Williamsburg Regional Library

George Washington and Benedict Arnold, a tale of two patriots, Dave R. Palmer

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 397-399) and index

collective biography

mapsillustrations

index present

non fiction

George Washington and Benedict Arnold

bibliography

Dave R. Palmer

a tale of two patriots

Fateful turns, choices and escapes from certain death dominate this captivating story of the most compelling figures of the Revolutionary War. When General George Washington appointed Benedict Arnold military commander of the Philadelphia region, military historian Palmer argues, he was not only making one of the worst personnel decisions of his career, but was also creating the conditions for the "Traitor of America" to commit his crime. Stark contrasts and similarities between two men show how their choices informed their destiny. The son of an alcoholic, Arnold became a wealthy merchant before he took up arms against the British, but distinguishing himself on the battlefield was not enough to earn Arnold the prestige he perpetually sought. Washington, who grew up on a tranquil farm, was the beneficiary of guidance from influential figures and was groomed to be a leader. Palmer has a talent for building momentum and suspense, but his most skilled turn is as profiler of the military comrades who would later be foes

Philadelphia -- Family -- Childhood -- Self-made men -- Radicals -- War clouds -- To war -- Taking the offensive -- Winning independence -- Defending the United States, 1776 -- "Like apes for nuts" -- Defending the United States, 1777 -- Arnold crippled -- Washington challenged -- Different roads -- Stillness before the storm -- The black year -- On the edge -- Setting the stage -- "Arnold has betrayed us!" -- "Erase from the register" -- New London and Yorktown -- Legacy -- Character

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