The Battle of Trenton

The day was cold and the rain froze us to the bone. On December 29, 2012, a couple hundred of reenactors and spectators gathered to remember and celebrate the Continental Army's victory over the Hessians and to mourn the passing of a long time Brigade of the American Revolution officer, Wayne Daniels. Regiments gathered from New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania to march through the modern day streets of Trenton. In one of the most interesting and integrating reenactments this blogger has seen, the troops in their 18th century clothing marched next to eager, modern-day spectators. The camp followers were impromptu security, walking the anachronistic line marked by the sidewalk and keeping the modern folk safe from musket fire.

The 5th New York was fortuinate enough to fall in with the kind gents of the 14th Mass Continentals, or more commonly called, the Marbleheaders. The troops marched forward to teach the Tories and Hessians a lesson!

The battle culminated on the park green where the 5th NY and 14th MA took the high grounds over the bridge. The troops successfully won the first battle, but the celebration was short lived. Once reformed in three blocks, the announcer said his condolences for the loss of the BAR founder, Wayne Daniels. Heartfelt and hurting, the troops fired off three volleys in respect. The troops marched back to the barracks for a break and lunch.

Credit: The History Girl

The second battle was just as successful as the first, if not a bit more soggy. The snow had turned to rain, and the perma-cloud above provided a perfect backdrop for the battle. The Continentals successfully defended the field and bridge against the oppressors. These two battles were a huge morale booster for the rebel cause and gave reason for majority of Washington's troops to reenlist.

It was a memorable time for all civilians and troops and continues to be a wonderful tradition.  We thank the tireless work of the BAR association and the memory of Wayne Daniels for giving us this amazing opportunity to relive such a poignant piece of history.

Revolutionary Women: Margaret Corbin

It is said that behind every great man, there is a woman shaking her head. Though the sarcasm may be false, many great men in history were aided by their female companions. Never was this a more poignant topic than during the Revolutionary War. In the coming weeks, a series of “Women of the Revolution” blogs will bring the heroic stories of the sometimes little known game changers of our past.

            Margaret Cochran Corbin is the first up to bat. Her early years prepared her for harsh times as she was orphaned at five years old and raised by relatives. In 1772, as the American campaign for freedom started brewing, she married John Corbin. Once the Revolution took hold, John joined the Continental Army and Margaret followed. Although it was a typical practice for many women to become camp followers, she went above and beyond the call of womanly duty.

            When stationed at Fort Washington, NY in the winter of 1776, the troops were attacked by British and Hessian troops. John Corbin was struck down while doing his artillery duties and Margaret stepped in to continue her husbands’ work loading and firing the cannon by herself. She was badly injured in this show of heroics and her fellow soldiers moved her to the rear of the field. The fort was overrun and taken by the British. Thankfully, the wounded Americans were paroled and ferried across the river to Fort Lee then to Philadelphia.

Margaret Corbin loads the cannon to victory!

            Margaret never fully recovered and had to do without out the use of her left arm, but for her troubles, the Continental Congress granted her a pension in 1779. She was the first woman to ever receive a pension for her active duty in the war effort. She passed away near West Point, NY just shy of her 50^th birthday. She now resides with other soldiers behind the Old Cadet Chapel at West Point near a monument to honor her bravery. The bronze plaque reads, "the first American woman to take a soldier's part in the War for Liberty"

A state and revolutionary hero!

Margaret Corbin's plaque.

B.A.R. Fort Lee Retreat to Victory!

Good day everyone!

Well now that Thanksgiving is over I figured I’d give my AAR of the recent Fort Lee Retreat to Victory! 

Even though we are a New York Regiment, I am one of the few members who reside in New Jersey.  I often worked in Fort Lee as a contractor in my college years but never knew the story of what took place here.  This small city on the heights above the Hudson River tells a bigger story than just urban sprawl.  It was here that the great retreat started across New Jersey that eventually led to the banks of the Delaware River and Washington’s crossing.    

Fort Lee was designed to defend the Hudson River from British use by creating a field of cannon fire from above.  Together with Fort Washington on the Manhattan side, the American’s goal was to stop any British ships from heading north.  This was a sound plan until things began to deteriorate for the Americans.  Repeated losses at in New York caused the evacuation of most of the troops with only Fort Washington remaining.  The hope was that this fort would be able to withstand attacks and continue to serve its Hudson protecting service.

HMS Phoenix, Roebuck and Tartar, accompanied by two smaller vessels, forcing their way through a cheval-de-frise on the Hudson River with the Forts Washington and Lee and several batteries on both sides. The painting is a copy by Thomas Mitchell after the original rendering of the subject, a scene from the American Revolutionary War, by Dominic Serres the Elder.

On November 16, 1776 Fort Washington fell with most of its garrison captured. This was a major blow to the American cause as it rendered Fort Lee rather defenseless.    Three days later on the 19^th of November, Washington evacuates Fort Lee as the British land roughly 5,000 troops nearby.  And so begins the famous chase across New Jersey.  We will see how that ends!

I showed up to Fort Lee Historic Park and met with other members of the 5^th New York.  We ran into many friends that day from the other Regiments, some even as far away as Rhode Island!  We were there, the 2^nd NY, the 3^rd New Jersey, the RI boys, the 4^th Battalion NJ Volunteers, I want to say the 22^nd Regiment  Of foot?  Buff facings on red coats.  I also want to say Butler’s rangers as well as a handful of other Loyalists. There were also a few members of what looked like the 23^rd Welch Fusiliers and even some Hessians!  Always a pleasure to see the Hessians.   

Photo by Gary Vorwald

We talked with the public all day and did musket firing demonstrations and drills. A beautiful museum complemented the grounds.  Inside the visitor’s center were demonstrations and tables set up representing all walks of life during the revolutionary war.  Even George Washington’s map makers were there showing their skills in fine form.  Lamb’s Artillery was on hand and fired a 3 pounder, an 8 inch mortar, an 18 pounder, and 32 pounder cannons!   It was an excellent demonstration.  Mott’s Artillery repeated the firing the next day.  It is always a good show by the artilleryman.

By noon all of the regiments, Crown and Rebel alike, gathered and proceeded to march to the memorial in Fort Lee.  Dignitaries gave speeches and we all let off a massive brigade volley under B.A.R. commander Mark Hurwitz.  It was a spectacular volley!   Upon completion of ceremonies we had cider and donuts and headed back to the Historic Park for battle preparations!

As the bell chimed 3 o’clock the Americans formed up and decided it would behoove us to recapture our blockhouse from those pesky Brits and Tories.  Onward!

We advanced in line and at first a company of Loyalists came to meet us. Skirmishers were sent out on both sides as the general advance took place.  Shots fired and eventually when in range the Companies began volley fire.   Firing by sections gave a great show to the audience as the battle progressed and even with British reinforcements the Americans pushed them back into the blockhouse.   It was here they shut themselves in and we surrounded the building awaiting their surrender.

Photo by Gary Vorwald

The problem arose when they refused!   Luckily a soldier produced a grenade in an attempt to bust them out of the blockhouse!  Unfortunately for the Americans they also were waiting with a bucket of water and spilled it out on our grenadier!   A tough nut to crack!  With some cunning thought, an American solider placed his hat on a stick and stuck it towards the window in an attempt to distract the green coats while we infiltrated the bottom floor. 

Photo by Gary Vorwald

It was at this point I was shot in the shoulder and put out of commission! I do not know the outcome but was dragged away by another member of my regiment.

Sunday was smaller than Saturday but the 5^th had a good turnout and Mott’s artillery stole the show with their cannonade.

Overall the event was a smashing success and a blast for the public and reenactors alike.  This B.A.R. event was my first time here and most certainly won’t be my last!  The 5^th New York Regiment would like to thank all of the other Regiments and groups that attended this fine event and the B.A.R. for a stellar day!

Courtesy of the Fort Lee Historical Society

NEW BOOK from New Jersey's very own Todd Braisted!

Todd Braisted of the 4th Battalion New Jersey Volunteers has just launched his new book! This looks great! I will be ordering my copy shortly.  Also was a pleasuring blasting away at his troops at Fort Lee on Nov. 17th!  HUZZAH!

Bergen County saw much of the American Revolution from its own doorstep. Close to British-occupied New York City, this corner of New Jersey was divided by the Revolution. Some people were staunch Loyalists or Patriots, in disagreement with their families and neighbors; others wavered or remained neutral; while still others changed their minds as was expedient. In the end, the years of hostilities led to massive damage and upheaval within the community as men either left home or stayed nearby to fight for or against secession from Great Britain. After the war, their pension applications allow glimpses into their experiences. Compiled and edited by local historian and Revolutionary War expert Todd W. Braisted, these are the stories of the Revolutionary soldiers of Bergen County.


http://www.amazon.com/Bergen-County-Voices-American-Revolution/dp/1609498364/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353345303&sr=8-1&keywords=todd+w+braisted

Sleepy Hollow, NY

Around this time of year, when Jack-o-lanterns glow, candy flows freely and costumes are of the most atrocious, a strange attitude towards superstition arises. Even the staunchest of skeptics look over their shoulders in the dark, and watch for witches across the full moon. Autumn, and October in particular, sends chills up all mortals’ spines. Maybe it’s the brisk air, maybe it’s the crunchy leaves, or possibly, it’s the ghouls of yesteryear.

            One such destination familiar to the occupants of the Hudson Valley is the village of Sleepy Hollow. Founded in 1645, the village of Sleepy Hollow (in Terrytown) has been immortalized in the short story by Washington Irving. It tells of a finicky schoolteacher, Ichabod Crane, on his ill-fated attempts to win the love of Katrina Van Tassel. The town, as peaceful as it is, comes a sneaking sense of the supernatural. After a series of events, Ichabod wonders through the dark past a haunted tree, and stumbles upon a headless specter. The rest is history, so they say, and every Halloween the village puts on a myriad of shows, stories and events in honor of old Ichabod.

            A trip to the Old Dutch Church will open your eyes to centuries of history. The church and surrounding cemetery were formally opened in 1849 and continue to house worshipers and the deceased. The cemetery is 85 acres and has over 40,000 in-ground graves. Irving is one of those laid eternally to rest here, as well as Andrew Carnegie, Walter Chrysler and Vincent Astor amongst others.

            Photos are to follow soon, but for now, dear followers, if you hear a sound behind you or feel a stare from beyond, walk quickly towards friends and family; you never know what could be sneaking up to scare you!

~Reinette

Events for Halloween and before detailed here!

Read the whole original story by Washington Irving here!

"The Fort" Book Review

Good day!  

Aside from the usual 18^th century news we would like to expand the blog to cover a broad range of topics. One of those topics is a good old book review! Now do keep in mind I am average Joe history buff and not a scholarly critic…but I will do my best to explore this book and present my findings.

"The Fort" by Bernard Cornwell

Today’s blog entry is a book review of “The Fort,” (2010) a fascinating and forgotten subject brought back to life by renown historical fiction author Bernard Cornwell.   

This novel stood out for me for a multitude of reasons.   After having read the Richard Sharpe series I was expecting a hero, a villain, and a triumphant victory…not that there is anything wrong with that normal story plot!  This book took a road less traveled.  Never before had I even heard about the Penobscot expedition and I considered myself well versed in the Revolutionary war.  This little known invasion caused much stir in the relatively quiet northern theater in 1779 and caused a massive counter thrust by the Americans, the like of which had never been seen before.  Have you ever heard of New Ireland?

Bernard Cornwell’s excellent character development led to a whole new light being shed on some well know and lesser known figures.   What struck me as really fascinating was Sir John Moore…or should I say Lt. John Moore?  I knew of his fame at Corunna (1809) and had heard of his great leadership (and death!) but had no idea he fought in the American Revolution…let alone at this most interesting and forgotten battle. Cornwell’s description of Lt. Moore fits in with his style of the young officer he portrays so well in the Sharpe series.   When reading this I wasn’t sure what roll he would play and was very pleased with Moore’s outcome.

Paul Revere:  Everyone knows his name and knows his midnight ride, but how many know he was in charge of the Massachusetts State Artillery?   I sure didn’t.  This was a very shocking part of the book for me.  While yes this is historical fiction, you really get the feeling Cornwell has done this right. The facts point to it, and gosh does it change the way you think about Paul Revere.

I very much enjoyed this book. I was disappointed but not in the writing or quality of book, but rather with the history.  After every page I figured the next would bring great news after fierce battle…and while the battle was fierce, there wasn’t such great news. The fact most of the fighting was between Militia and Redcoat (with a handful of ever useful Marines,) made for an interesting story that DID add an extra element of surprise. 

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Bernard Cornwell, and to any history buff trying to broaden their horizon with the tale of a lesser known event.  This book is a great way to introduce someone into American Revolutionary history as well.  Always enjoyable, always engaging, I cannot wait to see what Bernard Cornwell has in store for us next! 

-Private Christophani