biography
| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (1741–1801)
|
| biography:
| American soldier and turncoat, born in Norwich, Connecticut, USA. On the outbreak of the War of Independence (1775–83) he joined the colonial forces, assisted Ethan Allen in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga (1775), and took part in the unsuccessful siege of Quebec in 1775, for which he was made a brigadier-general. He fought with distinction at L Champlain, Ridgefield, and Saratoga. Though greatly admired by Washington, he had influential enemies, and in 1777 five of his inferiors in rank were promoted over his head. In 1780 he obtained the command of West Point, which, through a conspiracy with John André, he agreed to betray. On the capture of André, he fled to the British lines, and was given a command in the royal army. He went to England in 1781, living in London until his death. |
|
|
