General Gates's troops held their ground. Benedict Arnold, one of Gates's generals, argued for a counterattack that would smash the British force. Gates, outraged that Arnold would challenge his order, took away his command. But the rash Arnold saw a chance to strike a crucial blow. He galloped through the crossfire of both armies, inspiring his men. A bullet struck his leg, but he rode on, leading the final assault that shattered the British fortifications. If he had died of his wounds that day, Arnold would be remembered as one of the great heroes of the Revolutionary War.

The central idea of the excerpt is that, during the Revolutionary War, Benedict Arnold

defeated the British alone.

showed great courage.

was disloyal to the Americans.

became a general.