Arnold, Benedict

Arnold, Benedict. A Major General under General George Washington in the American Revolution, who turned tr*itor and attempted to surrender West Point to the British. The plot was foiled but Arnold escaped and later led British raiding parties in Virginia and Connecticut. He was born at Norwich, Connecticut, January 14, 1741 and died at London, England, June 14, 1801.

In 1762, Arnold resided at New Haven, Conn., where he was Captain in the militia. Upon entering the Colonial army, he was found to be an intrepid leader and was promoted to Major General, being a trusted associate of Washington. His exploits in Canada and New York in the early days of the war bought the time Washington needed to eventually bring into being the United States of America. He became incensed by the failure to give greater recognition to his talents as a soldier, and upon marrying the daughter of Judge Shippen of Philadelphia, who was a Freemason and Tory, Arnold was further influenced to show his resentment by b*traying his country.

Although it has been stated with apparent authenticity that Record Book No. 2 of Hiram Lodge No. 1 at New Haven under date April 10, 1765 states: ”Br. Benedict Arnold is by R. W. proposed to be made a Mason of this R. W. Lodge * * * and is accordingly made a member of this Lodge,” William L. Cummings of New York, on authority of Chauncey H. Clements, a Past Master of Hiram Lodge No. 1, both members of the Supreme Council Committee of History (N. M. J.), states that Arnold became a member of that lodge by affiliation and that it is unknown from what lodge he came or where or when he was made a Mason. Benedict Arnold retained membership in Hiram Lodge until his death. He several times visited a lodge at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., but, after his desertion, the brethren there inked out or cut out his name from the Tiler’s register.