The Notorious Benedict Arnold

John André is visited in his office by Joseph Stansbury, who communicates Arnold's intention to offer his services to the British. In Philadelphia, Arnold receives word that André and Clinton have welcomed his offer of help. André suggests that in order to be useful to the British, Arnold must get back into an important leadership position in the American army. It is agreed to use Peggy as a go-between to write letters to John André in coded invisible ink.

Arnold's court-martial begins at Washington's New Jersey headquarters, with a still-unsteady Arnold being carried in and out of his carriage. Arnold corners Washington before the trial, but Washington curtly declines to show any favoritism.  

Arnold is unable to initiate his plan with the British until his court-martial ends, but it is continually delayed. Meanwhile, rising food prices in Philadelphia spark riots, during which Arnold is chased and harassed in the street and his windows are smashed. His pleas for protection are ignored by the Pennsylvania council.

As Arnold's court-martial resumes, he puts up a strenuous defense and lashes out at the “glaring tyranny and injustice” (239) done to him. The court acquits him of all the serious charges, sentencing him only to a reprimand from