The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1903-10-08

to Arnold's entry into Quebec, the gal
liant Wolfe marched to his death on the
same field, but he died conqueror and
left this earth amidst the eulogistic
praises of his countrymen and the ap-
plause of the civilized world. Today
his monument in Westminster Abbey
recalls the past and renders his name
immortal to the end of time 1t will be
remembered that Wolfe had the power
full treasury of England behind him
and a fleet of % ships in which to
safely cross the St. Lawrence. Arnold
had few feeble colonies, not even as
yet united, to support him. His SOL
diers were raw and undisciplined and
instead of having large fleet of ships
at his command he crossed in frail
| barks with the British men-of-war in
absolute control of the river. He was
not victorious; but he fought against
great odds and served his country with
the zeal of true patriot, almost losing
his life in the attempt.
When the country was threatened
with an invasion from Canada, Arnold
was sent north to check the enemy's
advance. He sailed up lake Champlain
and met the enemy off Valwur Island.
While he was not successful in defeat
ing them, he nevertheless accomplished
his purpose by blockading the possible
junction of the British forces in New
York. In all of his battles he displayed
great personal courage, and had the
faculty of inspiring his men with that
faith and enthusiasm which comes to a
man but once in lifetime.
But his popularity created jealousy
and he became the victim of conspira-
, tors, who even went so far as to use
their influence with Congress to have
, him superseded. Arnold had his faults;
, but all will agree that his noble efforts
to defend his country merited the ap-
proval of Congress and the applause
of his country, whereas his sole reward
was reduction in rank. Is it any
wonder that he became discouraged af-
ter such humiliation and injustice? No
!, other American soldier of distinction
, received the ingratitude of his country
to such an extent as did Bendict Ar
/ mold, with the possible exception of Gen.
l Schuyler when he was superseded by
S the unworthy Gates.
t A distinguished English historian
: includes the battle of Saratoga in his
: list of the fifteen decisive battles of the
i world; but whatever relation the battle
d of Saratoga may sustain to other great
r battles, it is an established fact that it
f was the turning point of the Revolu-
s tion. That Arnold won the day at
Saratoga is fact that has been gener.
n ally accepted by the world. But black.
l. ened by his treason some historians
d have asserted that he was not even on
= the field. The question arises: If Ar.
r mold was not on the field, then who was
# Gates never claimed that be was altho he
r, assumed credit for the victory. Surely
n this gallant charge was not made with
l. out leader! On the very face of it, the
l. assertion is preposterous, and without
It foundation.
= Up to the time of his treason ArnolG
n had one great and good friend in tht
1t person of Washington. Had Washing
ton Deen invested with the sole discre
S. tionary power of appointing officers ir
,e the Continental army, it would be SAFE
ID to say that Arnold would have beer
a. second in command. That Washington
IS appreciated his faithful services ant
I recognized his ability as soldier il
re evidenced by the fact that he gave hin
t. command of Philadelphia after it
N evacuation by the British. But, alas
lg this appointment was the stepping
le stone that led to his ruin. Shortly af
le ter his marriage to the beautiful Mis-
m Shippen (his first wife having die'
d. some years before) his enemies becam
d. active and for time his honor AM
re reputation hung in the balance. T.
of enumerate the charges preferre,
at against him is not within the scope o
ns this papar. Suffice IL to saw that he wa