The Traitor's Homecoming: Benedict Arnold’s Raid on New London, Connecticut, September 4-13, 1781

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About the book

Almost everyone is familiar with the name of at least one Revolutionary War battle. Some, like Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, and Yorktown are nearly household names. Others are less well known but readily recognized when mentioned. An engagement in Connecticut during the war’s sixth year, commanded by one of history’s most famous military names, is not among them. Matthew E. Reardon has set out to rectify that oversight with the publication of The Traitor’s Homecoming: Benedict Arnold’s Raid on New London, Connecticut, September 4-13, 1781.

By 1781, the war in North America had reached a stalemate. Throughout the summer the combined Franco-American armies of Generals George Washington and Jean-Baptiste comte de Rochambeau deceived British General Sir Henry Clinton into believing they were about to lay siege to New York City. When in fact, they were moving south toward Yorktown, Virginia, in a bid to trap Lord Cornwallis’ army against the sea. Clinton, falling for the deception, dispatched former American General Benedict Arnold to attack New London, hoping the move would derail militia reinforcements and supplies headed from Connecticut to the allied armies outside New York City, as well as destroy the privateers which operated out of its harbor.

Situated in southeastern Connecticut, New London was the center of the state’s wartime naval activities. State and continental naval vessels operated out of its harbor, which doubled as a haven for American privateers. Arnold landed on September 6 and, in a textbook operation, defeated local militia, took possession of the town, harbor, and forts, and set New London’s waterfront ablaze. But that is not how it is remembered. The Connecticut governor’s vicious propaganda campaign against the British and Arnold, who was already infamous for his treachery, created a narrative of partial truths and embellishments that persist to this day. As such, most of the attention still remains focused on the bloody fighting and supposed “massacre” at Fort Griswold, but there is much more to the story.

The Traitor’s Homecoming utilizes dozens of newly discovered British and American primary sources to weave together a balanced military study of an often forgotten and misunderstood campaign. Indeed, Reardon achieves a major reinterpretation of the battle while dismantling its myths. Thirteen original maps and numerous illustrations and modern photographs flesh out this groundbreaking study.

Advance Praise

“Matthew Reardon’s The Traitor’s Homecoming: Benedict Arnold’s Raid on New London, Connecticut, September 4–13, 1781 gives us a long-needed and well-sourced account of Arnold’s autumn 1781 operation on the Connecticut coast, including the British assault on Fort Griswold and the atrocities they supposedly committed there. Reardon’s careful research and narrative provide a discriminating and harrowing view of the entire affair. The Traitor’s Homecoming separates fact from myth. It is a compelling read.” — John U. Rees, author of ‘They Were Good Soldiers’: African-Americans Serving in the Continental Army, 1775–1783

“Reardon’s book is a deeply researched and thoroughly engaging strategic and tactical study of one of the final significant battles of the Revolutionary War. Arnold’s September 1781 New London raid, long ignored by students of the war, is thoroughly documented here for the first time. The Traitor’s Homecoming is for anyone looking to place the final engagements of the war in their proper historic and strategic contexts. This is required reading.” — Eric J. Wittenberg, award-winning author and historian

“The comprehensive history of Arnold’s New London raid remained scattered across the archives for far too long until Reardon’s The Traitor’s Homecoming. This is the history of the entire event and especially the battle of Groton Heights. Its breadth and detail are unmatched, and the descriptions of the personal interactions on both sides of the river and the specifics of the massacre are fascinating and enlightening. This study guarantees that the tragedy of Groton Heights will not only be finally understood but never forgotten. The Traitor’s Homecoming is a priceless contribution to Connecticut history.” — John Steward, local New London historian and columnist for TheDay.com

“Matthew Reardon’s study on this little-known but important military operation of the American Revolution is outstanding, with a flowing narrative based upon superb research. The Traitor’s Homecoming fills a large hole in the Revolution’s historiography. Highly recommended.” — Michael C. Harris, award-winning author of Brandywine: A Military History of the Battle that Lost Philadelphia but Saved America, September 11, 1777, and Germantown: A Military History of the Battle for Philadelphia, October 4, 1777

“In the interest of transparency, I helped edit the final version of this deeply researched book. If you are a Revolutionary War buff, this study will open your eyes; if you are a newcomer to the conflict, The Traitor’s Homecoming is a wonderful place to begin your journey.” — Keith Poulter, publisher of North & South magazine