2-329-785 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Escape of Benedict Arnold, 1780 (c1880). Arnold (1741-1801) fought for the American Continental Army from the outbreak of the War of Independence in 1775, becoming one of its most effective generals, distinguishing himself at the Battle of Saratoga. He switched over to the side of the British in 1780 after becoming disillusioned at being passed over for promotion and at the alliance of the Americans with the French. He supplied the British with information about American troop dispositions and, after being given command of the fort at West Point, New York, proposed to surrender it to the British in return for £20,000 and a Brigadier's commission. He was forced to flee before carrying out his plan after his go-between with the British, Major John Andre, was captured. A print from Cassell's History of the United States, by Edmund Ollier, Volume II, Cassell Petter and Galpin, London, c1880. A print from Cassell's History of the United States, by Edmund Ollier, Volume II, Cassell Petter and Galpin, London, c1880.