Peggy Shippen Quotes

John Andre,” she said, toying with a spoon. “He fell in love with a Philadelphia belle named Peggy Shippen. I merely had the privilege of sewing her dresses.

André was a clever and cultivated man but to some degree without scruples. During the occupation, he had lived in Benjamin Franklin’s house, and upon departing (as noted earlier) he had made off with most of Franklin’s treasured collection of books. He had also been one of Peggy Shippen’s admirers and the architect of Howe’s farewell meschianza bash.

General Arnold's affection for me is unbounded. He is the best of husbands. Peggy Shippen Arnold to her father, February 1786 Twenty-five

The former Philadelphia belle's evolution from the fragile, compliant bride fo the American traitor to a restrained wife was remarkable enough, but what followed was even more surprising: a revelation of strengths Peggy long held in reserve. Her transition was born of necessity.

The former Philadelphia belle's evolution from the fragile, compliant bride of the American traitor to a restrained wife was remarkable enough, but what followed was even more surprising: a revelation of strengths Peggy long held in reserve. Her transition was born of necessity.

Peggy was equally enchanted with the older, more sexually experienced Arnold. Long after their honeymoon and first years of marriage, she continued to praise Arnold as 'the best of husbands.

If Arnold's leap to the British was to succeed, Peggy must play the innocent as his cheerful and charming young wife.

Pegg, cowering in her bedroom, asked her housekeeper to check on the ailing Varick. Then, willing herself in to a frenzy, she tore at her hair and clothes, weeping, her sobs accelerating in volume.

To most Americans, Peggy remains an enigmatic and nearly forgotten figure. Early historians depicted the former Philadelphia belle as a Loyalist whose fondness for British officer John Andre led her to corrupt Arnold's political views. By the early twentieth century, members of her family attempted to correct that view.