Between the Synapse

Garrison, New York (AP) — The Latest on Benedict Arnold. (all times local):

September 24, 1780 5:50 p.m.

General George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, expressed full support for Major General Benedict Arnold, calling his secret negotiations with the British to surrender the American fort at West Point, New York “a valid means of establishing a back-channel” to the Redcoats. “Benny’s a good guy,” said the General. “Only stupid people, or fools, would think that it is bad,” he added.

One of Washington’s primary advisers, Brigadier-General William Alexander, further explained, “We have back-channel communications with any number of individual (countries and tribes). So generally speaking, about back-channel communications, what that allows you to do is communicate in a discreet manner. We’re not concerned about it.”

General Arnold could not be located for comment.