WI: Bendedict Arnold Doesn't Turn Traitor

I apologize if this has been done, but I pose the above question. If Benedict Arnold didn't betray the American cause and go over to the British, what kind of future does he have in post-Revolution America? I seem to remember that he wasn't the most politically adroit individual, but he was kind of screwed over by the Continental Congress when it came to being promoted. He was admired by the troops (American) he commanded, and he seems to have had the respect of George Washington. So would he go onto serve Washington in the cabinet, or maybe run for office himself? Or does he return to being a private citizen?
 
I apologize if this has been done, but I pose the above question. If Benedict Arnold didn't betray the American cause and go over to the British, what kind of future does he have in post-Revolution America? I seem to remember that he wasn't the most politically adroit individual, but he was kind of screwed over by the Continental Congress when it came to being promoted. He was admired by the troops (American) he commanded, and he seems to have had the respect of George Washington. So would he go onto serve Washington in the cabinet, or maybe run for office himself? Or does he return to being a private citizen?
The Most Common answer is that because his personality and his rivals-enemies he is kicked upstairs as senator from connecticut so he is part of national politics but far away of political centers, if he refuse i can imagine taking arms againg even at old age in 1812 war.
 

Minty_Fresh

Banned
Arnold turned traitor for money, lets be honest. He was discouraged by his failures to advance, but at the heart of things, he was most likely guilty of corruption and skirted by on that charge, and he obviously had need for money to finance his relatively expensive new wife.

So to get him to avoid this course of action, he simply needs to be financially satisfied, most likely by some French quasi-government contact, who were really doing most of the financial support for the Revolutionary effort. To get this done in a way that clears him of improper conduct requires simply good old fashioned graft. The problem with this, of course, is his hatred of the French that stemmed from when he served on the northern frontier during the fall of Ft. William Henry in the 7 years war (the garrison was almost massacred after surrendering by the Indians with the French Army). The French involvement likely didn't help his loyalty to the cause, either.

A fruitful POD for this might be him not being present during the 7 Years War anywhere near Fort William Henry.
 
Not to change the question too much, but any chance he gets offered a higher command during the war? Maybe he takes over the Southern Army?
 

Minty_Fresh

Banned
Not to change the question too much, but any chance he gets offered a higher command during the war? Maybe he takes over the Southern Army?
Problem was his lack of mobility after Saratoga. That is why he was given Philadelphia and then West Point. The dude was crippled by his wounded leg. He got better over time, sure, and could have gotten another field command, but the Southern Army required a commander to be able to cross tons of rivers and ride through wooded and rugged terrain over long distances. This wasn't a command for those who weren't physically rigorous. Nathanael Greene might have disproven that notion, as he had a naturally stiff leg that he overcame, but the thought certainly went into who got command.
 
Problem was his lack of mobility after Saratoga. That is why he was given Philadelphia and then West Point. The dude was crippled by his wounded leg. He got better over time, sure, and could have gotten another field command, but the Southern Army required a commander to be able to cross tons of rivers and ride through wooded and rugged terrain over long distances. This wasn't a command for those who weren't physically rigorous. Nathanael Greene might have disproven that notion, as he had a naturally stiff leg that he overcame, but the thought certainly went into who got command.
In other words,it's not impossible?
 
It certainly lays open possibilities. I have my doubts that Arnold would go far, but he could curtail his penchant for graft, not get involved with Peggy Shippen, and have Congress give him his back pay and legit expenses, he may well come through looking good.
 
Washington did back him several times, including writing to the Continental Congress to request his promotion to major general. To my knowledge, Arnold offered his resignation twice yet Washington refused it each time. Perhaps, as Zert points out, if he can keep his nose clean and stay away from Peggy Shippen, then Washington would assign him to a position of importance during his administration.
 

Anaxagoras

Banned
Problem was his lack of mobility after Saratoga. That is why he was given Philadelphia and then West Point. The dude was crippled by his wounded leg. He got better over time, sure, and could have gotten another field command, but the Southern Army required a commander to be able to cross tons of rivers and ride through wooded and rugged terrain over long distances. This wasn't a command for those who weren't physically rigorous. Nathanael Greene might have disproven that notion, as he had a naturally stiff leg that he overcame, but the thought certainly went into who got command.

Arnold seemed quite capable of extensive mobility when he commanded British troops in Virginia in 1781, so clearly his wound improved over time.
 
Arnold seemed quite capable of extensive mobility when he commanded British troops in Virginia in 1781, so clearly his wound improved over time.

My thinking exactly. If men like Charles Lee and Horatio Gates were given commands, then why not a Benedict Arnold who doesn't turn traitor?
 
Arnold was given a bad deal, but he was vain and that was his failing.

If he didn't go over to the British side, he would continue to be hounded by personal slights and accusations of corruption until he retired to a private life. Probably dying impoverished after a failed business.

Arnold needed mentoring, and Gates needed to go sooner. Achieve those two and Arnold has a path towards a valorous future.
 
Do you think he could do any better commanding the Southern Army?
Better than Gates? Definitely. Better than Greene? Hard to say. Greene was solidly competent as an independent army commander. Arnold is an unknown in that regard, though he proved very good in subordinate positions. I have a hard time seeing him do worse, though.
 
Didn't his wife Peggy also have strong Loyalist tendencies? Maybe if he marries a different woman or she changes her views to the Patriot cause?
 
posted this earlier

So What if . . . Martha Parke Custis, George Washington's beloved step-daughter does not die from her seizures in 1773 but lets say they grew more mild with age until almost totally disappearing.

When the the Revolution breaks out she meets and is smitten by a widower general from Connecticut, Benedict Arnold.

When he is bypassed for promotion she speaks out on his behalf

After Saratoga she nurses him back to health

The two are wed when Spring breaks over Valley Forge

Arnold is now linked to the Washington's

Congress treats him a bit better

He doesn't meet Peggy Shippen

They have 3 surviving children

They have a daughter Liberty "Libbie" Arnold in 1781

George Washington Arnold in 1784

Hannah Arnold in 1790

He has more reasons to not betray the Revolution

What does post-war America hold for George Washington's Son-in-Law and his wife?

Does he live longer?

Are there fears of an unofficial "Royal Line" if he and/or his children are successful in U.S. politics?
 
I must have missed your earlier post. Interesting possibilities with that scenario. That could well prove a success to keep Arnold loyal and allow him to thrive.
 
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