Non-Profit Dedicated to Historical Education of the American Revolution and the Colonial Period
“I never in my life saw better rifles, or men who shot better, than those in America.” Lt. Colonel George Hanger, 4th Baron Coleraine, considered one of the finest marksmen in all of Europe. Lt. Colonel Hanger served with Hessian Jaegers, German huntsmen who all carried rifles, and later with Banastre Tarleton’s Legion. At the …
“I have once fought for the Virginians and by God, I will let them see that I can fight against them.” John Murray, Virginia Royal Governor Lord Dunmore, Fall of 1775 Royal Governor Lord Dunmore’s Fight to Retain Virginia as a Royal Colony was dealt a fatal blow with his loss to American Militia at …
Revolutionary war period cannon used by all armies was the standard smooth-bore muzzle-loading weapon that had not changed its design in the previous two hundred years. It would go on to remain very much the same for another hundred years. Cast in iron or bronze, a cannon was loaded with prepared cartridge of paper or …
Compared to the massive casualties sustained during the American Civil War, relatively few soldiers died in battle during the American Revolution. The reason for this disparity is in the technology and military tactics of the day. The Battle of Long Island, August 26th 1776, lasted just over four hours, and it is amazing that the …
September 16, 1776 A cold faceless wind swoops up from the Vye and sweeps over the heights. George Washington, supreme commander of the Continental Army, tugs at the stiff facings, pulling the flaps tighter around his neck. Lifting his head, he turns in the saddle and gazes south – out over the flicker of countless …
There were no great suppliers in 1775 vying for contracts to supply clothing or make uniforms for the Continental Army. If there were, there certainly was no money to pay them. Washington and others in the Second Congress were too concerned with providing enough shell, shot and other armaments with which to wage war. By …
October 18, 1776 Westchester County NY. Colonel John Glover Commanded American Forces. General William Howe commanded British and Hessian troops Though considered a defeat for the Americans, scholars attribute the Battle of Pelham (or Pells Point) for saving the Continental Army. British ships sailed up the Long Island Sound and landed troops in the rear of Washington’s …
Eighteenth century battles were fought on the field of honor. In Europe, it meant that each army lined up and pounded away at each other over a spacious, flat field. If there were fortifications, massive trenches were dug, inching cannon forward until close enough to reduce the walls to rubble and encourage surrender. Continuous broadsides …
Little is known of General George Weedon, who fought with the Continental Army during the early campaigns of the American Revolution. Most of the county records where he lived were destroyed during the Civil War. He was, for a time, regimental colonel, acting Adjunct General, and commanded a brigade of Pennsylvania and Virginia troops at …
In Washington’s army, the role of Adjunct General was to keep all records. All of Washington’s orders were sent though the Adjunct and within the Adjunct’s department, they were registered, made official, and handwritten copies were made. He received multiple general instructions from Washington on a daily basis, whereupon he issued the necessary orders to …
At the start of 1776, General George Washington agreed with most New Yorkers that their city was defenseless. Yet the problem was deeper. In reality, no matter what efforts were taken to strengthen its response to invasion, the city could never be defended. Though every general politician knew it; they were also aware they had no …
Escaped Slave, British Soldier, and the Greatest Guerrilla Fighter Of the American Revolutionary War It is late fall, 1775. A British officer stares out over the river. The wide mouth of the James River is choked with dark hulls that sit peacefully at their anchors, their towering masts swaying in the stiffening breeze that flows …
Just two days after the birth of the Continental Army, Congress approved the position of Quartermaster General and Assistant Quartermaster General on June 16, 1775. The major duties of the Quartermaster General in Washington’s Army were in transportation, forage, camps and the movement of troops. Additional duties encompassed distributing rations, clothing, ammunition within the regiments, …
Long jaw, prominent nose, strong features with an air of aristocracy, Joseph Reed was very charming if not intensely astute in all things business and politics. No wonder he and his lovely wife Esther caught the eye of the newly appointed supreme commander of American forces. He would hold the title of His Excellency’s Secretary, …
The supply of gunpowder haunted George Washington and the Continental Congress throughout the entire Revolutionary War. The vast quantity of powder came from sources overseas , around 90% from French Colonies in the West Indies. The other 10% was produced domestically. With dwindling powder supplies and only three powder mills in operation in all of …