Summary

Chapter 31 is titled “Back to Philadelphia” and is dated April 1-June 19, 1778. After five months in bed, Arnold was able to hobble around with a crutch. Many turned out to give Arnold a hero's welcome when he reached New Haven. Meanwhile, Andre's party in Philadelphia featured fake jousting, parades, music, and costumes. A few days later, Arnold arrived at Valley Forge. Still on crutches, he listened to Washington's account of the brutal winter. The good news was that France had agreed to ally with America. Washington realized Arnold could not participate in battles in his current state. He felt the British would soon leave Philadelphia. The situation was highly volatile and a political minefield. “For reasons no one has ever been able to figure out, Washington offered the job to Benedict Arnold.” By mid-June, the British pulled out of Philadelphia in favor of New...