Tag: Phillip S Greenwalt

Book Review: “A Republic of Scoundrels” edited by David Head & Timothy C. Hemmis

On By Phill GreenwaltIn Book Review, Emerging Revolutionary War, Memory, Uncategorized1 Comment

In an age where the names of Franklin, Jefferson, and Washington are household, the names of Wilkinson, Kemper, and Bowles seem to be consigned to the fringes of histories of the early American republic. With the formation of the fledgling United States of America, both the honorable and not-so-honorable helped shape the direction of expansion, and diplomacy, and reinforce societal values of the 18th and early 19th centuries. This collection of essays is akin to watching a true crime television documentary.

With a collection of essays, editors David Head and Timothy C. Hemmis, historians, and biographers provide snippets into the lives of these scoundrels of the early Republic. A few of the names are well known, including Benedict Arnold and Aaron Burr, a few will conjure up memories from the fringes of other histories, such as James Wilkinson, whereas others have escaped the main avenues of historical exploration. Throughout the various essays, “this collection seeks to reexamine the Founding generation” to “replace the hagiography of the Founding Fathers with something more realistic” (pg. xx).

First, an examination of the word “scoundrel” is needed. According to usage at the time and the 1755 dictionary of Samuel Johnson’s authoring, that word meant “a mean rascal; a low petty villain” (pg. xiii). Through 12 individuals, the various authors explain how each earned the moniker “scoundrel” and how that affected the development of the United States. Especially interesting was the role of various individuals in Western expansion and the domino effect on international diplomacy. Individuals such as Aaron Burr and James Wilkinson are better known but Philip Nolan and Thomas Green are not so much.

Others, such as Benedict Arnold and Charles Lee get a fresh look from two great Revolutionary-era historians, James Kirby Martin and Mark Edward Lender. Included in those discussed, William Augustus Bowles and Diego de Gardeoqui show how international actors played prominent roles in providing heartburn to the national government. One theme, the west and south of the original thirteen states provided the arena for scheming, opportunity, and risk.

In conclusion, the editors examine three main reasons a study like this is important, that the “unintended result of the American Revolution” was “many men decided they had their own ideas about what was important” (pg. 266). Secondly, the “vital importance of the American West as a zone of territorial expansion, economic opportunity, and foreign intrigue” and lastly simply “early America was…a time and place for scoundrels…” (pgs. 267-268).

Overall this essay-comprised book is a fun, fresh read that looks at those scoundrels that sought an opportunity to change the landscape of the early American republic and potentially change the course of United States history. Who does not like to read about plots, scheming, and resultant escapades?  

Publisher: Pegasus Books, December 2023

368 pages, including images

Tidbits of Research…

On By Phill GreenwaltIn Battlefields & Historic Places, Emerging Revolutionary War, Memory, Personalities, Revolutionary WarLeave a comment

For those that write and research it can be a personal albeit lonely endeavor. Hours spent in libraries or archives, humped over your computer or pad and pencil taking copious notes. Eyes going bleary or cross-eyed trying to decipher 18th century handwriting or microfilmed pieces of primary data. But, at the same time, it is such a rewarding experience, is it not? Uncovering the past, shedding light on the personalities that comprise the fabric of American history. Maybe even finding overlooked accounts or information that changes the narrative or promotes a fuller picture?

For me, I enjoy finding quotes or descriptions that creates a better understanding of the world in which the soldiers and civilians of the American Revolutionary or American Civil War periods lived. Anything that humanizes them more I feel makes them relatable. Breathes life into who they were, instead of just what comes through in official dispatches, reports, or polished accounts they left behind. One way is to read the accounts of fellow officers or compatriots as they discuss or describe their fellow comrades-in-arms.

Or there is just Israel Putnam. The patriot general who on April 19, 1775 when hearing of the British march to Lexington and Concord famously left his plow in a half plowed farm field to rush from Connecticut to Massachusetts. In the process he rallied his militia and stuck around for the siege that followed the first shots of what would become the American Revolution.

Israel Putnam

That is where I picked up his tale. Researching an upcoming volume of the Emerging Revolutionary War Series. (Stay tuned for what that will be in the upcoming months. Yes, “vague booking” and self-promotion happening!) During the siege of Boston he was asked in a meeting of general officers about the “expediency of intrenching” as a few of the gathered were doubtful of its efficacy on the psyche of the volunteer militia.

Putnam’s response fit the mold mentioned above, of providing a human touch to the notes of that meeting and a bit of 18th century humor for added measure.

The general responded, “earnest in his advocacy of the measure” that,

“The Americans are not at all afraid of their heads, though very much afraid of their legs: if you cover these, they will fight for ever.”

Time and defensive tactics would uncover the truth of that statement.

In closing, what is a favorite line, anecdote that is not well known from the American Revolutionary period that resonates with you?

“Rev War Revelry” Before the Dawn’s Early Light: Bladensburg and the Prelude to Fort McHenry

On By Phill GreenwaltIn Emerging Revolutionary War, Memory, War of 18122 Comments

This Sunday, join Emerging Revolutionary War as we explore the prelude to Fort McHenry and the actions in Maryland and Washington D.C. in the summer of 1814. Joining Emerging Revolutionary War will be the American Battlefield Trust’s Senior Education Manager, Dan Davis.

This historian happy hour will discuss the first part of the campaign that eventually led to the climactic Battle of Baltimore, which included both the unsuccessful British attempts at Fort McHenry and North Point. Before that success for American arms, the United States suffered through the defeat at Bladensburg and the capture of the nation’s capital.

We hope you can join us on our Facebook page, on Sunday, April 30th at 7 p.m. EDT .