Semiquincentennial of the American Revolution

[Tidewater]

A British officer, a prisoner in Americans hands, writes to Washington to complain about his treatment. Apparently he is not allowed to carry his sword and this treatment is unacceptable.

250 years ago today, Washington responds: "When I compare the Treatment you have received with that which has been Shewn to those brave American Officers... I cannot help expressing Some Surprize that you Should thus earnestly contest Points of mere Punctilio.”

 

[Tidewater]

On 29 September 1775, Congress decided to send a delegation to travel to see Geo. Washington's the Governor of Connecticut, Massachusetts, the Lt. Gov of Rhode Island, and the council of Massachusetts, and the President of the convention of New Hampshire. The topics are discussion were to be: "the most effectual method of continuing, supporting, and regulating a continental army."
250 years ago today, Congress select Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Harrison, and Thomas Lynch to be that committee.

 

[Tidewater]

250 years ago today, the "provincial" government of Pennsylvania sent a complaint to Congress of "the intrusion of a number of people into this province, under a pretended claim of the colony of Connecticut, to the great annoyance of the good people of this province" and asking Congress to get the people of Connecticut to knock it off until the King could resolve any disputes between Connecticut and Pennstylvania.
Connecticut claimed land to the west by extending a latitude line of the northernmost point and the southernmost point in Connecticut (but not including New York or New Jersey) all the way to the Mississippi River, saying Connecticut "owned" all this land.

Because Connecticut never did anything to "own" that land, in 1786, Connecticut "ceded" all this land except the portion which is now in Ohio (the so-called "Western Reserve) to the United States. Then ceded the Western Reserve as well in 1800.
In a related note, I "own" the moon. I have never been there, but I claim it, therefore it is mine. Anybody landing there has to talk to me about landing rights.

 

[Tidewater]

I missed this a couple of weeks ago, but here it is.
The Americans got intelligence of British supply vessels, unarmed and unescorted, are sailing from Britain to Canada loaded with gunpowder (in short supply ion the Continental Army) and other necessities.
On Oct 13, 1775, Congress resolved, "That a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivel[gun]s, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible despatch, for a cruize of three months, and that the commander be instructed to cruize eastward, for intercepting such transports as may be laden with warlike stores and other supplies for our enemies."

A letter sent to Washington asking him to fit the vessel out, but he doubts he has the authority, so Congress orderss a vessel themselves directly.

 

[Tidewater]

Congress resolves to commission a more ships to intercept British supply ships on the Atlantic.

"Resolved, That two other armed vessels be fitted out with all expedition; the one to carry not exceeding 20 Guns, and the other not exceeding 36 Guns, with a proportionate number of swivel[guns]s and men, to be employed in such manner, for the protection and defence of the united Colonies, as the Congress shall hereafter direct."

The Continental Army needs the powder and Congress wishes to deny it to the British.

Meanwhile, Washington writes to John Hancock that he fears that, as enlistments expire, half the officers (and a higher percentage of the captains and lieutenants) will not renew their oaths and remain with the army.

 

[Tidewater]

250 years ago today, Patriot Josiah Quincy writes to Washington a plan for blockading the British in Boston and forcing them to withdraw or surrender.
This sets in motion a train of events that will eventually result in the British in fact pulling their army out of Boston.

 

[Tidewater]

In October 1775, “Captain John Symons, commander of his Majesty’s ship Cerberus, causeth it to be signified and made known to all persons whatever, in the town of Falmouth [present day Portland Maine] as well as the country adjacent; that, if after this public notice, any violences shall be offered to any officers of the crown, or other peaceably disposed subjects of his Majesty; or, if any bodies of men shall be raised and armed in the said town and country adjacent; or any military works erected, otherwise than by order of his Majesty, or those acting under his authority; or if any attempts shall be made to seize or destroy any public magazines of arms, ammunition, or other stores, it will be indispensably my duty to proceed with the most vigorous efforts against the said town, as in open rebellion against the King; and if after this signification the town shall persist in the rebellious acts above mentioned, they may depend on my proceeding accordingly.”

A Mr. Pearson Jones of the town gave Washington a written account "of the destruction of that increasing and flourishing village."

On October 24, 1775, Washington wrote Congress, Jones "is a very great sufferer, and informs me that the time allowed for the removal of effects was so small, that valuable property of all kinds, and to a great amount, has been destroyed. The orders shown by the captain for this horrid procedure, by which it appears the same desolation is meditated upon all the towns on the coast, made it my duty to communicate it as quickly and as extensively as possible."

250 years ago today, Washington's letter arrived in Congress, which ordered "a copy be forwarded by the delegates to their respective assemblies, conventions, or councils of safety" to warn them of what may be headed their way.

 

[Tidewater]

On this date in 1775, the Continental Congress "recommended to the provincial Convention of New Hampshire, to call a full and free representation of the people, and that the representatives, if they think it necessary, establish such a form of government, as, in their judgment, will best produce the happiness of the people, and most effectually secure peace and good order in the province, during the continuance of the present dispute between G[reat] Britain and the colonies."
Congress did not command NH to draft a new form of goverment (it had no authority to do so). It recommended. The colonists were endeavoring to fill the political and civil void created by the departure of the colonial governors with a certain portion of the royal governing apparatus. The colonies needed government, so the colonial legislatures, which had resolved themselves in many cases into a convention capable of drafting a new colonial constitution, and started drafting a new form of government.

 

[Tidewater]

November 4, 1775: Washington responds to Josiah Quincy on his plan to use well-placed artillery to shut off Boston Harbor to British shipping and force a British withdrawal. The idea is a good one, but the army lacks the cannon and the powder to carry out such a plan.
This idea, however, gets Washington thinking ...

 

[Tidewater]

I missed this yesterday.
250 years ago yesterday, Congress authorized the fleshing out of the Continental Army. (The force at Cambridge to this point was a collection of colonial militias).
"Resolved, That the new army, intended to lie before Boston, consist of 20,372 men, officers included.
Resolved, That the pay of the Officers and privates (except that of the captains, lieutenants, and ensigns in the marching regiments) be the same as in the present army.
Resolved, That the pay of a captain, in the marching regiments, be 26 2/3 dollars per calendar month. That the pay of a lieutenant in ditto, be 18 dollars per ditto. The pay of an Ensign in ditto, be 13 1/3 dollars per ditto.
Resolved, That each regiment consist of 728 men, officers included; that it be divided into eight companies, each company to consist of one capt[ain], two lieutenants, one ensign, 4 serjeants, 4 corporals, two drums or fifes, and 76 privates."

Officers wishing to continue to serve (with Washington's approval), are to "proceed to enlist their men into the continental service, upon the same pay and allowance of provisions as is nowgiven, their service to continue to the last day of December, 1776." This date will become very important next year.

 

[Tidewater]

250 years ago today, Washington hears that some of his soldiers were going to observe Guy Fawkes Day by burning an effigy of the Pope.
Outraged, Washington issues orders condemning the plan as “ridiculous and childish.” He reminds his army that the American cause hopes to win over French Canadian Catholics.

 

[Tidewater]

250 years ago, last Saturday, Congress delegated a committee of Livingston, Paine, and Langdon to proceed to Canada and drafted instructions for the committee.

"The Congress desire you to exert your utmost endeavours to induce the Canadians to accede to a union with these colonies, and that they form from their several parishes, a provincial Convention, and sendDelegates to this Congress. And as, in the present unsettled state of that country, a regular election can hardly be expected, the Congress will acquiesce in the choice of such parishes and districts, as are induced [willing] to join us.
You may, and are hereby empowered to assure them, that we shall hold their rights as dear as our own, and on their union with us, exert our utmost endeavours to obtain for them, and their posterity, the blessings of a free government, and that security to their persons and property, which is derived from the British Constitution.
And you may, and are hereby empowered further to declare, that we hold sacred the rights of conscience, and shall never molest them in the free enjoyment of their religion."

Canada at the time was mostly Roman Catholic.
How different would history have been if they had succedded in inducing Canada to join.

 

[Huckleberry]

250 years ago, last Saturday, Congress delegated a committee of Livingston, Paine, and Langdon to proceed to Canada and drafted instructions for the committee.

"The Congress desire you to exert your utmost endeavours to induce the Canadians to accede to a union with these colonies, and that they form from their several parishes, a provincial Convention, and sendDelegates to this Congress. And as, in the present unsettled state of that country, a regular election can hardly be expected, the Congress will acquiesce in the choice of such parishes and districts, as are induced [willing] to join us.
You may, and are hereby empowered to assure them, that we shall hold their rights as dear as our own, and on their union with us, exert our utmost endeavours to obtain for them, and their posterity, the blessings of a free government, and that security to their persons and property, which is derived from the British Constitution.
And you may, and are hereby empowered further to declare, that we hold sacred the rights of conscience, and shall never molest them in the free enjoyment of their religion."

Canada at the time was mostly Roman Catholic.

Was there ever a chance that Canada would join the rebellion?

 

[Tidewater]

250 years ago today, Congress created what would become the United States Marine Corps.

Resolved, That two Battalions of marines be raised, consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, twoMajors, and other officers as usual in other regiments; and that they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken, that no persons be appointed to office, or inlisted into said Battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea when required: that they be inlisted and commissioned to serve for and during the present war between Great Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress:that they be distinguished by the names of the first and second battalions of American Marines, and that they be considered as part of the number which the continental Army before Boston is ordered to consist of.

Happy birthday to the Marine Corps, a small part of the Army.

 

[Tidewater]

Was there ever a chance that Canada would join the rebellion?

The one area of imperial policy in the 1770s in which Parliament was smart and adopted a conciliatory policy was to guarantee Catholics in Canada (recently ceded by France in 1763) the right to vote and hold office. This was enough to keep Canadians in the British fold. There was no serious move to join the other colonies and when the soldiers of the Thirteen colonies showed up outside Quebec, they were handily repulsed and (other then a few individual Canadians) that was all she wrote for Canada joining the Thirteen.
This does illustrate how the Thirteen became the Thirteen. Each colony had to agree to join and send delegates ot the Continental Congress. The Continental Congress did not force any other colonies to join. The Congressmen would have thought that was weird. Other invitations (to Ireland, Bermuda, Jamaica, Canada, etc.) were rebuffed without action by those colonies. And there matters rested.

On a related note, earlier in the 1700s, trouble makers were kicked out of former French colonies. A descendant of my French ancestor, Alexandre le Borgne de Belle Isle was kicked out of Nova Scotia in 1760 and dropped off in Norfolk, Virginia, so he had no love lost for the English.

 

[Tidewater]

On November 3, 1775, American General Richard Montgomery took Fort St. Jean and Fort Chambly in Quebec, then marched on Montreal, which fell without a fight. The British commander Carleton retreats to Quebec City, which has substantial fortifications. Montgomery follows.
250 years ago today, Congress makes dispositions for the prisoners of Fort St. Jean and Ft. Chambly. The enlisted "prisoners taken at Chambly and St.John's, be sent to, and kept in, the towns of Reading,Lancaster, and York, in the colony of Pennsylvania. ... The commissioned Officers, taken in the forts of Chambly and St. John's, [are] be put on their parole of honour, that they will not go into or near any sea port town, nor further than six miles distant from the respective places of their residence, without leave of the Continental Congress, and that they will carry on no political correspondence whatever, on the subject of the dispute between Great Britain and these Colonies, so long as they remain prisoners."

Meanwhile, 250 years ago yesterday, Washington send Colonel Henry Knox to Fort Ticonderoga, Crown Point and Fort St. Jean to bring back powder and artillery to the army at Cambridge.
Washington gives Knox $1,000 and orders him to spare “no trouble or expence” in bring powder and artillery to the army outside Boston. This mission will have profound consequences for the course of the war.

 

[Tidewater]

Was there ever a chance that Canada would join the rebellion?

Because of your question, I learned that some Canadians did join the Patriot cause. There were two Canadian regiments: the 1st Canadian Regiment and the 2nd Canadian regiment or "Congress's Own Regiment."

The 1st served until January 1781 and men from the 1st Canadian Regiment that stayed in the Patriot cause were transferred to the 2nd Canadian Regiment which served until 1783 with around 418 men. Because they could not go home after the war, New York granted the veterans land in northern New York after the war.

 

[jthomas666]

In related news, the Ken Burns new documentary on the American Revolution is available on PBS.org.

 

[92tide]

In related news, the Ken Burns new documentary on the American Revolution is available on PBS.org.

we watched the first episode last night and enjoyed it. it was well done

 

[Tidewater]

Here is the trailer for the PBS series.

There are a few troubling signs in there. The American Revolution was an inherently conservative movement. The British Parliament was attempting an innovation (taxing the colonists directly without the approval of the colonial assemblies). The colonists said, "No. This is not how things have been done. We object to this new thing. We want the status quo ante." The colonists (as shown above) were be no means all sold on independence, at least through 1775.
Next, the idea in the trailer that the Revolution forged "one nation" appears overdone. There were colonies acting together to defend their rights as Englishmen, colonies who realized that acting together was going to be more effective at protecting their rights as Englishmen than acting separately. Indeed, which British colonies were to be included in the movement? Initially, they referred to themselves as "the Twelve Colonies." When Georgia finally sent representatives, they referred to themselves as "the Thirteen Colonies." They reached out to Bermuda, Jamaica, Canada, and even Ireland, inviting them to join the movement to protect their rights as Englishmen. Nobody else joined (although some individual Canadians did enlist in the 1st and 2nd Canadian Regiments). The peoples of the other colonies declined to send representatives and join the movement so they were not part of it.
Which brings me to the next issue I fear Burns will get wrong. If there was a "revolution," then it was the idea that the people form governments and, when the government becomes destructive for the ends for which it was established, the people have an inherent right to alter or abolish that government. Even this principle was not too new. The English had done as much as recently as the Glorious Revolution of 1688. When James II became too obnoxious, the Parliament fired him and replaced him with William and Mary. The Parliament fired James II for the entire Empire (although some Irish and Scottish Catholics retained a desire to see James or his progeny returned to the throne, at least until Culloden in 1746).
The American Revolution came to be over the question, can a part of an empire fire the government as far as that part is concerned? Nobody was trying to overthrow George III. The British people were quite happy with him, so what right would British people in America have to depose a king for the people of Great Britain that the British people wanted to retain? None.
The Colonists appealed to the King. They appealed to Parliament. When the King-in-Parliament responded by sending the army to confiscate the colonists' means of resistance, they fought back. When even that was not enough to induce Parliament to concede to the colonists' wishes, then they separated from the Empire. That was the real revolution: can a portion of the Empire withdraw from the whole, if the imperial center adopts oppressive policies and refuses to listen to the entreaties of those suffering from them?

I will obviously watch this miniseries because Burns is a first rate filmmaker, but as an historian he has his shortfalls.