Color enhanced illustration of Arnol'ds escape. Benedict Arnold was a general in the American Revolutionary War who changed sides and joined the British in 1779. Arnold made secret plans with the British to take control of West Point. When British Major John Andre was captured he revealed the plot to the American forces. After hearing of this, Arnold was able to escape to the British ship, the Vulture. He was compensated for his help, but never given an important military command.