There are many moments in history that intrigue and surprise us. There are many historical figures that stand out. In terms of property management Providence Rhode Island has several historical figures that almost changed Providence property management. Benedict Arnold is one such figure. His treason almost turned the fight for independence into a victory for the British. Arnolds name is synonymous with being a traitor, but the actual story is filled with accounts of a complex man. He was a hero before he became a traitor and it can be argued that it is because of Arnold that the Colonies defeated England.
Arnold was part of the first successful campaign of the colonial war. Fort Ticonderoga in up state New York was held by the British. Benedict Arnold asked for and received permission for his militia to attempt to take the fort. They encountered Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys with plans for the same thing. Arnold believed it was his destiny to lead both companies in battle and felt Allan should follow his plans and command. The Ethan Allens militia refused to be under Arnolds command. Allen and Arnold worked out a plan that allowed for the two commanders to attack and capture the fort. The campaign for Fort Ticonderoga was about as dramatic as watching a cow at a salt lick. Attempting to get the troops across the river in the earlier hours, Arnold and Allen were fighting the coming light of dawn. They decided to attack with only 83 men. They walked up to the Fort, suggested the British should surrender and the battle was over without a shot.
It was at the battle of Saratoga that Arnold may have saved the Colonies. Arnold was a decisive and aggressive leader. He believed in taking risks and push for an advantage. At Saratoga, Arnold believed in an aggressive approach, but was thwarted by the more conservative General Gates. Later Arnold found out that Gates failed to mention the contribution Benedict made to the first battle of Saratoga. It was under Arnold that great casualties were inflicted on the British. Benedict Arnold was not a man willing to go unrewarded or uncompensated. During the confronation between Gates and Arnold, command. It was during the second Saratoga battle when Arnold mounted a horse and charged into battle, in open defiance of General Gates. Gates had officers go after Arnold with the instruction to get him off the battle field. Before that could happen, Arnold was storming the British fortification and capturing a part of their defenses. Arnold suffered a major injury as the battle came to a close. Ten days latter the British gave up the battle of Saratoga. It was this colonial victory that convinced the French to enter the fray and was instrumental in winning the war.
After five months of convalescence, Arnold was given the Military Governorship of Philadelphia. Arnold had been restored to his seniority and, though he had been passed over several times, was finally promoted. The congress began to suspect that Arnold was taking advantage of his position and they had investigated him several times already. It was during this time that Arnold began negotiating with the British. For a large amount of sterling, 100,000 pounds, and a position as Brigadier General, Arnold was willing to surrender West Point, a pivotal fort on the Hudson River.
Arnold’s plan was thwarted when his messenger was captured with detailed correspondence in his boots. Arnold fled to the British and tried to justify his behavior in an open letter. After many years, hated at home, un-trusted in Britain, Benedict Arnold died a pauper. He was both the hero that saved the colonies and the turn coat that almost brought them down.
Tags: property management Providence, Providence property management