Category: Uncategorized

The Nassau Cannon

On By Eric SternerIn 1776, Continental Congress, Continental Leadership, Navy, Personalities, Uncategorized, WeaponsLeave a comment

In March, 1776 Commodore Esek Hopkins led the bulk of the Continental Navy on a raid to the Bahamas, where it occupied the town of New Providence on Nassau Island for two weeks.  Hopkins and his captains were drawn by a report of gunpowder stored in the town, which the patriot cause desperately needed.[1]  Unfortunately for Hopkins, the colony’s governor had spirited away some 150 barrels the night before the American flotilla’s arrival.  Not all was lost as the Marines quickly demanded and received the surrender of two small forts defending the town and its harbor.  With those in hand, Hopkins and his men quickly got to work removing artillery, military stores, and other useful supplies.

            While the American Marines and sailors managed to recover just 24 casks of powder, their haul in sizeable artillery pieces and mortars was impressive: 88 cannon ranging from 9- to 36-pounders; 15 mortars from 4-11 inches; 5,458 shells; 11,071 roundshot; 165 chain & double shot, plus fuses, rams, sponges, carriage trucks, mortar beds, copper hoops, and various stores not required for artillery.[2]  It was a boon to be sure.  The curious part of Hopkins’ inventory of captured war material, however, is that he sent it to Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull, not a representative of the Naval Committee that had issued his orders.  To John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, he sent a report of his mission, but only mentioned “I have taken all the Stores onboard the fleet.”[3]  Indeed, his report of the armaments aboard the British schooner Hawke, which the fleet captured on its return to American waters, was more complete.  It took another day, until April 9, for Hopkins to forward the inventory of seized cannon.  Congress merely resolved that an extract of his letter should be published for delegates to peruse.[4] Perhaps inadvertently, Hopkins exacerbated regional political conflicts and undermined his own command.

Continue reading “The Nassau Cannon” →

In Memoriam: Charles Baxley

On By Rob OrrisonIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

The American Revolutionary history world lost a legend recently with the passing of Charles Baxley of Lugoff, South Carolina.

Professionally, Charles was a retired attorney with Baxley, Wells & Benson in Lugoff, SC. Charles attended the University of South Carolina where he received his J.D. in 1976. He served as a judge for fifteen years, served as a Captain in United States Airforce Reserves and was involved in many community and professional organizations. But Charles’ real passion was history, especially the American Revolution. Charles worked with many local historians and organizations to preserve and then interpret the Camden battlefield. Few knew the Camden story as much as Charles. Charles He was the editor and publisher of the on-line magazine, Southern Campaigns of the American Revolution and worked hard to tell the story of South Carolina in the American Revolution.

Charles Baxley with Rick Wise and Mark Wilcox on the Camden Battlefield.

Most recently, Charles served as the Chair of the South Carolina 250th Commission and was deeply involved with the Liberty Trail and the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust. Charles welcomed anyone who was researching South Carolina in the Revolution and that is where we met him nearly 15 years ago. Charles expected accuracy and great research and was not one to “suffer fools.” But his southern charm endeared him to many and we are honored to have called Charles a friend. He was instrumental in assisting us in our book about Camden “All That Can Be Expected” and used a fine tooth comb over our manuscript, especially the maps. His passion for this chapter in South Carolina’s Revolutionary War history truly inspired us, as authors, to get the Camden story right. There will never be another Charles and the loss is a big one for preservation and history, but it is our job to make sure his work continues and be sure we do it based in research and most of all, passion.

Rob Orrison and Mark Wilcox

St. Patrick’s Day Rev War Revelry

On By Mark MaloyIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Join Emerging Revolutionary War historians Mark Maloy, Rob Orrison, and Mark Wilcox on this Sunday, March 17 at 7 p.m. on our Facebook page for a pre-recorded revelry as we discuss the Irish in the American Revolution. We’ll talk about the Irish who fought with Washington’s army (such as Colonel John Fitzgerald), those who fought with the British, and how the events in American ultimately spilled over into Ireland (the Irish Rebellion of 1798) and how we have come to remember the role of the Irish in the Revolution. Happy St. Patrick’s Day (and Evacuation Day)!

Can’t make it on St. Patrick’s Day because you’ll be celebrating? No problem, the episode will be up on our YouTube page later this week and available on our audio podcast. While there, check out our hundreds of Rev War Revelries and other videos!

The Soldier by the Road

On By Bert DunkerlyIn Uncategorized2 Comments

Growing up in central Pennsylvania, the history of the Revolution seemed far away. There were no major battles here, and the big armies did not pass through here. The area produced no famous leaders or generals.

Read more: The Soldier by the Road

My hometown, Lewisburg, sits on the banks of the Susquehanna River. In the 1770s the area was the frontier, and Revolutionary connections here are few and far between. The militia served far away during the Brandywine and Germantown campaigns. There were some Indian raids through the region as well.

One thing I was always curious about, but never acted on, was the headstone of a Revolutionary soldier, literally next to Route 192. It is in the middle of nowhere, far from any towns or forts. I had moved away but on a recent visit I had the chance to pull over, look at the marker, research the name, and find out who the soldier by the road was.

The grave sits literally feet from the road. Author photo.

Christian Hettick was born in 1750 in Rheinland-Pfalz, modern Germany. He moved to Pennsylvania and settled with many other Germans in the Susquehanna Valley. He resided along the Susquehanna River in what later became the town of Lewisburg. In 1781 he was serving with the Northumberland County militia (today the area is in Union County). 

While the Yorktown campaign was underway 300 miles to the south, reports of hostile Indians brought the militia out to patrol here. Finding no hostile enemy, Christian was apparently returning home when he encountered Indians, who shot, killed, and scalped him.

His body was found by the side of the road. He left a pregnant widow, Agnes, with four children, and a daughter was born shortly after his death. His son seven-year-old son Andrew was actually with his father when he was killed. The Indians captured Andrew, but he escaped after several months. 

Another view of the grave. Author Photo.

So there he rests, literally by the side of a busy road (thankfully no cars have taken out the small marker). In this quiet corner of central Pennsylvania, far from the large battlefields and campsites, is this reminder of the Revolution.

The headstone is in remarkable condition, and a Revolutionary War service plaque with flag is next to it. Author photo.

Parliament Reacts to the Throwing of the Tea

On By Daniel WelchIn Uncategorized3 Comments

December 16, 1773, was deep into the rear-view mirror. A new year had begun, and February 1774 lay close to the horizon. Yet, for the British Parliament, the events of what later became known as the Boston Tea Party were still very much breaking news. Word had just reached London of what had happened in Boston. Now, how would the Crown and those in parliamentary power react to this shocking news?

Read more: Parliament Reacts to the Throwing of the Tea

Most contemporary sources of the period, as well as a litany of works in the historiography of the subject, contend that Britian’s reaction to what happened in December 1773, and thus their course in handling the situation in 1774, was done so prematurely and without much rational debate and discussion. Historian Jon Ferling suggests, “the myth arose that its government, under Prime Minister Frederick, Lord North, had acted in haste.” The myth had grown during the numerous setbacks the British later suffered during the war itself. And, in the wake of their ultimate defeat, many contemporaries across the pond argued that Britain’s leaders, “had failed to comprehend the gravity of the challenge,” i.e., using the military might of their nation to quell the rebellious colonies in 1774.

If one was to examine the proceedings of Parliament during this period 250 years ago, however, they would not find hasty decisions being made based on emotional reactions to the news out of Boston the previous month. This is especially so when the use of the country’s military resources was debated as an option to deal with the rowdy and disobedient Bostonians. Nothing could be farther for the truth contends Ferling, noting that the use of their military to enforce Crown law in the colonies began in the opening days of 1774, even before the throwing of the tea reached London. Not only was this thought discussed and debated in Parliament, but the reactions the colonists would have was also heavily considered. Some openly debated that such a strong application of Britain’s military in Boston, the Massachusetts Colony, and other coercive actions, may indeed spark yet another war in North America. These arguments were then quickly followed by questions of whether Britian could win in another conflict on this continent so soon after the French and Indian War; a conflict that had drained Britain’s finances and depleted her military ranks.  

As January 1774 concluded 250 years ago, and February was just days away, these larger questions on how Parliament and the Crown should react to the Boston Tea Party and course-correct those in colonies in open rebellion against Britain were continually debated. It was not until March 1774 that a decision was made. North, and thus Parliament, opted to avoid the potential for outright war by utilizing their military might first. Instead, they chose a route of punitive measures, the Coercive Acts (also known as the Intolerable Acts). As part of this legislation, certain parts would solely focus on Massachusetts as punishment for the events of December 16, 1773, in Boston. These acts also included closing Boston Harbor until the destroyed tea’s worth had been repaid, and Gen. Thomas Gage, commander of the British Army in America, installed as the colonial governor of Massachusetts. Gage contended that these refractory Bostonians would “be lions while we are lambs; but if we take the resolute part, they will prove very meek, I promise you.”

In the end, however, this course of action was not made in haste at all, but rather after nearly four full months after the throwing of the tea in Boston harbor. And, one could argue that North and Parliament initially sought to refrain from the sole use of  Britain’s military might, rather opting for legislative settlement to the issues that arose from Massachusetts. But, as history played out 250 years ago in 1774, as historian Ferling contends, “Britain, of course, miscalculated hugely.”

Rev War Revelry: The Line of Splendor: A Novel of Nathanael Greene with Author Salina Baker

On By Rob OrrisonIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

From the hard lessons learned on the battlefields of New York, to his appointment as Quartermaster General during the harsh winter at Valley Forge, his role in convicting the British spy who colluded to obtain the plans to West Point, to the godsend who took command of the ragged remnants of the Southern Continental Army, Nathanael Greene’s complex perseverance and brilliant strategies broke military doctrines.

Join ERW LIVE this Sunday at 7pm as we welcome author Salina Baker to discuss her historic novel about Nathanael Greene. We will discuss the life of Greene, his wartime experiences, why he has been forgotten by many and why she found his life story so interesting. Grab a drink and join in on the conversation!

Tour Opportunity with Historian Michael Harris on Battle of the Clouds and Battle of Paoli

On By erwpostIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

On May 25th, kick off your Memorial Day weekend this year with a Revolutionary Tour led by me. Highlights of this half day tour will include the Battle of the Clouds locations, the Paoli Battlefield, and a visit to Valley Forge to discuss the September 18, 1777 skirmish that took place there.

This car pooling tour will leave from Valley Forge at 8am and end at the same location.

Cost: $35 per person.

I will have copies of my books available to be signed as well (cost of any books additional).

A minimum of 10 people will need to pre-register for this tour to take place.

There is no registration limit though.

To participate, please contact me directly. mharris28thpa@gmail.com

Happy Washington’s Birthday!

On By Mark MaloyIn Uncategorized3 Comments

Today we celebrate George Washington’s Birthday.  You read that correctly.  While most people refer to this Monday holiday as ‘Presidents Day’, the federal holiday (and many state holidays) only celebrates one President of the United States: George Washington.

Washington’s birthday celebrations go back to the time when Washington was living.  Washington was born on February 11, 1731, but with the changing from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, it was shifted to February 22, 1732 in 1752.  (Check out a video of us visiting the site of Washington’s birth!) While there are no records of how he and his family celebrated the day privately, the first real public celebration of his birthday occurred at Valley Forge in 1778.  A fife and drum corps serenaded the commanding general outside his headquarters building at the Potts House during that dreadful winter.  Historically, the colonists had celebrated annually the birthday of the King, so it was symbolic for the Continentals to celebrate Washington’s birthday instead during the war.

After becoming President of the United States, large public celebrations of Washington’s birthday occurred across the country including large ones in Philadelphia and New York.  These celebrations included the ringing of church bells, feasts, toasts, artillery firings, and fireworks.

Continue reading “Happy Washington’s Birthday!” →

Rev War Revelry: The Tory War of 1781 with Historian and Author Patrick O’Kelley

On By Rob OrrisonIn Uncategorized1 Comment

Join ERW at 7pm on February 18, 2024 as we chat with historian and author Patrick O’Kelley about the brutal civil war that broke out in North Carolina in 1781. Whigs (commonly known as Patriots, supporting American Independence) and Tories (supporting loyalty to Great Britain) fought a brutal and bloody war against each other in eastern/central North Carolina called “The Tory War.” Maj. Gen. Nathanael Green, wrote that the war in the Carolinas ‘Nothing but blood and slaughter has prevailed among the Whigs and Tories, and their inveteracy against each other must, if it continues, depopulate this part of the country.’

Patrick O’Kelley has authored numerous books on the American Revolution, including his four volume all encompassing series on South Carolina in the American Revolution titled “Nothing But Blood and Slaughter: The Revolutionary War in the Carolinas” and ““Be Cool and Do Mischief: Francis Marion’s Orderly Book.” His extensive research on the war in the South is a go too for many interested in the events in the Carolinas. Grab a drink and join us live on our Facebook page to discuss this often overlooked brutal part of the American Revolution. We will also discuss other topics that Patrick is researching and working on. See everyone this Sunday at 7pm!

On This Date in 1778: A Treaty with France

On By erwpostIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

On this date in 1778, the fledgling American states officially found their great ally in France. The signings of the Treaty of Alliance and Treaty of Amity and Commerce gave new life to the cause of independence from Britain as Louis XVI pledged his support to the Americans.

An economic and military alliance with Britain’s age-old adversary had been long in the making.  Early in the conflict, the French were hesitant to openly support the rebellion, instead opting to provide covert aid in the form of ammunition, weapons, and clothing. Following the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in July 1776, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Silas Deane of Connecticut, and Arthur Lee of Virginia, were dispatched overseas to Versailles to engage in diplomatic talks with the French foreign minister, Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes. The success of these discussions would hinge on the battlefield performances of the American armies.

The following year was full of ups and downs for the Northern Army and Main Army. Although George Washington, commanding the latter force, had lost yet another major city when Philadelphia fell to the British in September 1777, his earlier victories at Trenton and Princeton had already impressed those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, in October, an audacious offensive by Washington against the British at Germantown, though ultimately a defeat, demonstrated promise to the French that the Americans could sustain the conflict. In the end, however, it was the Northern Army’s victory over General John Burgoyne at Saratoga and the subsequent surrender of over 6,000 British and German soldiers on October 17 that secured the alliance.

The Signing of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and of Alliance between France and the United States. Photograph of a painting by Charles E. Mills. c[between 1900 and 1920], Library of Congress

When news arrived of the American triumph at Saratoga, Vergennes worked feverishly to persuade King Louis XVI that the time had come to openly support the fight against Britain. On February 6, 1778, the Treaties of Alliance and of Amity and Commerce were officially signed. At its conclusion, Deane and Franklin hastily penned a letter to President Henry Laurens of the Continental Congress to inform the governing body of the world-changing news:

Passy, near Paris, Feby. 8th. 1778.

Honourable Sir,                    

We have now the great Satisfaction of acquainting you and the Congress, that the Treaties with France are at length compleated and signed. The first is a Treaty of Amity and Commerce, much on the Plan of that projected in Congress; the other is a Treaty of Alliance, in which it is stipulated that in Case England declares War against France, or occasions War by attempts to hinder her Commerce with us, we should then make common Cause of it, and join our Forces and Councils, &c. &c. The great Aim of this Treaty is declared to be, to “establish the Liberty, Sovereignty, and Independency absolute and unlimited of the United States as well in Matters of Government as Commerce.” And this is guaranteed to us by France together with all the Countries we possess, or shall possess at the Conclusion of the War; In return for which the States guarantee to France all its Possessions in America. We do not now add more particulars, as you will soon have the whole by a safer Conveyance; a Frigate being appointed to carry our Dispatches. We only observe to you and with Pleasure; that we have found throughout this Business the greatest Cordiality in this Court; and that no Advantage has been taken or attempted to be taken of our present Difficulties, to obtain hard Terms from us; but such has been the King’s Magnanimity and Goodness, that he has proposed none which we might not readily have agreed to in a State of full Prosperity and established Power. The Principle laid down as the Basis of the Treaty being as declared in the Preamble “the most perfect Equality and Reciprocity,” the Privileges in Trade &c. are mutual and none are given to France, but what we are at Liberty to grant to any other Nation. On the whole we have abundant Reason to be satisfied with the Good Will of this Court and the Nation in general, which we therefore hope will be cultivated by the Congress, by every means that may establish the Union, and render it permanent. Spain being slow, there is a separate and secret Clause by which she is to be received into the Alliance upon Requisition; and there is no doubt of the Event. When we mention the Good Will of this Nation to our Cause we may add that of all Europe, which having been offended by the Pride and Insolence of Britain, wishes to see its Power diminished. And all who have received Injuries from her are by one of the Articles to be invited into our Alliance. With our hearty Congratulations, and our Duty to the Congress, we have the honour to be, very respectfully, Sir Your most obedient humble Servants

B Franklin

Silas Deane[1]

When news of the treaties finally reached the American army encamped at Valley Forge, Gen. Washington designated May 6, 1778 as a day for “rejoicing throughout the whole Army.”

[1] “Franklin and Silas Deane to the President of Congress, 8 February 1778,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-25-02-0487. [Original source: The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, vol. 25, October 1, 1777, through February 28, 1778, ed. William B. Willcox. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1986, pp. 634–635.]