Summary

Chapter 11, Benedict and Peggy, discusses the background and activities of Major General Benedict Arnold of the Continental army. Arnold was plagued by a big ego but many insecurities, and after successfully running a pharmacy and bookshop in New Haven, CT, he joined the militia because he was angered by the Boston Massacre. Although he advanced in rank and distinguished himself in many respects, he also was known for disputes with superior officers and other acts of defiance. During his tenure as military commander of Philadelphia, he married Peggy Shippen, a Loyalist socialite 20 years younger than himself and tried to rebuild his poor finances. While living the high life among the Loyalists in Philadelphia, he made overtures to General Clinton of the British army about becoming a spy and his subsequent activities often involved having his wife carry coded messages back and forth. After...