*** All JAR Articles ***

Conflict & War Posted on May 2, 2019May 1, 2019

Gunpowder, the Bahamas, and the First Marine Killed in Action

In the summer of 1775, George Washington assumed command of the Continental Army outside Boston and immediately began the process of organizing his forces. He demanded strength returns of all the regiments and an accounting of supplies available. In August, Washington learned that instead of 308 barrels of gun powder he had been led to […]

by Jeff Dacus

Arts & Literature Posted on May 1, 2019

The Best Historical Fiction About the American Revolution

Although Journal of the American Revolution publishes only factual material based upon primary sources, we recognize that historical fiction can be a valuable source of inspiration and understanding in the study of history. We posed this question to our contributors about their own favorites: What is the most historically accurate fictional writing about the American […]

by Editors

Conflict & War Posted on April 30, 2019April 30, 2019

Delaware’s Colonel John Haslet (1727–1777)

Born in Straw Dungiven, County Londonderry, Ireland,[1] thirty-year-old John Haslet was the young, widowed minister of Ballykelly Presbyterian Church. Arriving in America in 1757, he became a captain in the Pennsylvania militia and participated in the November 26, 1758 action at Fort Duquesne. Twenty years later, he would be killed at the Battle of Princeton. Russ […]

by Kim Burdick

Features Posted on April 29, 2019October 21, 2019

Chesapeake Bay Privateers in the Revolution

Chesapeake Bay Privateers in the Revolution by Leonard Szaltis (The History Press, 2019) Leonard Szaltis does the reader the favor of stipulating the intent of his piece: “To demonstrate the circumstances colonists faced in one local region . . . to increase knowledge about the history of the Chesapeake Bay and the Eastern Shore during […]

by Michael Tuosto

Features Posted on April 26, 2019April 26, 2019

This Week on Dispatches: Cho-Chien Feng on the Revolutionary Memories of New York Loyalists

In this week’s Dispatches host Brady Crytzer interviews St. Louis University doctoral candidate Cho-Chien Feng about what the American Revolution meant to Loyalists after the war. He also discusses how he became interested in the American Revolution and the broader idea of political loyalism. As Brady notes, Feng is inspiring: born in Taiwan, he learned English, […]

by Editors

Loyalists Posted on April 25, 2019April 24, 2019

Henry Mowatt and the “Wretched” Ship HMS Albany

In 1782, when the sixteen-gun sloop-of-war HMS Albany was determined to be at the end of her usefulness, nobody seemed truly surprised or sad about it, least of all her commander. The vessel had survived six continuous years of war-time service in His Majesty’s Royal Navy, in addition to a prior life as a merchant vessel. […]

by Charles H. Lagerbom

Loyalists Posted on April 24, 2019

Another Three Loyalist Declarations Signed in the Fall of 1776

The Declaration of Dependence signed by 547 New York City Loyalists in November 1776 was not the only such declaration written and signed by loyal inhabitants of the colony of New York soon after British military forces established their presence in the region. At least three others are known to exist, bearing a total of 3,414 […]

by Sandra McNamara

Conflict & War Posted on April 23, 2019April 23, 2019

Revisiting B. E. Griffiths: Former Slave, Queen’s Ranger, and “Son of Africa”

In a recent article, Todd Braisted reconstructed the remarkable story of a black Loyalist soldier, “Trumpeter Barney” of the Queen’s Rangers.[1] Through meticulous archival work, Braisted established that Barney, a runaway slave who joined the British at the siege of Charleston, South Carolina, in 1780, was the same man as Barnard E. Griffiths, who was […]

by Stephen Brumwell

Critical Thinking Posted on April 22, 2019April 16, 2019

The Mystery of “The Alternative of Williams-burg”

According to the Virginia Gazette between 400 and 500 merchants gathered in Williamsburg in early November 1774 and “voluntarily and generally signed” the Continental Association.[1] The Association provided for a boycott of Britain, with provisions not to import from, export to or consume products of the mother country. On November 9, 1774, the merchants presented their […]

by James R. Fichter

Features Posted on April 19, 2019April 16, 2019

This Week on Dispatches: Robert Davis on Georgia and the American Revolution

In this week’s Dispatches host Brady Crytzer interviews distinguished historian Robert “Bob” Davis about Georgia’s unique role in the American Revolution as the colony that bordered Spanish territory and, after independence was declared, British East Florida. Georgia came slowly to the Patriot cause, remaining loyal to the King longer than any other colony, until they finally […]

by Editors

People Posted on April 18, 2019April 14, 2019

James Willing and the Mississippi Expedition

The story of the Revolutionary War tends to focus on operations and events east of the Appalachian Mountains, with good reason as most of the war took place in at area. West of the mountains, the story of George Rogers Clark in the Ohio Valley is famous and found in many history books. The expedition […]

by Jeff Dacus

Features Posted on April 17, 2019October 21, 2019

William Livingston’s American Revolution

William Livingston’s American Revolution by James J. Gigantino II (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2018) For some students of the American Revolution, the name Livingston may ring a bell. William Livingston did, after all, hail from a prominent New York family that produced several politicians. Although Livingston does not garner the attention or acclaim of George […]

by Kelly Mielke

Diaries and Journals Posted on April 16, 2019October 18, 2020

Killer Trees of the Revolution

Around a hundred people are tragically killed in the United States each year by falling trees or limbs. Death or injury by trees was also among the hazards of war between 1775 and 1783.[1] The first reported soldier to die was British, ironically killed by the Liberty Tree of Boston. Samuel Haws recorded in his […]

by Joseph Lee Boyle

People Posted on April 15, 2019April 14, 2019

Johan Joachim Zubly: The Other Georgia Delegate

When reading the excellent JAR article “The Dark and Heroic Histories of Georgia’s Signers,” I happened to recall another Georgia delegate to the Second Continental Congress who I came across in trying to understand why it took so long for Congress to create the Continental Navy. Johan Joachim Zubly also had a “dark history.” Georgia […]

by William H. J. Manthorpe, Jr.

Features Posted on April 12, 2019April 12, 2019

This Week on Dispatches: Brian O’Malley on the 1776 Horror Show

In this week’s Dispatches host Brady Crytzer interviews Brian O’Malley about the sudden release of 2,000 “sickly and emaciated” Continental soldiers and sailors in 1776 who had been held captive by the British in the New York City area. This little-known event sparked outrage among even the Loyalists in the region. As your host says, “Sit […]

by Editors

Critical Thinking Posted on April 11, 2019April 10, 2019

“Be A King George”

“Be a King George.” Four simple, but oft repeated words drilled into the Prince of Wales from childhood by his mother, Augusta of Saxe-Gotha. And through a faithful adherence to her command George lost an American Empire.[1] In 1751 Princess Augusta was widowed unexpectedly on the sudden death of George’s father Frederick. Though a tragedy, […]

by John Knight

Features Posted on April 10, 2019October 21, 2019

Household Gods: The Religious Lives of the Adams Family

Household Gods: The Religious Lives of the Adams Family by Sara Georgini (Oxford University Press, 2019) In this sophisticated and comprehensive work, Household Gods: The Religious Lives of the Adams Family, Sara Georgini, offers readers a deeply insightful illustration of how religion impacted and influenced the lives of the family of John Adams (1735-1826) over […]

by Megan King

Letters and Correspondence Posted on April 9, 2019April 9, 2019

James Bruce’s Report on the Situation of West Florida and Havana, 1782

The British loss of West Florida in 1781 ushered in a new era for the region, an era dominated by Spanish rule. For some, like the many Spanish officers who orchestrated the capture of the colony,[1] the loss brought about much celebration and promotion. For others, like the British inhabitants of the territory, this transition of […]

by George Kotlik

Conflict & War Posted on April 8, 2019April 7, 2019

James McCubbin Lingan, an American Story

Of the thousands of men and women who contributed to the Patriot cause during the American Revolution, James McCubbin Lingan (1751–1812) stands out with an important story to tell.[1] A recent visit to Washington D.C. included a leisurely walk through Arlington National Cemetery. As one reads the many monuments honoring military personnel resting in Arlington’s historic […]

by Patrick H. Hannum

Features Posted on April 5, 2019April 4, 2019

This Week on Dispatches: Matthew Moss on the Ferguson Breech-Loading Rifle

In this week’s Dispatches host Brady Crytzer interviews British historian Matthew Moss and the story of Major Patrick Ferguson and the first breech-loading rifle adopted by the British Army, one of the most intriguing inventions of the American Revolution. As your host says, “Sit back, relax, and enjoy the interview. . . .” New episodes of […]

by Editors

Conflict & War Posted on April 4, 2019April 3, 2019

The Thunderer, British Floating Gun-Battery on Lake Champlain

The radeau (French, singular for “raft”) was co-opted for eighteenth century warfare on and along Lake George and Lake Champlain, to deal with the challenges of wilderness, inland waterways. The radeau’s design was unique, incorporating a pragmatic approach to the problem of transportation and concentration of ship-mounted artillery in a self-contained transport in shallow water. The […]

by Michael Gadue

Features Posted on April 3, 2019April 2, 2019

Contributor Close-up: Michael J. F. Sheehan

What inspired you to start researching and writing about the Revolution? I was born and raised in the town of Stony Point, New York, and so every summer included attending the July battle anniversary and reenactment at Stony Point Battlefield. In addition, my grandfather would take my brother and I to other historic sites along […]

by Editors

Battles Posted on April 2, 2019April 1, 2019

Fiasco: The Disastrous Raid on Montresor’s Island

By the evening of September 30, 1776, George Washington was, as he put it, “bereft of every peaceful moment.” During the previous month, his army had been badly mauled on Long Island and narrowly escaped destruction by executing a midnight evacuation to Manhattan. Forced to abandon New York City and take up defensive positions on […]

by Joshua Shepherd

Espionage and Cryptography Posted on April 1, 2019March 30, 2019

The Double Spy: The Service and Suffering of Caleb Bruen

“But while a confidence trickster, a play actor or a gambler can return from his performance to the ranks of his admirers, the secret agent enjoys no such relief. For him, deception is first a matter of self-defense.”—John le Carré, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold Throughout the Revolution, the American intelligence apparatus […]

by Charles Dewey

Features Posted on March 29, 2019March 29, 2019

This Week on Dispatches: Richard Werther on Lambert Wickes, Continental Navy Captain

In this week’s Dispatches host Brady Crytzer and JAR contributor Richard J. Werther discuss the life of Captain Lambert Wickes, the differences between “piracy” and “privateering,” and the origins of the Continental Navy. As your host says, “Sit back, relax, and enjoy the interview. . . .” New episodes of Dispatches are available for free every […]

by Editors

Conflict & War Posted on March 28, 2019March 28, 2019

Henry Champion: An Officer Resigns

Some people are drawn to flame, perhaps just a momentary fascination, but it can get one scolded, especially by the Commander-in-Chief. “I had just finished my letter when a blundering Lieutt . . . without knowing what he did pickd up a Candle & sprinkled [the letter] with grease.” It was excused, however. Lt. Henry […]

by Michael J. F. Sheehan

Constitutional Debate Posted on March 26, 2019March 25, 2019

Hamilton’s Revenge

Having just attained his thirteenth (or eleventh) birthday, he found himself confined to a bed on the second floor of a small two-story house on the Caribbean island of St. Croix, gripped by a violent fever now in its second week.[1] Next to him was his mother, who had been the first to come down […]

by Geoff Smock

Loyalists Posted on March 25, 2019March 20, 2019

Terror in the Ramapos

While there were many Revolutionary-era outlaws, Claudius Smith and the Cowboys of the Ramapos stand apart. Their story has long been exaggerated and romanticized through local legends, but the true account of their actions is far more violent. Smith and his band—comprised of his children, outlaws, deserters, Native Americans, and local Tories—terrorized the Whigs of […]

by Charles Dewey

Conflict & War Posted on March 21, 2019March 21, 2019

Captain Septimus Noel: Ordnance Fleet Commodore

History occasionally provides a pleasant surprise by revealing the record of an ordinary person who, thrust into a unique role, performed extraordinary services for his country. In researching the movement of American ordinance from the Hudson River and Philadelphia to Yorktown in 1781, this author discovered that the commodore appointed to lead the ordnance fleet, […]

by William W. Reynolds

Conflict & War Posted on March 19, 2019March 19, 2019

Brothers Mourn the Death of Captain Thomas Moultrie

Thomas Moultrie was one of five sons of a successful South Carolina planter. He served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War as a captain of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment. He was killed on April 24, 1780, during a dramatic dawn sortie from the besieged city of Charleston. His heroic death was in […]

by George Kotlik

Conflict & War Posted on March 18, 2019April 12, 2019

Cornwallis’s Refitment at Winnsborough and the Start of the Winter Campaign, November–January 1780–81

As November 1780 begins, we find Cornwallis continuing to wait at Winnsborough, South Carolina, in the hope of being joined by Major Gen. Alexander Leslie, a junction on which the winter campaign to the northward depended. Bound for the Chesapeake and placed under the orders of Cornwallis, Leslie had sailed from New York on October […]

by Ian Saberton

Features Posted on March 15, 2019March 14, 2019

This Week on Dispatches: Jeff Dacus on Stephen Moylan, Irish Immigrant and Continental Officer

In this week’s Dispatches host Brady Crytzer interviews JAR contributor, Marine Corps veteran, and retired history teacher Jeff Dacus about Stephen Moylan, an Irish immigrant who became one of George Washington’s most trusted and life-long friends. As your host says, “Sit back, relax, and enjoy the interview. . . .” New episodes of Dispatches are available for […]

by Editors

Culture Posted on March 14, 2019March 13, 2019

Top Ten Revolutionary War Patriot Homes in Connecticut

“Connecticut: Still Revolutionary,” is the official slogan of Connecticut’s tourism program since about 2014. As a historian who worked in architecture as the son of an architect, I have often been fascinated by the wealth of historic homes still standing in Connecticut. There are hundreds upon hundreds from the eighteenth century, among which a handful stand […]

by Damien Cregeau

Critical Thinking Posted on March 13, 2019March 15, 2019

Contributor Question: Best Strategic Defeat?

This month, we asked our contributors to consider the many changes of fortune that occurred over the tumultuous four decades that transformed thirteen British colonies into the nascent United States: What was the best strategic defeat, whether political or military, of the American Revolution and the founding era (roughly 1765 thru 1805)? That is, what […]

by Editors

Economics Posted on March 12, 2019March 14, 2019

How Robert Morris’s “Magick” Money Saved the American Revolution

The year 1780 ended badly, and the new year boded worse for America’s War of Independence. Maj. Gen. Benedict Arnold’s treason and defection to the British army had left Gen. George Washington’s officer corps in disarray, demoralized. Officers of all ranks eyed each other suspiciously, questioning each other’s decisions, while distrust of officers provoked mutinies […]

by Harlow Giles Unger

Illness and Disease Posted on March 11, 2019March 11, 2019

Walking Skeletons: Starvation on Board the Jersey Prison Ship

Eighteen-year-old Andrew Sherburne’s younger brother, Samuel, guided Sherburne into a room away from the rest of the family to help wash and dress him. As he helped his older brother peel off his ragged, lice-infested clothing, Samuel glimpsed Sherburne’s emaciated body. Shocked, the younger boy fell back. “He having taken off my clothes and seen […]

by Katie Turner Getty

Features Posted on March 8, 2019March 7, 2019

This Week on Dispatches: Katie Turner Getty and the Notorious Prison Ship Jersey

In this week’s Dispatches host Brady Crytzer interviews JAR contributor and editorial board member Katie Turner Getty about a dark side of the American Revolution, the notorious prison hulk, HMS Jersey. Thousands of American prisoners—some as young as twelve—died daily aboard British prison ships, mostly from disease. Fortunately for historians, a number of survivors wrote […]

by Editors

Features Posted on March 7, 2019March 5, 2019

Retracing Alexander Hamilton’s Steps Through the Remnants of Revolutionary New York

When Alexander Hamilton arrived in New York in the early 1770s, the city was already the one of the largest in the colonies, second only to Philadelphia. Yet Manhattan’s 25,000 residents inhabited just a small portion of the island which stretched from the Battery to well below today’s 14th street. The rest was sparsely-inhabited farmland, […]

by Gina Dimuro

Culture Posted on March 5, 2019March 3, 2019

Remembering the Lives and Sacrifices of General Richard and Janet Montgomery

Almost forty years ago, I led a team of nautical archaeologists in the study of the steamboat Phoenix, which had burned on Lake Champlain the night of September 4, 1819. In researching the Phoenix’s history, I came across the reference that “in July, 1818 the remains of General Richard Montgomery, the dashing American leader who […]

by Arthur B. Cohn