Mrs. Benedict Arnold
The article describes the events leading up to and during a party hosted by General Arnold, where the narrator, Peggy, reflects on political tensions and societal shifts in Philadelphia under the new regime. Stansbury, a tailor, prepares Peggy for the event, expressing concerns about Patriot extremism while also praising Arnold's military reputation. Peggy reunites with her family and meets the surprisingly vigorous General Arnold, contrasting his legendary injuries with his present vitality.
- ▪Stansbury expresses concern that the party could be a trap targeting those skeptical of Patriot tactics.
- ▪General Arnold is described by veterans as a fearless and energetic military leader, nicknamed 'America’s Hannibal.'
- ▪Peggy’s uncle, Dr. William Shippen, treats Arnold’s severe leg injury, which involved a musket ball and a fractured thigh bone from a horse falling on him.
- ▪Arnold’s lavish party draws criticism from Reed, who views it as a provocation for using Patriot funds to entertain known Loyalists.
- ▪Peggy observes the contrast between Arnold’s robust appearance and the exaggerated stories of his infirmity told by others.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The night of General Arnold’s party arrived, and Stansbury had gone all out. He needed the Patriots’ business, and I was to be a walking advertisement for his work.Article continues after advertisement “You’re trembling like a thoroughbred longing to bolt.” Stansbury smiled, smoothing the fabric over my back. A fair analogy for the amount of agency I felt over my fate. “Is it irrational to fear the party might be a trap, a lure to round up anyone still feeling the smallest misgiving about Patriot tactics? It wouldn’t be difficult to eliminate us all in one place—and would only be in line with Reed’s rhetoric about routing every last neutral and Tory from the continent.” “Don’t confuse Arnold’s Patriotism with Reed’s brand of it.”Article continues after advertisement Even if not…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Literary Hub.
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