REVIEW: Beauty and the Traitor: The story of Mrs. Benedict Arnold

            The book “Beautyand the Traitor: The story of Mrs. Benedict Arnold” by Milton Lomask is really quite interesting and intriguing. The book suggests that it was Benedict Arnold’s second wife, Margaret “Peggy” Shippen who ignited the spark of treason in him. Margaret Shippen or Peggy was an aristocratic and beautiful woman. Like Lady Macbeth, Peggy, according to Lomask was the woman who had such power to command the General. Again Lomask added, Benedict Arnold could withstand the problems and dangers of battle but could not withstand the force of his wife.

Benedict Arnold, not withstanding his treachery, was a hero in the battlefields of Danbury, Bemis Heights and Quebec. In 1778 Benedict Arnold entered Philadelphia to assume his post as military governor. By April 1779 Benedict Arnold married Peggy and, also at the same time, offered his services to the British Commander in Chief in America, Sir Henry Clinton. It was the first step in the conspiracy. According to the papers of Sir Henry himself, Peggy was not only knowledgeable in the conspiracy but was directly involved in it. Her desire or ambition, according to accounts of her friends, drove her to push him to betray his country. It was said that she hoped they would be rewarded by the King the title of “Lord and Lady Arnold”.

Arnold thus began his communication with Sir Henry Clinton. Their correspondence was conducted thru John Andre under the secret names of Anderson and Gustavus. Their correspondence extended to the point of Sir Henry telling Arnold that the time the forts must be captured and he must on his part supply the plans and instructions for the safe guidance of the British troops. Arnold’s reply was, “Our master goes away the 17th of this month. He will be absent five or six days. Let us avail ourselves of this interval to arrange our business. Come immediately and meet me at the lines, and we will settle definitively the risks and profits of the co-partnership. All will be ready; but this interview is indispensable, and must precede the sailing of our ship.” However Arnold was mistaken on the day of departure of Washington and this lead to further correspondence and the eventual arrest of John Andre.

On September 25, 1780 when the conspiracy was discovered, Benedict Arnold left her and their six-month old son to the authorities. It was said that upon the discovery of the arrest of Andre Peggy became so distraught. Eventually, she was forced to move to New York since Philadelphia forced her to leave. Then on December 15, 1781, Benedict Arnold with his family sailed for England.