I am asking cause it's been a flight of fancy for me as of late. I've been reading about the American Revolution more lately and haven't heard of anything or anyone that was a traitor other then Arnold. So I'm curious if there was a British Benedict Arnold?
I am no expert, and as such my post ought to be deleted if it's not helpful or accurate, but I will do my best.
Perhaps one of the more well-known spies for America during the revolution was Nathan Hale, whose famous and somewhat disputed last words at his hanging were said to be "I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country." He was a captain in the Continental Army who volunteered to go in disguise and report British troop activity during the Battle of Long Island.
There was also a group of spies called the Culper Spy Ring. Based in New York city, they were founded and run by Benjamin Tallmadge and Abraham Woodhull (aka 'Samuel Culper Sr'), respectively. Stories such as those of Anna Strong, Austin Roe, and James Armistead Lafayette speak of the courage and cunning shown by the people who risked everything against the Crown.
Though he wasn't known for espionage, George Washington himself was a non-commissioned officer in the colonial British army, acting as a major and then a colonel in the Virginia royal militia, in the French and Indian War. Considering his later critical involvement in the Revolution, it's somewhat humorous that Washington was not at all impressed with the talents or discipline of the militia. He was known to be fearless in battle, and rallied his allies even in retreat. His imposing physique and his courage made him a natural leader. Due in part to the British Army's refusal to advance his rank despite his years of service, his overall distaste with their behavior and tactics, and perhaps capped by a friendly fire incident in 1758, he resigned from military life at the end of that year, and remained a civilian and plantation owner until the Revolution began to gain momentum around 1774. It was then that his intimate knowledge of British military tactics and behavior likely helped him make critical moves against them when he found himself on the side of the Patriots.
Sources:
American Spies of the Revolution
Wiki: Military Career of George Washington I know Wikipedia isn't great, but the points I've mentioned here seem to be sourced to print books in the wiki article, so I hope this is acceptable.
Fun fact: Washington's hair was red, and he never wore a powdered wig, but styled and powdered his own natural hair in the fashion of the contemporary nobility.