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Happy Birthday!
General, traitor, hero & eponym,
Benedict Arnold
was born 1/14/1741 (d1801)
When Major Andrew saw that death it was his lot,
He asked for pen and paper, and begged leave for to, write,
To write to General Arnold to inform him of his fate;
He asked for some assistance, but oh, it was too late.
When General Arnold read those lines. it put him in a fret
The tears they run down till his eyes and cheeks they were wet.
And now the traitor Arnold is fighting for his king.
And left poor Major Andrew on the gallows for to swing.
"Major Andrews' Execution," DigTradfilename[ ANDREXEC
We've long wondered just why the hero & much honored Arnold suddenly
turned his coat at this point of things. In The American Revolution...
(Folkways FH5277) the notes (possibly by Dorothy O'Donnell, with their
thanks rendered unto I. Silber) offer some insight.
Quoting:
"One of the most exciting spy dramas of all times is the story of Benedict
Arnold's treason. He had been one of the most successful and heroic
American generals. He was loved by his men and trusted implicitly by
Washington. However, he enjoyed extravagant living and was constantly in
debt, and when he married young and beautiful Peggy Shippen, who was
spoiled and willful, his extravagances increased. Peggy had known Major
Andre for some time, and finally persuaded her husband that the rebel
cause was failing and to take advantage of a dying cause and sell the
plans of West Point to the British."
Hmmm. Money and women......Duh!
© Abby Sale - all rights reserved
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