He tried to persuade himself that to change sides in this civil strife was no more culpable then to turn from one party to another in political life.

He forgot, however, that it is never honorable to betray a trust.
It is almost certain that Arnold received a large sum in money for his treachery.

However this may be, there was treason in his heart when he asked for and received the command at West Point, and he intended to use his authority to surrender that vital post to the British.

And now on the 18th of September Washington was riding northeastward into Connecticut, British troops were on board ships in New York and all was ready.

On the 20th of September the Vulture, sloop of war, sailed up the Hudson from New York and anchored at Stony Point, a few miles below West Point.