eognizance OF his failings
and ordered him 70 be reprimanded by
Gen washington.
Perhaps his intention to betray his coun-
Try begun in Philadelphia while he was
entertaining people friendly to King
George. and he was further infiamed by
Gen Washington's reprimand no doubt.
Il Is possible that his bride was at heart
a royals and led him along in his con-
spiracy with Major Andre Who knows
how much he was Influenced by all these
conditions IT a time when he was sOured
because Of the congressional reprimand?
IL was a year later. when Arnold was
commanding at West Point. where he re-
ceived news OF lie capture Of Major An
DIRE and his own exposure as a traitor. A
messenger delivered letter TO him In
great haste. Without agitation. he asked
his wife to so with him TO their private
apartments. and within few minutes he
bade her good bye and made his escape.
for he returned 10 the dining room and
told his guests he had news OF Gen. Wash
ington's coming and he must prepare to
receive him. Mounting the messengers
horse he rode on quickly. Mrs. Arnold
was sent home TO her fathers house with
the child. and afterwards retired TO Eng
land with Arnold. The British govern
meut gave Arnold as compensation for his
losses but really for his treason. nearly
seven thousand dollars per annum. But
that sum seemed too small for their de-
slres and they were dissatisfied with their
portion.
Mrs. Arnold was said 70 be very gay in
English society and IL Il was she who led
her husband into disgrace. his exile and
Major Andres sad fate were quite enough