Today in Virginia History: American traitor and British Brig. Gen. Benedict Arnold enjoyed his greatest success as a British commander on this day in 1781. Arnold’s 1,600 largely Loyalist troops sailed up the James River at the beginning of January and marched into the virtually undefended capital city of Richmond on January 5th.
Virginia’s governor, Thomas Jefferson, had frantically attempted to prepare the city for attack but his efforts were largely ineffective. Only 200 militiamen responded to his call to defend the capital. When Arnold’s attempt to capture a nearby foundry failed—it was defended by American Gen. Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben—he chose to return to Richmond, burning much of the city the following morning.
Despite this untenable military position, the author of the Declaration of Independence was criticized by some for fleeing Richmond during the crisis. Later, two months after Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, he was cleared of any wrongdoing during his term as governor.
After the war, Benedict Arnold’s various business attempts failed. He died a pauper on June 14, 1801, and lays buried in his Continental Army uniform at St. Mary’s Church, Middlesex, London. To this day, his name remains synonymous with the word “traitor” in the United States.
Also: On Tuesday, Jan. 30th, is hosting “Tea & History,” featuring a proper “afternoon tea” and an informal presentation by local historian Rick Britton entitled “The Monacan Nation: People of the Piedmont.” For reservations please call the Silver Thatch Inn at (434) 978-4686.