The Words of a Traitor

Using the word 'traitor' to describe anyone who was involved in the American Revolution is a bit awkward, of course, since the American revolutionaries that are so much admired by contemporary Americans were themselves considered traitors in some sense. Nevertheless, perhaps the word is at least appropriate for the man portrayed by the actor in this picture: Benedict Arnold. Arnold began the American Revolution as a General in the Continental Army, but then switched sides after his plan to surrender West Point, NY to the British was discovered. Ever since, his name has been synonymous with 'traitor'.

In this picture, however, we find Arnold on a (possibly fictional) visit to the city of Williamsburg sometime shortly after the Declaration of Independence was signed, attempting to persuade the citizens that their best chance of future prosperity lies in loyalty to the British Crown. In his monologue, he was respectful but vehement.

This speech was part of Colonial Williamsburg's new special program, Revolutionary City, which is a reenactment of various historically important scenes in the town of Williamsburg from 1776 to 1781. My sister and brother-in-law are in town for a few days, so today we explored the 18th-century. I almost felt like it was real, especially when General Lafayette came riding down Duke of Gloucester Street on his horse to rally the troops before the march onto Yorktown and, ultimately, victory.