Estimate of Forces at West Point, 1780.
Suggested Teaching Instructions
Sep. 13th 1780
A Brigade of Masachusets Militia & two Regiments of Rank & file
New Hampshire Inclusion of 166 Batteaux Men at Verplanks & Stoney Points 992
On Command & Extra Services at Fish Kills New
Windsor etc. who may be called in [illegible] 852
3 Regiments of Connecticut Militia under the Comm[and]
of Colonel Wells on the lines near No[rth] Castle 458
a Detachment of New York Levies on the lines 115 _____________
Militia 2447
Colonel Lambs Regiment 167
Colonel Livingston at Verplank & Stony Pt. 80 & Continental 247
Colonel Sheldons Dragoons on the
lines, about one half Mounted 142
Batteaux Men and Artificers 250
_____________
Total 3,086
After that war, Arnold remained in the Army and quickly rose through the ranks. He was very active in the northern battles of the American Revolution, such as Ticonderoga, Saratoga, and Lake Champlain. Unfortunately, he became very bitter. He was accused of stealing civilian goods. These charges were brought to court martial, but he was acquitted. Arnold continued to grow more and more discontented. He believed he was regularly overlooked for promotions and higher positions.
It was during this time that Arnold married an American Loyalist he met while in Philadelphia. He also began meeting with an American Loyalist named John André. André and Arnold decided to turn West Point over to the British. This would give the British control over the Hudson River. In July of 1780, Arnold sought and received the command at West Point.
Luckily for the Americans, the plot was uncovered with the capture of André. Arnold fled to the British lines in New York, where he was commissioned as an officer. Arnold and his wife left for London in 1781, where they lived the rest of their days, although Arnold was never fully accepted into British society.