F76.5A

=F76.5A General Benedict Arnold betrays Country=
 * Philadelphia, Pennsylvania September 27, 1780**

Just yesterday, an American Patriot turned traitor to the Americans to join the British forces. A once honored and heroic American General, Benedict Arnold's act of treason has caused many uprisings throughout the colonies. Everyone is pondering the fact that such a dedicated patriot in the American army would suddenly turn around to oppose us.

Benedict Arnold was an ambitious general for the Patriots. He did many great things, until he became a traitor. Yes, Arnold betrayed his country and became a British officer. He was formerly praised by Thomas Jefferson for his bravery, but now Jefferson offers a reward for Arnold's capture. General George Washington also commented on the development of Arnold's treason and Jefferson's offer of a reward. But Washington took a different approach to the issue and quite frankly would like Arnold dead.

Throughout Arnold's many battles as an American Patriot, he has been injured multiple times, such as in the Battle of Saratoga just three years ago in 1777 when his horse was shot. Arnold's leg was badly injured, being only one of his sacrifices for his country. But word has it that Arnold felt that he was not receiving enough credit for his many victories. This might has caused him to begin making deals with the British. He offered them West Point Fort, an important American fort and the place where he joined the British. Before the Battle of Lexington and Concord, Arnold was a proud member of the Sons of Liberty and trained Patriot forces. And after his many heroic acts and victories, he earned the nickname "America's Hannibal". He was praised by Thomas Jefferson in front of the Continental Congress, and was appointed commandant of Philadelphia after the Battle of Saratoga. All of these things had people all over the colonies convinced that Arnold had no reason to turn, but it is discovered that he had multiple reasons.

Many people are wondering why such an accomplished and praised general would risk it all to go to the other side. His fellow soldiers reported that he was often complaining that he didn't recieve enough credit fo his victories, and argued with a few of his fellow officers. It is also believed that he was in financial trouble. A source told us that Arnold was recieving payments from the British for giving up West Point. He was also married to a well known loyalist's daughter.

These are all reasons he could have turned on America, but after all that he has done for his country, we still ponder why he lost faith in his brave American troops. Arnold has a whole record of services for America in the past conflicts, such as helping America to capture Fort Ticonderoga a few years ago, and repulsed a British attack on Danbury only three years ago, causing him to be promoted to major general. He has his reasons and we have our sources, but it will always be slightly a mystery.


 * Reported by Natalie Sharrotta and Sydney Shock**