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This episode explores the aftermath of Benedict Arnold's failed treason and the execution of his British co-conspirator, Major John Andre. While Arnold escapes to New York aboard the HMS Vulture, his wife Peggy stages a convincing performance of hysteria at West Point to deceive George Washington into believing she is an innocent victim. Meanwhile, Washington and his officers convene a military board that ultimately sentences Andre to death for espionage, despite widespread personal admiration for the young British officer. Sir Henry Clinton refuses to trade Arnold for Andre, leading to Andre's hanging on October 1st, 1780. The narrative follows Arnold into exile in Britain, detailing his later military campaigns in Virginia and Connecticut, his reception by skeptical British officers, and his eventual death in 1801 as a figure of lingering infamy.
The host announces a new live tour date and venue.
Peggy Arnold learns her husband is planning to betray the Revolution.
George Washington visits the house and learns of Arnold’s treason.
Arnold flees West Point; John Andre is captured and later executed.
Peggy pleads her innocence and convinces Washington she is unaware of Arnold’s plot.
Major John Andre is tried, found guilty, and executed by hanging.
Arnold and Peggy settle in London, facing distrust and regret.
Arnold’s later life, failed attempts to regain honor, and his eventual death.
The host concludes the episode, providing resources and acknowledgments.
Peggy Arnold's Theatrical Breakdownstory
Peggy Arnold feigns severe mental distress and hysterics to convince Colonel Varick and later George Washington that she had no knowledge of her husband's treason.
Washington Discovers the Betrayaldata
George Washington reads intercepted documents detailing West Point's defenses and realizes that his trusted general, Benedict Arnold, has committed treason.
Andre Confesses Candidlyinsight
Major John Andre chooses not to lie during his military tribunal, calmly detailing his correspondence with Arnold and sealing his own fate as a spy.
Andre Adjusts His Own Noosestory
Rejecting a filthy executioner who might ruin his uniform, John Andre places the noose around his own neck before his execution by hanging.
British Officers Reject Arnoldinsight
Sir Henry Clinton offers Arnold a command in Virginia, but warns him that several British officers have declined to serve under him due to their loyalty to Major Andre.
Refusing the Arnold Exchangedebate
British Commander Sir Henry Clinton refuses to trade Benedict Arnold in exchange for John Andre, viewing the surrender of a defector as a dishonorable breach of trust.
Departure for British Exilestory
Following the British defeat at Yorktown, Benedict Arnold and his family leave New York in December 1781 to build a new and isolated life in England.
“For more than a year, Peggy's husband had been plotting to betray the American Revolution and deliver West Point to the British.”
“General Arnold has betrayed us, gentlemen. Here, see for yourself.”
“He wants to die like a soldier, by firing squad.”
“The British spymaster John Andre was captured, and Arnold fled West Point before his treachery could be exposed.”
Benedict Arnold’s plot to betray West Point comes crashing down. As Arnold escapes into British hands, the conspiracy is exposed—and someone else is left to pay the ultimate price for his treason. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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