Arnold's defiance of Britain intensified, and was soon also directed at Tory loyalists in his own hometown. According to biographer James Kirby Martin, "Arnold counted himself among the most fervent of Connecticut's patriots." It was thus no surprise when he helped organize a militia company in New Haven, and was voted its captain. After seizing ammunition and supplies for his men from reluctant town leaders, Captain Arnold marched his company toward Massachusetts to join in the fighting. News of Lexington and Concord had incited the patriots to action. Upon reaching Massachusetts and working closely with patriot leaders such as Dr. Joseph Warren to assess British strengths and colonial resolve, Arnold was advanced to the rank of colonel and given command over a regiment of Massachusetts soldiers. Arnold bid farewell to the New Haven Footguards, and led his Massachusetts troops westward for Fort Ticonderoga.
Arnold joined Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys in a successful assault on Ticonderoga, and went on to take part in a grueling expedition against Canada. Writes James Thomas Flexner: "The main part of the drive carried his force of about a thousand men through the Maine wilderness, hampered by driving rainstorms, flooding rivers, and nearly impassable forests." Arnold's troops reached Quebec in December 1775, and joined in an unsuccessful night assault under General Richard Montgomery. Arnold conducted himself bravely in the engagement, but suffered a serious leg wound and was forced to retire from the battle. The American expedition would fail with the loss at Quebec.
Recuperating from his wounds, Arnold slowly achieved hero status as word of his daunting exploits spread across the country. Compared to the great Hannibal who led his army across the Alps, Arnold received accolades from many prominent leaders in Congress and in the Continental army. George Washington praised him for his "enterprising and persevering spirit" and James Warren described him as a "genius." Arnold became a brigadier general.
Despite ending in failure, Arnold's expedition into Canada would be the high watermark of his career as a American hero in the Revolutionary War. Even though he would continue to provide exemplary leadership over the next five years, Arnold began a slow descent into disillusionment and bitterness - a descent that would be hastened in 1777 at Saratoga.
Part Two, to be posted May 16, will complete the life of Benedict Arnold and will explore the moral questions surrounding his legacy.
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