se had been
condoned by the many, as usually happens with the crimes of great men
who occupy stations of honor, whose misdemeanors are often enshrouded
and borne away into oblivion beneath the veil of expediency and interest
of the common weal. A court-martial would indeed take place; but its
verdict would be one of absolute acquittal.

To hold court at some neutral post was just. No charge of unfairness
could then be lodged. Nor could the personnel of the court be regarded
as hostile to the accused, for the latter had already raised an
objection to its composition which had been sustained and heeded. The
charges were dealt with fairly, only four of the eight counts in the
original indictment being allowed to come within the jurisdiction of a
military tribunal. Even the General was permitted to conduct his own
trial and every courtesy and attention was granted him.

Only two charges bore any evidence of guilt. The pass was issued with
deliberate intent. That was proved by the testimony of several witnesses
as well as by the introduction of the pass itself. Arnold defended
himself on the ground that there were no authorities in the city of New
York to be offended by the entrance of the vessel, and also the fact
that since the Commander-in-chief had lodged no complaint over the
alleged offense to his dignity, it was logical to infer that His
Excellency took no offense at the order. In regard to the charge of
misuse of the government wagons, it was revealed that traffic had been
carried on between Egg Harbor and the city of Philadelphia, and that
full loads had been delivered to several private families of the city.
Arnold denied any knowledge of the destination of these wagons, although
he was aware that they were being used.

His defense, it was learned, consisted of a long plea, in which he
rehearsed in detail the leading events of his life. He was fond of
alluding to his past and entertained no diffidence whatsoever in regard
to his own abilities. He hoped thereby to impress the court and to
intimidate them.

The charges he denounced as false, malicious, and scandalous, inspired
solely by motives of animosity and revenge. He was not accustomed to
carry on a warfare with women, he told the court, nor did he ever bask
in the sunshine of any one's favor. Honorable acquittal of all the
charges brought against him was pleasantly expected by him and he looked
forward to the day when he might share again with his fellow-s