Category Archives: Colonial America

The One You Never Suspect

Experts on spycraft tell us that the best spy is the one you never suspect.  I would argue that it’s the one who never gets caught.  I asked the question, “Who were the best spies during the American Revolution?”  Among … Continue reading

Posted in British Colonies, British Generals, Colonial America, History, New York, Pennsylvania, Revolution, Society, Spies & such | 2 Comments

Gentleman Johnny

Introduction For many years, British military officers purchased their promotions.  A young man who wanted to join the military as an officer paid for the privilege of serving in the army.[1]  The system that existed in the United Kingdom before 1871 for … Continue reading

Posted in American Frontier, American Indians, British Canada, British Colonies, British Generals, Colonial America, History, Massachusetts, New England, New York, Northwest Territory, Revolution | Leave a comment

A New England Man

Introduction In 1755, British colonists had a full plate: French soldiers and their Indian allies were killing British settlers, parliament was finding ways to increase everyone’s taxes, and the British monarch, who couldn’t speak English, was mentally ill.  Amazingly, there was … Continue reading

Posted in American Frontier, American Indians, American Military, British Colonies, Colonial America, Feuds & Rivalries, Founding Fathers, History, Massachusetts, New England, New France, New Hampshire, New York, Pioneers, Politicians, Revolution, Vermont | 1 Comment

The Last General

Introduction The history of Rome inspires the imaginations of those who enjoy looking into the past.  Rome existed for around 1,100 years, beginning about 625 B.C.  That is such a long period of time that historians feel compelled to study … Continue reading

Posted in American Frontier, American Indians, British Colonies, Colonial America, History, New England, New Hampshire, New York, Pioneers, Politicians, Revolution, Vermont | Leave a comment

The Adams Family

But first, a word … History seeks order from chaos.  It is one discipline of several in the social sciences.  The study of history must confine itself to evaluating written records.  Whatever history exists before written records must be studied … Continue reading

Posted in American Frontier, Bill of Rights, British Colonies, Colonial America, Founding Fathers, History, Outlaws, Politicians, Revolution, Society | 5 Comments

Thomas Gage

Introduction British General Thomas Gage was, at one time, the highest authority in North America during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War.  In his time, he was criticized by the British and the Americans alike, and to this … Continue reading

Posted in American Frontier, American Indians, British Colonies, Colonial America, History, Indian War, New France, Pioneers | 1 Comment

The Fifty-six

The fifty-six men who signed the Declaration of Independence pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor.  Who were these men, and what happened to them?  All of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were educated.  Some were lawyers and … Continue reading

Posted in American Frontier, Colonial America, Founding Fathers, History, Pioneers | 12 Comments

Indentured Servitude

Introduction Warfare is brutish – the longer war rages, the more objectionable it becomes.  One example of this was the Thirty Years’ War.  It was fought primarily in the area of central Europe in the 17th century and remains one … Continue reading

Posted in American Frontier, British Colonies, Colonial America, Corruption, History, Imperialism, Indenture & Slavery, Pioneers, Society, The Ladies | 7 Comments

The Ride of Paul Revere

Introduction We were taught as children about the midnight ride of Paul Revere.  It was a great story for young children — fourth or fifth grade, perhaps.  That dashing silversmith — who, booted and spurred and with a heavy stride, … Continue reading

Posted in American Frontier, British Colonies, Civil War, Colonial America, History, Indenture & Slavery, Revolution, The Horsemen (and women) | 5 Comments

The Devil in John Marshall

Introduction There was nothing easy in the process of creating a new country called the United States, but if we endeavor to understand that process, then it becomes more likely that we will better understand how we’ve arrived at our … Continue reading

Posted in Bill of Rights, British Colonies, Colonial America, Corruption, Founding Fathers, History, Justice, The Constitution | 10 Comments