Arnold's left leg was severely injured during a pivotal conflict when both he and his horse were shot, leading to his leg shattering as the horse fell.
The Injury Incident
During the latter stages of a significant conflict, Benedict Arnold sustained a grave injury to his left leg. While engaged in battle, both Arnold and his horse were struck by gunfire. The impact caused his horse to collapse, and as it fell, Arnold's leg was severely impacted, resulting in the bone shattering. This incident left him with a profoundly debilitating injury.
Aftermath and Treatment Challenges
Following the injury, Arnold faced a critical decision regarding his leg. He refused to undergo an amputation, a common medical procedure at the time for such severe injuries. Instead, his leg was set, but unfortunately, the procedure was performed faultily. This improper setting led to long-term complications and a persistent limp for Arnold.
The aftermath of this battle also saw political repercussions for Arnold. In the official report of the battle's outcome, General Horatio Gates, a superior officer, did not adequately acknowledge or mention Arnold's significant contributions. This perceived slight deeply angered Arnold, adding to his frustration in the wake of his debilitating injury.
To learn more about the context of Arnold's injury and its historical significance, you can refer to information about the Boot Monument, a unique memorial recognizing his bravery despite his later treachery.
