Republic of Scoundrels

TO BE FEATURED IN A MOUNT VERNON BOOK TALK AND AUTHOR SIGNING ON NOVEMBER 13, 2024 The Founding Fathers are often revered as American saints; here are the stories of those Founders who were schemers and scoundrels, prioritizing their own interests over the nation’s. We now have a more balanced understanding of Founding Fathers such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton; yet, they are still frequently viewed as American saints, celebrated for their wisdom and selfless dedication to the country. However, within the Founding Generation, many unscrupulous figures existed—men who disregarded the era’s expectation of public virtue and pursued their own agendas at the expense of others. These individuals were turncoats and traitors, opportunists and con artists, spies, and foreign intriguers. Some names remain infamous: Benedict Arnold and Aaron Burr. Others are less notorious today but were equally threatening. Charles Lee, a Continental Army gener