In 1780 America’s War of Independence was not going well. After several pitched battles, the British Army had seized both Boston and New York City, along with their harbors -- cutting off a vital lifeline for supplies for Washington’s army, and holding thousands of loyal patriots hostage at the mercy of sometimes undisciplined troops and mercenaries.
George Washington had two subordinates he trusted completely -- Major Benjamin Tallmadge, and General Benedict Arnold. He put Tallmadge in charge of internal security operations (spying), and assigned Arnold to the fortifications at West Point on the Hudson River -- a vital strategic defense position to prevent British forces in New York from meeting up with their colleagues in Upper Canada.
History records that while Tallmadge remained true to the American cause, Benedict Arnold infamously decided to switch sides and hand over the West Point fortifications to the British. What stopped his nefarious scheme was lemon oil.
While gathering information on British troop positions in New York, Tallmadge was startled, and then horrified, to discover that Benedict Arnold was about to meet with British intelligence agents to offer them the plans to West Point. Temporarily cut off from Washington’s army by a troop of British hussars, Tallmadge sent his servant, in the guise of a peddler, through enemy lines with an urgent message to Washington, exposing Arnold’s treachery.
The message was written on the back of a bill of sale for beef hides and tallow. To keep it from the prying eyes of British sentinels, Tallmadge did not use lemon juice to make the message invisible -- the British were well aware that heating a page with lemon juice writing on it would reveal the invisible message immediately. Instead, Tallmadge used lemon oil as his invisible ink -- the volatile oil of the lemon would only reveal itself in writing if it was wiped with a vinegar-soaked sponge. And that was a trick the British were not privy to, as yet.
Tallmadge’s servant got through to Washington with the urgent bulletin. After a moment’s grief at such a great betrayal to the cause of freedom, Washington issued crisp orders to have Benedict Arnold arrested and brought to him immediately.
Somehow the great traitor got wind of his exposure and fled to the British lines. But West Point remained in American hands for the rest of the Revolutionary War, helping to bring eventual victory to the United States of America.
On his estate in Mount Vernon, George Washington planted several groves of lemon trees to commemorate their vital contribution to American freedom. Since that time Americans have cherished the wonderful properties of lemon essential oil -- not just as a superb invisible ink, but for its cleansing and healing properties.
For further information, and for an absolutely free, no obligation, sample of three of the most commonly used oils, including lemon and lavender, contact Wellness Advocate Amy Snyder at http://bit.ly/2vHgrH6 She has used these superb essential oils for years herself and will be delighted to share her experiences with you in a professional and friendly manner!
NOTICE TO READERS: The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any emotional or physical condition, illness, or injury. The author, publishers, and distributors of this blog shall have no liability or responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any and all alleged damage, loss, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this work. This work contains suggested uses of oils based on acceptable dosage amounts recommended by the manufacturer. The author makes no claim to have verified or validated these suggestions. The readers must validate acceptable dosage amounts from the manufacturer before application. The information in this book is in no way intended as a substitute for medical advice. We recommend that all readers obtain medical advice from a licensed healthcare professional before using essential oils for any reason.
