The Resume

(May 2, 1750-October 2, 1780)
Born in London, United Kingdom
British army major
Conspired with Benedict Arnold to surrender West Point to the British
Captured by Americans (September 23, 1780)
Hanged as a spy

Why he might be annoying:

He ignored orders from his commander, Sir Henry Clinton, to avoid carrying incriminating documents and to remain in uniform so, if caught, he would be treated as a prisoner of war.
Instead, he accepted from Arnold a series of sketches from of West Point (which were unnecessary since Clinton already knew the fort's layout) and changed into civilian clothing.
He unsuccessfully petitioned George Washington to be executed by a firing squad instead of by hanging.

Why he might not be annoying:

The Americans would have preferred to have executed Arnold, but the British declined to hand him over for Andre.
Washington called him 'an accomplished man and gallant officer' and wrote, 'He was more unfortunate than criminal.'
His remains, which had been buried beneath the gallows, were eventually returned to England and interred at Westminster Abbey (1821).

Credit: C. Fishel

Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

• C. Fishel's Profiles [Series 35]
• Executed by the State
• I Died in My 30s (Ranked: 30)
• I Was Hanged
• I'm Buried at Westminster Abbey
• Look at Me, I'm Dead
• Look at Me, My Picture Is Art
• People with John or Mary in their Names
• Profiles 30751-31000 (Ranked: 30915)
• Served in the American Revolution [1775-89]

Year In Review:

In 2023, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
In 2022, Out of 20 Votes: 65.00% Annoying
In 2021, Out of 7 Votes: 85.71% Annoying
In 2020, Out of 7 Votes: 71.43% Annoying
In 2019, Out of 5 Votes: 80.0% Annoying
In 2018, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2017, Out of 14 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2016, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2015, Out of 8 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2014, Out of 16 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2013, Out of 17 Votes: 52.94% Annoying
In 2012, Out of 23 Votes: 73.91% Annoying
In 2011, Out of 63 Votes: 77.78% Annoying