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| Benedict Arnold |
At the height of his career, before he was found out to be a traitor to the new nation, Benedict Arnold was a successful general in George Washington's army and in great demand at soirees where he could not resist beautiful women, regardless of their youth.
Benedict Arnold: Please tell me about
yourself, my child.
Peggy Shippen: (Throwing back her
shoulders and almost stamping her foot) Look at me, General. Is this a child
that you see before you?
Arnold: Forgive an old man who speaks
from the hauteur of his many years and combats.
Peggy: Was it in combat that you injured your leg?
Arnold: It was at the Battle of
Freeman’s Farm. All was going very well against the British but I received this
leg injury, quite a bit of bleeding and there I was pinned beneath my horse.
But enough about me. I see, as I gaze around the room, that the Shippen women
are all exceedingly beautiful. Edward Shippen is not only a prominent judge but
also the sire of praiseworthy fillies.
Peggy: First you call me a child then
you compare me to horses. Are you pleased with how our first conversation is
progressing?
Arnold: Having been a soldier for so
long, I sometimes forget that my praise of horseflesh may not be the proper
subject of genteel chatting at dinner parties. Please forgive my battle
crudeness but my highest praise for people is to compare them to magnificent horses.
Peggy: You are forgiven, General. And
while we are on that subject, although raised in Philadelphia, I do like to
ride out along the river. Riding is one of my greatest pleasures. One day
perhaps, I can show you our stables. As for me, I am the fourth and youngest
daughter of this family that is devoted to the British crown. So when you speak
of doing battle against the British, you may not find me completely enamored
with the topic.
Arnold: So, you are the youngest
Shippen?
Peggy:
There were two brothers born after me but they did not survive. So I am
the youngest and the spoiled one.
Arnold: Other than riding, in what
other ways do you spent your time?
Peggy: Oh dear, I do believe I’ve
extinguished the spark of our conversation. It’s my turn to apologize. Let me
try to revive your interest. As all proper young ladies, I do needle work and
play music on the harpsichord. But I love politics and the power it promotes.
Arnold: I knew that this house was one
of loyalist leanings. I only do battle with those who seek to extinguish the
spark of liberty in this new nation.
Peggy: Please don’t speak down to me,
General. I may be young in years at eighteen but I do know what is at stake
with the war. I think, however, that General Washington will have to do much
better than he has done thus far against the well-trained army of the Crown. By
the way, how old are you, Sir?
Arnold: My quick mental processes tell
me that I am just shy of being twice your age. I am a widower and have three
sons.
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| Peggy Shippen |
Peggy: Father tells me that at the
outbreak of the war, you participated in the capture of the British garrison of
Fort Ticonderoga and later, you hindered a British invasion of New York at the
Battle of Lake Champlain. The following year, you played a crucial role in bringing
about the surrender of British General John Burgoyne’s army at Saratoga. I
believe I am speaking with a genuine war hero.
Arnold: I don’t think the word hero is
appropriate but perhaps the future will take me into uncharted political
battles.
Well beyond the capture of Philadelphia in
1777 and the entry of France into the war, coming to the assistance of George
Washington in 1778, Edward Shippen and Benedict Arnold came into contact
several times at social gatherings. A frequent guest at the Shippen home was
John André, an officer in General William Howe’s command. This man was to play
a larger role in the lives of Benedict Arnold and Peggy Shippen. Another time, at another soiree...
Arnold: So tell me, Peggy, how is it
that your family decamped to New Jersey when the British invaded Philadelphia?
Surely, their arrival must have been a joyous occasion for you.
Peggy: Really Benedict, civilians were
cautioned to leave the city to avoid the unpleasantness of troop billeting and
their off-duty drinking and raucous behavior. Surely, I’ve already told you
about the little New Jersey farm where we took temporary residence. We loved it
there but my father was concerned that our empty home would tempt the British
to use it as a military billets.
Arnold: Don’t get in a huff. I’m just
teasing you, my dear.
Peggy: You may tease me all you like
but there is a serious matter I wanted to discuss with you. It has become
obvious to my father that as you’ve grown in importance with your position as
commander for the Continental Army in Philadelphia that you may have put
Edward’s youngest daughter under siege as well. I never led you to believe I
was interested in you that way.
Arnold: Your eyes have told me otherwise.
That is, unless that fellow André has stolen your heart while I was out there
fighting for freedom.
Peggy: Fighting for freedom were you?
When, Benedict, were you going to tell me that you are in trouble with the law?
Friends confide in friends about important matters.
Arnold: It’s a small matter of
interpretation of how money allocated for the troops is spent.
Peggy: When will you stop patronizing
me? The Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania has brought eight formal
charges against you for corruption and malfeasance with the money of the
federal and state governments. That does not sound like a question of
interpretation. Unless this matter is resolved, we may be missing your presence
at our frequent soirees. And that would grieve me personally.
Arnold:
So you do care more than just a little.
Peggy:
And I know more than just a little that a gentleman must declare himself with
open heart before the young lady gives even the suggestion of her sentiments.
The risk is that you may be laughed out of my
sight or …
sight or …
Arnold: Splendid, I’ll speak to your father at once.
Peggy:
Speak first to the Supreme Executive Council.
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