ON September 21, 1780, during the American Revolution, an American general named Benedict Arnold discussed handing over the military fort at West Point with British Major John André. His price was £10,000 and a commission in the British Army.
Arnold’s plan was foiled and he fled. André was less fortunate; he was captured, given a swift military trial, and hanged. Arnold subsequently led British troops against his compatriots in Virginia and Connecticut. He quit his country to live in London, where he died, aged 60, in 1801. Never trusted by the British, he did not receive the monies and positions he expected.
