Colonial army during the American Revolutionary War
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Benjamin L. Carp describes how the fire erupted between midnight and 1:00 a.m. on September 21, 1776, near White Hall Slip. While some attributed it to a drunken accident, British witnesses on nearby warships reported seeing flames ignite at 15 to 20 separate points simultaneously. This multiplicity of ignition sites strongly suggested a coordinated design by rebel saboteurs. The city was particularly vulnerable because firefighting equipment was in disarray and the alarm bells had been removed to be melted down for Continental Army cannons, leaving the few remaining watchmen unable to sound a general alarm. (3)
Benjamin L. Carp explains how the British specifically targeted three rebel captains—Amos Fellows, Abraham Patton, and Abraham Van Dyk—suspecting them of arson. Patton, a member of Washington's spy network, allegedly confessed on the gallows, stating he died for liberty and had accomplices in the burning of New York. Washingtonnotably supported these men and their families, acknowledging their service. He famously remarked that "Providence" or an "honest fellow" had achieved the strategic goal of destroying the city, a task the Continental Army could not officially undertake due to orders from the civilian government in Congress. (7)1776
Benjamin L. Carp explains how the British specifically targeted three rebel captains—Amos Fellows, Abraham Patton, and Abraham Van Dyk—suspecting them of arson. Patton, a member of Washington's spy network, allegedly confessed on the gallows, stating he died for liberty and had accomplices in the burning of New York. Washingtonnotably supported these men and their families, acknowledging their service. He famously remarked that "Providence" or an "honest fellow" had achieved the strategic goal of destroying the city, a task the Continental Army could not officially undertake due to orders from the civilian government in Congress. (7)
Episode 4140 │ June 7, 2026 The Second Continental Congress was an information war, a spy network, and a theological covenant. The parallels to today are exact. Scott Kesterson and Rochelle Porto continue the Our Sacred Honor series on the founding era, moving into the Second Continental Congress convened May 10, 1775 in Philadelphia. The discussion dismantles the simplified textbook version of the Revolution and replaces it with the operational reality: an information war run through spy networks, intercepted What was the Second Continental Congress actually doing beneath its public posture of reconciliation — and who was running the covert war effort? Why did Congress declare a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer before forming the Continental Army or voting on independence? How did the British post office surveillance network intercept John Adams' private letters and use them to damage the patriot cause? Who was Dr. Benjamin Church, and why was he more dangerous to the American cause than Benedict Arnold? When did the term Judeo-Christian actually originate — and what does its history reveal about the rewriting of America's founding theology? BardsFM is a daily independent podcast covering faith, liberty, history, and information warfare. Hosted by Scott Kesterson — combat veteran, documentary filmmaker, and rancher. Over 4,100 episodes and 50 million lifetime downloads. New episodes every weekday. bards.fm #BardsFM_OurSacredHonor #AmericanHistory #RevolutionaryWar Bards Nation Health Store: www.bardsnationhealth.com MYPillow promo code: BARDS >> Go to https://www.mypillow.com/bards and use the promo code BARDS or... Call 1-800-975-2939. EMPShield protect your vehicles and home. Promo code BARDS: Click here Treadlite Broadforks...best garden tool EVER. Promo code BARDS26: TreadliteBroadforks.com EnviroKlenz Air Purification, promo code BARDS to save 10%: www.enviroklenz.com Morning Intro Music Provided by Brian Kahanek: www.briankahanek.com Founders Bible 20% discount code: BARDS >>> TheFoundersBible.com Windblown Media 20% Discount with promo code BARDS: windblownmedia.com White Oak Pastures Grassfed Meats, Get $20 off any order $150 or more. Promo Code BARDS: www.whiteoakpastures.com/BARDS Mission Darkness Faraday Bags and RF Shielding. Promo code BARDS: Click here If you wish to support this podcast directly you can donate here... DONATE: Click here Mailing Address: Xpedition Cafe, LLC Attn. Scott Kesterson 591 E Central Ave, #740 Sutherlin, OR 97479
Peace Through Strength, America's Navy with LCDR Steve Rogers USN (Ret) – Malcom is doing today what military leaders did during the Revolutionary War- they got out loud for the good of America. Paul Revere is perhaps the most famous person in the 1700s who got out loud about enemy forces invading our young nation by warning that the British were on their way to fight the Continental Army...
This is the VIC 4 VETS, Weekly Honored Veterans. SUBMITTED BY: Tim Hixson_____________________________________________________________ Hi Vic and Ken, Thank you for doing this. This is a short story about my great grandfather, Matthew Hixson, who fought in the American Revolution. God bless. Sincerely,Tim HixsonName/Rank: Matthew Hixson, Private & Colonel, enlisted at Ringo’s Tavern, New Market, NJ Colony summer of 1775Branch/Battalion: New Jersey Colonial Militia, later Continental Army, during the American RevolutionDate of Service: Served: summer 1775 until fall of 1778Awards/Medals: None known.Matthew Hixson was my great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather. He was born in 1757 in the town of New Market, Colony of New Jersey. He was one of three brothers who served during the American Revolution. During his 3 years of service he was stationed in and around various townships around New Jersey and New York primarily, serving as a private first in the NJ Militia and later the Continental Army. However, during his last posting in 1778 he held the rank of Colonel for 10 days before his final discharge, no idea why! He married my great (times 8!) grandmother Catherine Hogg in 1779 and eventually moved to Ohio and bought a farm north east of Cincinnati. While we don’t know what if any combat he might have seen as he apparently never talked about it during his life, we know from his own words how in 1832 he finally received notification of the promised veterans pension he, and his fellow soldiers were originally promised by the Continental Congress during the War and later the US government. He was 75 years at the time, and he still had to wait another year for it to arrive. In 1833 $100 from the US government was sent to a solicitor (lawyer) in his son’s name for 2 and a half years pension. When Matthew died in 1838 and his debts were paid and remaining estate split among his children, it was realized that he never actually saw a cent of any of that pension the few years he received it. So, for those veterans alive today still dealing with all the troubles in the VA, take heart…the guys who fought in our first war as a nation had to go through similar crap in their day. Vic and Ken, love your show. Thanks to my grandfather, I’ve discovered I’ve got a little bit of New Jersey in me too! God bless!________________________________________________________________ This Week’s VIC 4 VETS, Honored Veteran on NewsTalkSTL.With support from our friends at:Alamo Military Collectables, Gemini Wealth Group H.E.R.O.E.S. CARE, Inc. Michel's Funeral Home and Freddie's Market See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today On The Eric Metaxas Show, Eric talks with Joe Loconte about his new documentary on Benjamin Rush, one of the most overlooked figures of the American Revolution. They discuss Rush's Christian faith, his work as a physician, his role in the Continental Army, his fight against slavery, his humane treatment of the mentally ill, the Protestant roots of religious liberty, John Locke, George Washington, John Adams, and why the secular version of America's founding leaves out some of the most important parts of the story. Subscribe for clips from The Eric Metaxas Show to hear politics and culture from a Christian perspective.⭐ PRE-ORDER TODAY:Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World
Edward J. Larson describes how Washington led a desperate Christmas crossing of the Delaware River to surprise the Hessians at Trenton. The subsequent victory at Princeton provided the moral triumph needed to sustain the struggling Continental Army. (15/16)1889
SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW-5-25-2026.1789 NEW YORK.Guest Author Josh Ireland discusses his book The Death of Trotsky: The True Story of the Plot to Kill Stalin's Greatest Enemy. The Russian Revolution began with Bolshevik fanatics using violence to impose their will on the masses. Irelandexplains the emerging rivalry between Trotsky and Stalin amidst the brutal purge of original revolutionaries. (1/16)In The Death of Trotsky, Josh Ireland describes how the intellectual Trotsky and bureaucratic Stalin competed for power following Lenin's death. Stalin maneuvered patiently to isolate Trotsky, who missed Lenin's funeral while recovering from a mysterious and poorly timed illness. (2/16)Josh Ireland explains that Trotsky was expelled from the Politburo after labeling Stalin the "gravedigger of the revolution." He began a global exile, eventually finding sanctuary in Mexico at the invitation of muralist Diego Rivera. (3/16)Josh Ireland details how, in Mexico, Trotsky faced constant threats from Stalin's assassins. Despite the fortified walls of his compound, the NKVD relentlessly monitored his correspondence and successfully infiltrated his inner circle with undercover agents. (4/16)Josh Ireland recounts how the Mercader family, led by the radicalized Caridad, was recruited by the NKVD during the Spanish Civil War. Her son Ramon was trained as a ruthless agent capable of carrying out high-stakes assassinations. (5/16)Josh Ireland describes how Ramon Mercader seduced Sylvia Ageloff to penetrate Trotsky's inner circle under a false identity. Meanwhile, a chaotic machine-gun raid by Stalinist gunmen failed to kill Trotsky, leading to even tighter security measures. (6/16)Josh Ireland recounts how Ramon Mercader used a mountaineer's ice pick to fatally wound Trotsky inside his study. Captured by guards, Ramon maintained a web of lies to conceal his true role as a Soviet operative. (7/16)Josh Ireland explains that following Trotsky's death, Ramon served twenty years in a Mexican prison before returning to Moscow as a hero. Trotsky's wife, Natalia, lived a diminished final chapter after losing her entire family. (8/16)Guest Author Edward J. Larson discusses his book Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters. The unprovoked burning of Norfolk, Virginia, by the Royal Navy in January 1776 served as a catalyst for independence. This violence convinced many colonists that reconciliation with the British Crown was impossible. (9/16)In Declaring Independence, Edward J. Larson describes how Henry Knox executed a daring winter transport of heavy artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. This logistical feat allowed Washington to fortify Dorchester Heights, forcing the British to evacuate the city. (10/16)Edward J. Larson recounts how Washington attempted to defend New York against a massive British armada. The Howe brothers tried to negotiate a peace deal, but American commitment to independence remained firm despite the overwhelming force. (11/16)Edward J. Larson explains that George Mason drafted the Virginia Declaration of Rights while Washington realized he must preserve his army through retreat. The revolution shifted toward establishing independent state governments based on popular sovereignty. (12/16)Edward J. Larson details how, during a grueling retreat through New Jersey, Thomas Paine's The American Crisisrevitalized colonial spirits. British and Hessian atrocities against civilians further alienated the population and strengthened the resolve for independence. (13/16)Edward J. Larson recounts how Abigail Adams urged her husband to "remember the ladies" during the debates over independence. Revolutionary ideals of equality began to raise significant questions regarding the status of women and enslaved people. (14/16)Edward J. Larson describes how Washington led a desperate Christmas crossing of the Delaware River to surprise the Hessians at Trenton. The subsequent victory at Princeton provided the moral triumph needed to sustain the struggling Continental Army. (15/16)Edward J. Larson explains that the formal signing of the Declaration of Independence marked a permanent break with monarchy. New state constitutions prioritized popular sovereignty, establishing the rule of law as the foundation of the Republic. (16/16)
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Impact Without Limits, Brian and Dale explore George Washington's harsh winter at Valley Forge and one of the most pivotal seasons of the American Revolution, where survival itself became the victory. Facing loss, disease, hunger, desertion, and political pressure, Washington and the Continental Army endured when everything pointed toward collapse.They also unpack the unexpected people and moments that helped reshape the war—from Baron von Steuben's training to growing French support—and reflect on a timeless truth: sometimes growth doesn't happen in the victories, but in the seasons where people simply refuse to quit.Episode Highlights: The Winter That Nearly Ended the Revolution.Valley Forge: Surviving Without a Battle.Washington Under Pressure.The Leaders Who Rebuilt the Army.When Survival Becomes Victory.Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on ForeverLawn:www.foreverlawn.comImpact Without Limits Instagram: @impact_withoutlimitsForeverLawn's Instagram: @foreverlawnincGet Grass Without Limits HereVisit our show notes page HERESubscribe to Our Newsletter HEREDale's Instagram: @dalekarmieBrian's Instagram: @bkarmieFind Our Shorts on the ForeverLawn YouTube ChannelCheck out Freedom 250 on Whitehouse.govThis show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.
Dedicated to American military personnel who died in any war, the Memorial Day holiday pays special tribute to the Continental Army soldiers who gave their lives in the Revolution on Christmas morning 1776, during the Battle of Trenton — with unique honor bestowed on the Revolutionary War dead as the foundational heroes of American independence. The American Revolution (1765–1783) was a political conflict involving the Thirteen Colonies and Great Britain, culminating in the American Revolutionary War and the independence of the colonies as the United States. RW16. Books about Memorial Day available at https://amzn.to/3PtBIRT The Revolution DVD box-set available at https://amzn.to/4p8seIt American Revolution books at https://amzn.to/43DduIG Revolutionary War games and souvenirs at https://amzn.to/487e2YU ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Mark's Historical Jesus podcast at https://parthenonpodcast.com/historical-jesus Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 X (twitter): https://twitter.com/MarkVinet_HNA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: The History Channel Presents - The Revolution narrated by Edward Herrmann & directed by Peter Schnall (2006 A&E Television Networks). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dedicated to American military personnel who died in any war, the Memorial Day holiday pays special tribute to the Continental Army soldiers who gave their lives in the Revolution on September 11, 1777, during the Battle of Brandywine — with unique honor bestowed on the Revolutionary War dead as the foundational heroes of American independence. The American Revolution (1765–1783) was a political conflict involving the Thirteen Colonies and Great Britain, culminating in the American Revolutionary War and the independence of the colonies as the United States. RW18. Books about Memorial Day available at https://amzn.to/3PtBIRT The Revolution DVD box-set available at https://amzn.to/4p8seIt American Revolution books at https://amzn.to/43DduIG Revolutionary War games and souvenirs at https://amzn.to/487e2YU ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Mark's Historical Jesus podcast at https://parthenonpodcast.com/historical-jesus Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 X (twitter): https://twitter.com/MarkVinet_HNA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: The History Channel Presents - The Revolution narrated by Edward Herrmann & directed by Peter Schnall (2006 A&E Television Networks). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This 2022 episode covers Deborah Sampson, who could count William Bradford and Myles Standish in her family tree. That tree didn’t include Robert Shurtliff; that was the alias Deborah used to enlist in the Continental Army.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dedicated to American military personnel who died in any war, the Memorial Day holiday pays special tribute to the Continental Army soldiers who gave their lives in the Revolution during the August, 1776, New York Campaign — with unique honor bestowed on the Revolutionary War dead as the foundational heroes of American independence. The American Revolution (1765–1783) was a political conflict involving the Thirteen Colonies and Great Britain, culminating in the American Revolutionary War and the independence of the colonies as the United States. RW11. Books about Memorial Day available at https://amzn.to/3PtBIRT The Revolution DVD box-set available at https://amzn.to/4p8seIt American Revolution books at https://amzn.to/43DduIG Revolutionary War games and souvenirs at https://amzn.to/487e2YU ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Mark's Historical Jesus podcast at https://parthenonpodcast.com/historical-jesus Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 X (twitter): https://twitter.com/MarkVinet_HNA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: The History Channel Presents - The Revolution narrated by Edward Herrmann & directed by Peter Schnall (2006 A&E Television Networks). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
(May 22, 2026) After 250 years, 44 Continental Army soldiers are being buried in Lake George after their remains were discovered in a construction site; the Great Adirondack Garage Sale is this weekend, spanning more than 200 miles across the park; John Warren checks on outdoor conditions ahead of Memorial Day weekend; and we hear from local organizers about this year's Black Birders Week events in the Adirondacks.
(May 22, 2026) After 250 years, 44 Continental Army soldiers were buried with honors in Lake George, after their remains were found at a construction site. Also: State lawmakers are finally passing budget bills in Albany, but they're not finished.
fWotD Episode 3302: Maryland and Virginia Rifle Regiment Welcome to featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia's finest articles.The featured article for Wednesday, 20 May 2026, is Maryland and Virginia Rifle Regiment.The Maryland and Virginia Rifle Regiment, most commonly known as Rawlings' Regiment in period documents, was organized in June 1776 as a specialized light infantry unit of riflemen in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. The American rifle units complemented the predominant, musket-equipped, line infantry forces of the war with their long-range marksmanship capability and were typically deployed with the line infantry as forward skirmishers and flanking elements. Scouting, escort, and outpost duties were also routine. The rifle units' battle formation was not nearly as structured as that of the line infantry units, which employed short-range massed firing in ordered linear formations. The riflemen could therefore respond with more adaptability to changing battle conditions.The Maryland and Virginia Rifle Regiment consisted of nine companies—four from Maryland and five from Virginia. The two-state composition of the new unit precluded it from being managed through a single state government, and it was therefore directly responsible to national authority as an Extra Continental regiment.Because most of the newly formed regiment surrendered to British and German forces at the Battle of Fort Washington on November 16, 1776, the service history of the unit's surviving element is complex. Although modern and contemporaneous accounts of the battle convey the impression that it marked the end of the regiment as a combat entity, a significant portion of the unit continued to serve actively in the Continental Army throughout most of the remainder of the war. Elements of the regiment served with George Washington's Main Army and participated in the army's major engagements of late 1776 through 1778. Select members of the regiment were also attached to Col. Daniel Morgan's elite Provisional Rifle Corps at its inception in mid-1777. The Maryland and Virginia Rifle Regiment was reorganized in January 1779 and was stationed at Fort Pitt, headquarters of the Continental Army's Western Department, in present-day western Pennsylvania primarily to help in the defense of frontier settlements from raids by British-allied Indian tribes. The unit was disbanded with all other Additional and Extra Continental regiments during the reorganization of the Continental Army in January 1781. It was the longest serving Continental Army rifle unit of the war.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 01:07 UTC on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.For the full current version of the article, see Maryland and Virginia Rifle Regiment on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm standard Salli.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, the conversation continues through the American Revolution by exploring the pivotal battles of 1777. Along the way, Dale and Brian highlight the resilience of George Washington and the Continental Army, the bravery of leaders like Nathaniel Greene and John Stark, and the surprising role Benedict Arnold played before becoming one of history's most infamous traitors.The episode also reflects on how perseverance in the face of loss helped shape the future of the nation. From tactical retreats to unexpected victories, these moments of history reveal powerful lessons about endurance, sacrifice, and fighting for something greater than yourself. Episode Highlights: Washington fights to protect Philadelphia after retreating through New Jersey.Nathaniel Greene helps save the Continental Army at Brandywine.Fog and friendly fire derail the American attack at Germantown.Saratoga becomes the turning point that brings France into the war.Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on ForeverLawn:www.foreverlawn.comImpact Without Limits Instagram: @impact_withoutlimitsForeverLawn's Instagram: @foreverlawnincGet Grass Without Limits HereVisit our show notes page HERESubscribe to Our Newsletter HEREDale's Instagram: @dalekarmieBrian's Instagram: @bkarmieFind Our Shorts on the ForeverLawn YouTube ChannelThis show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.
The May, 2026 episode of "Crossroads of Rockland History" began streaming on Monday, May 18, on all major podcast platforms and here on the HSRC website.In this episode, we revisited an interview from 2011 with the historian and author Robert A. Mayers (1930-2025) about his book The War Man: The True Story of a Citizen-Soldier Who Fought from Quebec to Yorktown. The book offers a unique opportunity to follow the course of the American Revolution through the eyes of a front-line volunteer from Haverstraw, NY.In 1775, the first year of the American Revolution, Congress made an appeal for troops. The resulting army of citizen-soldiers began what for many would be more than five years of battle and deprivation. Their consolation, however, was that they would ultimately defeat the most powerful army of the age and win independence for the new country of America. John Allison, a New York farmer, answered the call to arms in 1775, joining the Continental Army's 3rd New York Infantry. Allison was surrounded by likeminded volunteers, yet all were equally unprepared for campaigning. Despite the lack of training, equipment, and clothing, Allison and the rest of his company found themselves marching toward Quebec knee-deep in snow as part of the unsuccessful American invasion of Canada.So begins the remarkable story of the wartime experiences of a foot soldier of the American Revolution. Using letters, muster rolls, orderly books, service records, and oral family history, Robert Mayers reconstructs the campaign life of John Allison. What makes his life remarkable is that he participated in many key events across the colonies for the duration of the war. Allison fought at the gates of Montreal, the battle of Fort Montgomery on the Hudson—where most of his company was either killed or went missing—the decisive Sullivan-Clinton operation against the Iroquois, endured the bitter winter at Morristown, New Jersey, and helped man the frontline at the American victory at Yorktown, Virginia. During Allison's eight-year military career, he survived numerous skirmishes and battles across the colonies, was promoted to the rank of corporal, and returned home a local hero.Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, starts streaming new episodes on the third Monday of each month at 10am. From October 2010 to May 2025, the program aired after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms and at our website.The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.www.RocklandHistory.org
"He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures. He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power...He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people." In this episode, we unpack Grievances #11, #12, #23, and #24 of the Declaration of Independence and the relationship between Americans and the various types of armed troops in North America, from militias, to British regulars, to the Continental Army. Topics include the following: -the shared British and American tradition of opposing standing armies--because if they are not disbanded after wars, they are used by tyrants to take away the rights of the people -the perception of American colonists that the King had stationed 10,000 soldiers in North America in 1763 precisely so he could enforce his tyrannical policies on them -the various functions of Colonial militias in the 17th and 18th centuries, including war-fighting, civil policing, and preventing slave uprisings -the strained relationships between the Colonial militias and British regulars during the 7 Years' War and Pontiac's Revolt -the role of the Battles of Lexington and Concord in forcing Congress to create the Continental Army -the political significance of the name the Continental Army, as opposed to the American or Congressional or Colonial Army -the political significance of appointing George Washington, a Southerner and Virginian, as Commander of a mostly Northern militia force -an introduction to Washington's senior officers: Artemas Ward, Israel Putnam, and Charles Lee -initial British assessments of the strength and effectiveness of the new Continental Army -the importance of the American victory at Fort Ticonderoga in reshaping the war; namely, the capture of British soldiers meant that American rebels would not be summarily executed as seditious traitors but treated with basic PoW protections -a discussion of Grievance #24, that King George has ordered war crimes to be committed against innocent civilians -the tendency on both sides to commit war crimes against the civilian population and efforts by officers on both sides to discipline soldiers who abused the civilians population Dr. Chandler's book can be found here: [War, Patriotism and Identity in Revolutionary North America](https://boydellandbrewer.com/book/war-patriotism-and-identity-in-revolutionary-north-america-9781783274376/?v=0d149b90e739) The cover image is a drawing of an American Soldier in 1778 by Friedrich von Germann (1744–1794), Captain of the Brunswick Regiment Erbprinz. The Brunswick Regiment was not technically Hessian; nevertheless, it formed part of the subsidy regiments (or mercenaries) hired by the British to fight the Americans.
What made George Washington more than a Founding Father? In this episode of Reckoning with Jason Herbert, historian H. W. Brands joins Jason to explore the man behind the marble statue—soldier, strategist, slaveholder, revolutionary, and reluctant president.Drawing from Brands' new biography of Washington, the conversation dives deep into the personality and contradictions of America's first president. Together, they examine Washington's rise during the French and Indian War, his leadership during the American Revolution, the brutal realities of Valley Forge, and the immense pressure of holding the Continental Army together when independence seemed impossible.But this episode goes beyond battlefield mythology. Jason and Brands explore Washington's carefully crafted public image, his obsession with reputation and character, his complicated relationship with slavery, and the enormous influence he had on later American leaders like Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower. They also tackle a larger question: why does Washington still loom so large in American memory 250 years later?From the halls of the Constitutional Convention to the frozen encampment at Valley Forge, this is a conversation about leadership, war, power, masculinity, and the creation of the United States itself.Perfect for fans of American history, the Revolutionary War, presidential biography, and the complicated legacy of the Founding Fathers.
Everyone knows the American Revolution was won at Yorktown in 1781, when Cornwallis’s Army was trapped, but almost no one knows that victory depended on a Spanish intelligence operative who raised 500,000 pieces of silver in Havana in just 24 hours, convincing Cuban residents to liquidate their jewelry, gold ornaments, and diamonds to fund the French fleet's journey to trap Cornwallis. Francisco de Saavedra was Spain's ultimate shadow architect, operating like a CIA station chief or Charlie Wilson funneling weapons to topple Soviet Afghanistan, coordinating resources across the Caribbean through the Council of the Indies while gathering intelligence on British naval movements. The silver he raised, equivalent to roughly $1 billion in World War II war bond drives when adjusted for inflation, paid French sailors and provisioned Washington's Continental Army for the decisive siege. Without Saavedra's behind-the-scenes diplomacy, Spain and France would never have coordinated their fleets, and the Mississippi River supply line that smuggled Spanish gunpowder and uniforms to the rebels would have remained closed. Today's guest is James Giesler, author of Francisco De Saavedra's American Revolutionary War: The Spanish Contribution to the Battle of Yorktown. We discuss the unlikely career of Saavedra, an intelligence officer for the Spanish Crown who had such adventures as being capture by the British in 1780 and talked his way out of Jamaican captivity by pretending to be a civilian, why he forced joint Spanish action to capture Pensacola in May 1781 and eliminate the British southern strategy, how he negotiated a treaty for French and Spanish military planning for the first time, and why he planned the 1782 capture of the Bahamas to keep British ships tied up in the West Indies instead of reinforcing Cornwallis. Giesler explains that Saavedra wasn't a boots-on-the-ground commander like Lafayette but a strategic fixer who rose to become Spain's Prime Minister in the 1790s, proving that revolutions are won as much by financial wizardry and intelligence networks as by battlefield heroics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Impact Without Limits, Brian and Dale continue their journey through the early days of the American Revolution, exploring the defining moments that shaped the fight for independence. From George Washington taking command of the Continental Army to the impossible mission of Henry Knox transporting artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston, they unpack the strategy, sacrifice, and perseverance behind some of the Revolution's most pivotal turning points.The conversation also dives into Washington's retreats through New York and New Jersey, the overwhelming odds faced by the American troops, and the miraculous events that seemed to preserve the cause time and time again. Highlighting Thomas Paine's powerful words in The American Crisis and Washington's daring crossing of the Delaware on Christmas night, Brian and Dale reflect on leadership, providence, and the thin threads upon which history often hangs.Episode Highlights: Washington takes command.Henry Knox delivers artillery.The British take New York.Thomas Paine inspires the troops.Washington crosses the Delaware.Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on ForeverLawn:www.foreverlawn.comImpact Without Limits Instagram: @impact_withoutlimitsForeverLawn's Instagram: @foreverlawnincGet Grass Without Limits HereVisit our show notes page HERESubscribe to Our Newsletter HEREDale's Instagram: @dalekarmieBrian's Instagram: @bkarmieFind Our Shorts on the ForeverLawn YouTube ChannelThis show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.
"He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation." In this episode, we examine one of the most important first-person accounts of the War for Independence, Johann Ewald's American War Diaries. Ewald was an elite Hessian Officer who spent 8 long years in North America fighting against the Patriots on behalf of King George. Topics include the following: -the history of mercenaries or subsidy troops in Germanic states in the 18th century -Ewald's childhood and early military career in the Seven Years' War -Ewald's first treatise on petite guerre or irregular warfare -The impact of Colonial frontiersmen--or irregular troops--on the Seven Years' War in North America -The development of British Light Infantry and Hessian Jägers, whose role it was to counteract opposing irregular forces -Ewald's deployment with his troops to New York City in October 1776 shortly after the Battle of Long Island -His role in the Battle of Fort Washington in November 1776 -His assessment of the Continental Army and the American officer corps -His subsequent influence on military theory, partisan warfare, and irregular warfare
Constitutional Chats hosted by Janine Turner and Cathy Gillespie
As a teenager, he dropped out of college and served in the in the 3rd Virginia Regiment in the Continental Army. After studying law under Thomas Jefferson, he later served in the Virginia House of Delegates, as the US Ambassador to France and England, as governor of Virginia, as the Secretary of War and then Secretary of State. Finally, in March 1817, James Monroe became our country's 5th President and in 1823 he famously introduced the Monroe Doctrine. Quite a legacy for a teenager wounded in the Battle of Trenton at just 18 years old. To help us better grasp James Monroe's incredible service to our country, we are delighted to welcome Scott Harris as our special guest this week. Scott is Executive Director of the University of Mary Washington Museums and previously served as Director of the James Monroe Museum, which is administered by the university.
Dr. Matthew Spalding discusses the key events in the months leading up to July 1776 that shaped America’s future forever. Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with Hillsdale in D.C. professors, co-hosted with WMAL radio host Larry O’Connor. Discover the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, American culture, and more. New episodes every other week! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
WMAL GUEST: DR. MATTHEW SPALDING (Vice President for Washington Operations & Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College) on the historical significance of April 1776 in the lead-up to American independence. He discusses the Continental Army’s repositioning after the evacuation of Boston and the growing momentum toward the Declaration of Independence. WEBSITE: DC.Hillsdale.edu SOCIAL MEDIA: X.com/Hillsdale Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @bethanyshondark, @JGunlock, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 / 8 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Continental Army deals with all kinds of personnel problems and shortages. In this case, Washington is taking the step of explicitly requesting better pay for his aides, as he works them very hard and must trust them with so much. He is afraid the good ones will leave his employ to seek other options if he can't pay them adequately. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hour 3 for 4/23/26 Dr. Susan Hanssen joined Drew to discuss The Revolutionary Wary (1:00). Topics: Washington and the Continental Army (4:51), Battle of Yorktown (19:38), Washington and God’s Providence (25:49), Washington’s time in Barbados (33:14), fighting alongside the French (37:18), did Washington convert to Catholicism? (42:13) and favorite presidents (47:08). Original Air date: Hour 3 for 8/26/25
Marblehead's Indispensables: Shaping the Revolution 8 sources·APRIL 12, 2026These sources examine the parallel histories of leadership and power during the Roman era and the American Revolution. The first three transcripts feature a dialogue between "Gaius" and "Germanicus," who utilize Roman political concepts—such as the principate and the plebeian rise—to analyze contemporary 21st-century American politics and geopolitical maneuvers. They contrast these classical themes with the revolutionary efforts of 1775, specifically highlighting the pivotal role of the Marblehead "indispensables." Further segments provide a detailed historical account of these soldier-mariners, documenting their expertise in critical water crossings and their role in establishing the early American Navy. Throughout the text, the authors explore how domestic conspiracies and the logistical challenges of warfare, such as gunpowder shortages and pandemics, shape the survival of empires. Ultimately, the materials reflect on how elite oligarchies and popular leaders collide during transformative historical transitions.1. Patrick O'Donnell describes the Revolution's early days in April 1775. Marblehead leaders, including Elbridge Gerry, hid in a cornfield while Britishtroops marched to seize gunpowder in Lexington. These "soldier-mariners"were essential to the success of Washington's Continental Army as the conflict transitioned into a civil war. (1)1790 JOHN TRUMBULL, DEATH OF MERCER
5. In 1776, Washington faces an assassination plot involving his own lifeguard. Following the defeat on Long Island, the Marbleheaders perform the "American Dunkirk," miraculously evacuating 9,000 soldiers across the East River under the cover of night and heavy fog, saving the Continental Army from total destruction. (5)1860 DELAWARE
#outlander Roger and Brianna arrive in Savannah, where Bree gets a proper introduction to her brother. Roger appeals to the leader of the Continental Army for weapons, but does not find the answers he needs. Amaranthus makes her feelings known. Fergus is given some extraordinary news that could potentially change his life. Rachel learns some disturbing news that may involve Ian's former Mohawk family. Jamie searches for allies when he hears of a plot that endangers him, and runs into an unexpected face.
Henry "Light-Horse Harry" Lee: Washington's Trusted General reveals the rise, power, and shocking fall of one of the American Revolution's most trusted figures. Discover how a celebrated patriot went from Washington's inner circle to ruin, and what his story warns about today. In this episode of America's Founding Series on The P.A.S. Report Podcast, the story of Henry "Light-Horse Harry" Lee is brought to life through a gripping narrative that explores leadership, reputation, and political division in early America. From elite cavalry commander to national voice after George Washington's death, Lee's journey offers a powerful lens into the fragility of legacy and the realities of the American experiment. What You'll Learn How Henry "Light-Horse Harry" Lee became one of George Washington's most trusted generals The origins of the famous phrase "first in war, first in peace" and its lasting impact How financial collapse and political division destroyed Lee's reputation and legacy The violent Baltimore mob attack and what it reveals about early American division The surprising family legacy and how Henry Lee's life shaped his son, General Robert E. Lee, and the future of a divided nation. Why Lee's story serves as a warning about reputation, unity, and the future of America
11. Washington's Moral Victory at Trenton and Princeton Guest: Ed Larson Summary: Larson recounts Washington's daring crossing of the Delaware during a nor'easter. These victories at Trenton and Princeton provided a critical moral boost for the Continental Army, forcing the British out of West Jersey. (12)1942 MONTGOMERY COUNTY PA
SHOW SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR 3-20-2-261939 OKLAHOMA1. California's Wildlife Bridge and the Homeless Crisis Guest: Jeff Bliss Summary: Jeff Bliss discusses the $100 million "Butterfly Bridge" in Agoura Hills, which is significantly over budget. He also details the "homeless industrial complex" in Los Angeles, including allegations of signature fraud and billions in missing funds. (2)2. The Billionaire Tax and California's Fiscal Deficit Guest: Jeff Bliss Summary: Bliss explores the proposed billionaire tax and the resulting exodus of capital to Florida and Texas. He examines Governor Newsom's national popularity despite a massive state budget deficit and local criticism of his leadership. (3)3. The Global Energy Crisis and Ground War Strategy Guest: Professor Richard Epstein Summary: Richard Epstein warns of a global energy crisis triggered by the Iran war, criticizing Europe's reliance on green energy. He argues that ground troops are necessary to sustain victory and hold military territory effectively. (4)4. UN Credibility and the Laws of Warfare Guest: Professor Richard Epstein Summary: Epstein critiques the UN Secretary-General for accusing Israel and the US of war crimes. He argues the UN lacks credibility and maintains that infrastructure remains a legitimate military target during times of war. (5)5. Lancaster's Pastry Economy and Infrastructure Progress Guest: Jim McTague Summary: Jim McTague observes Lancaster County's resilient economy, where residents seek "instant gratification" through French pastries during wartime. He also notes steady progress on local infrastructure projects, including a high-security data center. (6)6. Italian Judicial Reform and Tourism in Mantua Guest: Lorenzo Fiori Summary: Lorenzo Fiori explains a constitutional referendum regarding the separation of careers for magistrates and prosecutors. He also provides a travel guide to historic Mantua, recommending its medieval architecture, artichoke pasta, and regional wine. (7)7. Sector Optimism: Petroleum vs. the Housing Slump Guest: Gene Marks Summary: Gene Marks reports boom times for petroleum equipment manufacturers despite rising energy costs. Conversely, he notes that residential construction and home furnishings are struggling due to high interest rates and low buyer demand. (8)8. C-Corporation Tax Strategies and Microsoft AI Agents Guest: Gene Marks Summary: Gene Marks advises retiring entrepreneurs on converting businesses to C-corporations to avoid capital gains taxes. He also introduces Microsoft's new AI agents, which function like digital employees to automate routine administrative tasks. (9)9. Thomas Paine's Crisis and the Fabian Strategy Guest: Ed Larson Summary: Ed Larson details Thomas Paine's "American Crisis," which revitalized the patriot cause. He explains George Washington's "Fabian strategy" of tactical retreats to wear down the British army while their atrocities fueled local resistance. (10)10. Abigail Adams and the Limits of Equality Guest: Ed Larson Summary: This segment highlights Abigail Adams' plea to "remember the ladies" in the new code of laws. Ed Larson discusses how her husband, John Adams, dismissed these early calls for gender and racial equality. (11)11. Washington's Moral Victory at Trenton and Princeton Guest: Ed Larson Summary: Larson recounts Washington's daring crossing of the Delaware during a nor'easter. These victories at Trenton and Princeton provided a critical moral boost for the Continental Army, forcing the British out of West Jersey. (12)12. The Signing of Sovereignty and Revolutionary Dissent Guest: Ed Larson Summary: Details the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the adoption of radical state constitutions asserting that people alone are sovereign. Larson also explores honorable dissent through the perspective of wealthy planter John Dickinson. (13)13. WHO Nuclear Threat Warnings and Reactor Vulnerability Guest: Henry Sokolski Summary: Henry Sokolski analyzes World Health Organization preparations for a "worst-case scenario" nuclear incident. He highlights the vulnerability of regional power reactors to drone strikes and the resulting risks of large-scale radiological releases. (14)14. The Kharg Island Gambit and Vietnam Parallels Guest: Henry Sokolski Summary: Sokolski discusses reports that the US is considering an invasion of Iran's Kharg Island to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He draws historical parallels to the initial 1965 escalation of the Vietnam War. (15)15. SpaceX Starship Milestones and Artemis Safety Risks Guest: Bob Zimmerman Summary: Reports on the upcoming 12th Starship test flight and Rocket Lab's military contracts. Zimmerman criticizes NASA's Artemis program for bypassing safety steps and risking lives with untested heat shields and life support. (16)16. Lunar Water Scarcity and Asteroid Ryugu Findings Guest: Bob Zimmerman Summary: Reviews scientific data suggesting significantly less water ice on the lunar South Pole than expected. Zimmerman also discusses the discovery of DNA building blocks on asteroid Ryugu and the ongoing sun dynamo mystery. (17)
Tim Barton (WallBuilders) joins Pastor Josh McPherson with the most explosive history lesson you'll hear all year. In this raw, on-location episode filmed one block from the White House, they unpack the REAL Black Robe Regiment — the pastors who literally won the American Revolution.You were lied to in school. Jefferson wasn't a godless deist. Lincoln's story is twisted. And the Founding Fathers quoted the Bible 40-50% of the time. Pastors didn't just pray — they preached revolution, raised militias, fought with hymn books as ammo, and wrote the Bill of Rights.Tim reveals:• The pastor who ripped off his black robe mid-sermon to reveal a Continental Army uniform• The “Fighting Parson” who loaded muskets with Isaac Watts hymnals and said “Give 'em Watts, boys!”• The 50-year-old Yale pastor who stood alone on a hill firing at the British and told the officer, “I'm practicing my right of war!”If you're a pastor, father, or patriot who wants to understand why America exists and what's at stake right now, this is required listening.Support the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.
“Washington and Hamilton were governed by Willing.” — John Adams, 1813Thomas Willing voted against the Declaration of Independence. He was the wealthiest man in Philadelphia, the largest merchant trader in North America, an Anglican slave trader printing money. So he saw little reason to declare independence from Britain. Especially since the renegades — the poor Scots-Irish Presbyterians flooding into the country, the MAGA people of their day — had no love of wealthy aristocrats like himself. And then Willing did something that took everyone, even perhaps himself, by surprise: he financed the very revolution he'd voted against.In The Banker Who Made America, the financial historian Richard Vague tells a story that reframes the Founding. After Bunker Hill, Willing financed the smuggling of gunpowder via the Caribbean at a critical moment in the struggle against the British. He and his partner Robert Morris became the principal suppliers of finance and other essential materiel for the revolution. When the Continental Currency collapsed in inflationary chaos, it was Willing's bank that financed the second half of the war. The purpose of America's first bank, like the Bank of England before it, was to fund war. Without it, there would have been no successful revolution.But the real revelation in the Willing story is political. Pennsylvania radicals created the most democratic constitution in American history — an annually elected lower house, neither an upper house nor a governor with veto power. Willing and his fellow financial elites like George Washington and Alexander Hamilton hated this form of people's democracy. So when they showed up in 1787 to write the US Constitution, they'd learned their lesson: too much democracy is dangerous to the wealthy. The result — an unelected Senate, an unelected president, judges appointed for life — was, as Vague puts it, “a counterrevolution against democracy.” Even Thomas Paine ended up on Willing's payroll. This Philadelphia story became the American story. Follow the money. Five Takeaways• Thomas Willing Voted Against Independence — Then Financed It: The wealthiest man in Philadelphia, the largest merchant trader in North America, an Anglican coastal elite making money hand over fist. He voted against the Declaration of Independence on July 2, 1776. Then he smuggled gunpowder through the Caribbean, funded the Continental Army, and created America's first bank to finance the back half of the war. John Adams wrote that Washington and Hamilton were “governed by Willing.” Nobody knows his name.• The Constitution Was a Counterrevolution Against Democracy: Pennsylvania radicals created the most democratic constitution in American history — annually elected lower house, no upper house, no governor with veto power. Willing and the financial elites clawed it back. The 1787 US Constitution gave America an unelected Senate, an unelected president, and judges appointed for life. Vague calls it a counterrevolution. The tension between money and democracy has never stopped shaping American politics.• Even Thomas Paine Ended Up on Willing's Payroll: The great radical pamphleteer, author of Common Sense, defender of the rights of man — working for the financial elite he should have loathed. Man's gotta eat. It tells you everything about the relationship between money and idealism in the American founding.• The Revolution Wasn't About High Taxes: Americans' tax burden was lighter than Britain's. The real causes were financial: George Washington wanted to speculate on land west of the Appalachians. Willing wanted to start a bank. The British prevented both. The revolution was capitalism demanding permission to operate. Follow the money, Vague argues, and most history that's written without its financial dimension is incomplete.• Some Things Never Change: The purpose of America's first bank was to fund war. The Bank of England was created for the same reason in 1694. The Pentagon is seeking $200 billion for Iran as we speak. American debt has grown to $39 trillion. Willing was the only person ever to turn down the US government for a loan — and he did it twice. We could use a Willing now. About the GuestRichard Vague is a businessman, banker, and commentator on economics. He is the former Secretary of Banking and Securities for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His books include The Banker Who Made America (Polity, 2026), The Case for a Debt Jubilee, and The Paradox of Debt.References:• The Banker Who Made America by Richard Vague (Polity, 2026) — the book under discussion.• Adam Gopnik, “Who Bankrolled the American Revolution?” — The New Yorker review referenced in the conversation.• Episode 2842: Symbolic Capitalism vs. Symbolic Democracy — yesterday's TWTW on whether capitalism permits democracy or the reverse. Willing is the proof.• Philadelphia Citizen excerpt — an excerpt from the book covering Willing's vote against independence.About Keen On AmericaNobody asks more awkward questions than the Anglo-American writer and filmmaker Andrew Keen. In Keen On America, Andrew brings his pointed Transatlantic wit to making sense of the United States — hosting daily interviews about the history and future of this now venerable Republic. With nearly 2,800 episodes since the show launched on TechCrunch in 2010, Keen On America is the most prolific intellectual interview show in the history of podcasting.WebsiteSubstackYouTubeApple PodcastsSpotify Chapters:
Agrippa Hull: Liberty Requires Participation. Discover how Agrippa Hull, a free Black soldier in the American Revolution, became a forgotten patriot who fought for the promise of America. Agrippa Hull proved that freedom is not simply a gift to be received, but a legacy that must be earned through active participation. This episode explores his extraordinary service in the Continental Army, his close bond with General Tadeusz Kościuszko, and the enduring lesson his life offers at a time when too many citizens have become cynical, passive, and disconnected from the responsibilities of self-government. What You'll Learn: • How Agrippa Hull helped serve the American cause during the Revolutionary War • Why his partnership with Tadeusz Kościuszko reveals the deeper meaning of liberty • What Kościuszko's forgotten will and Thomas Jefferson's failure say about the unfinished work of freedom • How Hull's life as a soldier and landowner embodied citizenship, character, and responsibility • Why every generation must actively defend liberty or risk losing it
March 16, 2026 In early 1775, Boston was bitterly divided, The British occupied the town as Patriots built fortifications, Militiamen led by Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen seized cannons and other weapons from Fort Ticonderoga, 300 miles away, The Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army, appointing George Washington as commander in chief, Henry Knox, a friend of Washington, developed a plan to retrieve the Fort Ticonderoga cannons and bring them to Boston, After several grueling months, the cannons were delivered, As British soldiers and Washington's men traded fire in Boston, Patriots fortified the town. In a major victory for the Patriots, the British negotiated the evacuation of soldiers and loyalists from Boston, Evacuation bolstered the Patriot cause as a just and winning one. Less than four months later, Patriots took the extraordinarily daring step of declaring independence from the King. Watch today's recording here: https://www.youtube.com/live/g9TUa1Rwd6U?si=T8_KKcHQZElhpnZ-Get full, free access to Letters from an American here: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/subscribeYou can also find me:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hcrichardson.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathercoxrichardson/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/heathercoxrichardson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heathercoxrichardson Get full access to Letters from an American at heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/subscribe
250 years ago, the British evacuated Boston: driven out by cannon that had traveled 300 miles from Fort Ticonderoga. But where did the plan for those cannons take shape?In this Revisited episode, we return to our conversation with Garrett Cloer, now Program Manager for Interpretation and Visitor Experience at Saratoga National Historical Park, to explore the Longfellow House–Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site in Cambridge, Massachusetts.This Georgian mansion served as George Washington's home and headquarters for nearly nine months during the Siege of Boston. In this house, Washington forged the Continental Army and plotted the moves that liberated the city. Garrett reveals the house's Loyalist origins, life inside during the siege, and how poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow later transformed it into a literary landmark.A companion to Episode 436 on Henry Knox's Noble Train of Artillery. Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/194RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES
5. Joseph Ellis, *The Cause: The American Revolution and Its Discontents, 1773 to 1783*. Nathaniel Greene saved the Continental Army from collapse at Valley Forge by stabilizing the food supply as quartermaster. The veterans of this ordeal began to see themselves as an "aristocracy of virtue" committed to the necessity of a strong federal government. Figures like John Laurens envisioned the revolution as a crusade to end slavery, viewing it as the purest expression of the cause. Furthermore, the Continental Army was a genuinely integrated force, with African Americans making up 8-10% of the troops and serving in combat units at a level not seen again until the KoreanWar. (5)1492 COLUMBUS
Joseph Plumb Martin reveals the brutal reality behind the American Revolution and the true price of liberty. Discover how an ordinary teenage soldier endured starvation, freezing winters, and battlefield chaos to help secure American independence. The American Revolution is often told through the stories of famous founders and celebrated generals, but the survival of the new nation depended on thousands of ordinary soldiers who endured unimaginable hardship. This episode of America's Founding Series explores the life of Joseph Plumb Martin, a teenage Continental Army soldier whose firsthand account exposes the hunger, sacrifice, and perseverance that ultimately secured American liberty. His story serves as a powerful reminder that freedom was not granted by speeches or declarations but earned through years of suffering and unwavering commitment. What You'll Learn How Joseph Plumb Martin enlisted at just sixteen and spent seven grueling years in the Continental Army The harsh realities of Revolutionary War camps including starvation, firecakes, and boiling leather to survive Why the brutal winter at Morristown nearly destroyed Washington's army The chaos and extreme heat of the Battle of Monmouth and the legendary moment that inspired Molly Pitcher Why Martin's memoir stands as one of the most powerful firsthand accounts of the American Revolution This episode reveals the forgotten story of the ordinary soldier whose endurance made American independence possible and challenges listeners to reconsider the true cost of liberty.
Tench Tilghman did not need a revolution. Yet he risked everything to help win the American Revolution. In this episode of America's Founding Series, discover the forgotten patriot who became George Washington's most trusted aide and carried the official victory dispatch from Yorktown to the Continental Congress. This is the untold story of Tench Tilghman, the wealthy Maryland merchant who chose conviction over comfort and helped secure America's independence. Go behind the scenes of the Continental Army headquarters, the fragile years under the Articles of Confederation, and the decisive moment at Yorktown that changed world history. Learn why Tilghman's loyalty, sacrifice, and refusal of compensation reveal a powerful lesson about character, leadership, and the survival of a republic. What You'll Learn: Why Tench Tilghman abandoned elite comfort to join the Revolutionary War How he became George Washington's trusted right hand The hidden administrative battle that sustained the American Revolution What really happened during the 300-mile ride announcing victory at Yorktown Why republics depend on disciplined, unseen servants of liberty
America's Spartans. 400 Marylanders Hold Back 2,000 Redcoats To Save the Revolution. Long Island 1776 August 1776: The American Revolution was about to be crushed. At the Battle of Long Island (Brooklyn), Washington's army was surrounded by 20,000 British and Hessian troops. Escape routes were cut off. The Continental Army was collapsing. Then fewer than 400 men from the 1st Maryland Regiment, under Lord Stirling and Major Mordecai Gist, stepped forward for a mission few expected to survive. In one of the most heroic last stands in American military history, the Maryland 400 carried out repeated bayonet charges against veteran British forces at the Old Stone House, understanding the cost would be severe. Their sacrifice delayed the British advance for nearly an hour — just long enough for thousands of American troops to escape across the deadly Gowanus Marsh and retreat to Washington's camp at Brooklyn Heights. Watch this video at- https://youtu.be/a4T-sywgeis?si=JsCqGoRk-ZvfmjAC Clear and Present History 37.8K subscribers 99,668 views Jan 29, 2026 Clear and Present History Podcast ----- Learn More About the Maryland 400! A comprehensive book about the Maryland 400 — including biographies of all 870 known soldiers — is currently in development by the Maryland State Archives, with generous support from the Maryland Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).
Our conversation about the Continental Army's winter at Valley Forge, PA continues with a look at how the troops were trained, and what the winter of 1777-1778 tells us about the truth and legend of George Washington, humble leader...Join our America250 newsletter community! Subscribe for free to get the latest news and analysis of how America250 is playing out. Paying subscribers get access to early, ad-free versions of the show. Plus bonus features throughout the year. To support our work and get access to everything, subscribe now.This Day is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories.If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.comGet in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Audrey Mardavich is our Executive Producer at Radiotopia. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
What would you fight for if you were free but still not equal? In 1777, brothers William and Benjamin Frank answered that question by enlisting in the Second Rhode Island Regiment of the Continental Army. Freeborn men of color, they gambled that military service would earn them what freedom alone had not: equality, land, and a better future. Historian Shirley Green, author of Revolutionary Blacks: Freeborn Men of Color, Soldiers of Independence, joins us to tell their story. Drawing on genealogical research rooted in her own family history, Green reveals what daily life looked like for free Black families in Revolutionary Rhode Island, how the Frank Brothers fought at the Battles of Red Bank, Monmouth, and Rhode Island, and how the Revolution ultimately divided them—one brother serving through Yorktown, the other crossing to the British side and resettling in Nova Scotia as a Black Loyalist. Their story is a window into the full range of Black experiences during the Revolution, and a reminder that for men like William and Benjamin Frank, choosing a side was never simple. It was a calculated gamble, shaped by promises made—and promises broken. Shirley's Website | Book |Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/434 EPISODE OUTLINE00:00:00 Introduction00:01:19 The Frank Brothers' Revolutionary Choices00:05:14 Discovering the Frank Brothers Through Family Oral History00:09:01 Blending Genalogy and Microhistory00:15:22 Life for Free Black Families in Early Rhode Island00:20:50 Why Free Black Men Joined the Continental Army00:24:00 Motivations: Land, Pay, and Equality00:29:15 The Gamble of Military Service Amid Policy Shifts00:41:13 Daily Life and Combat in the Integrated Regiments00:44:46 Ben Frank's Desertion00:52:51 The Book of Negroes01:00:02 Postwar Outcomes: Did Promises of Land, Pay, and Equality Hold?01:02:47 Lessons from Black Soldiers' Experiences01:07:26 ConclusionRECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES
This week on "50 Weeks That Shaped America," we're headed to the winter of 1777-1778 and the strategic retreat by the Continental Army to Valley Forge, PA. Over the course of that winter, George Washington worked to turn the army from a group of ragtag militias into a unified force -- all with the help of a mysterious Prussian general. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss how Valley Forge was effectively a pop-up city, and how it reflected what would come in an independent United States.Join our America250 newsletter community! Subscribe for free to get the latest news and analysis of how America250 is playing out. Paying subscribers get access to early, ad-free versions of the show. Plus bonus features throughout the year. To support our work and get access to everything, subscribe now.This Day is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories.If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.comGet in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Audrey Mardavich is our Executive Producer at Radiotopia. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
More than 6,000 Black men—free and enslaved—served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Yet their stories remain some of the least told of the war. In this revisited episode, we rejoin Judith Van Buskirk, Professor Emerita of History at SUNY Cortland and author of Standing in Their Own Light: African American Patriots in the American Revolution, to explore what motivated African American men to fight for the Revolutionary cause, how the Continental Army's policies toward Black enlistment shifted over the course of the war, and what life and service looked like in units like the First Rhode Island Regiment.Judy's Book Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/403RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES
Bedtime History: Inspirational Stories for Kids and Families
George Washington was a leader of the American colonies during the Revolutionary War and later became the first president of the United States. As commander of the Continental Army, he helped guide American forces through many difficult battles. After independence, people trusted him to help shape the new nation's government. Washington set many traditions for future presidents, including serving only two terms. He is remembered for his honesty, determination, and dedication to keeping the young country united.
America’s revolutionary war would have almost certainly been lost if not for the colony’s wealthiest merchant. Thomas Willing was a prominent Philadelphia merchant and financier who, in partnership with Robert Morris, operated one of the colonies' most successful importing and exporting firms, specializing in goods such as flour, lumber, tobacco, and sugar, while later using his wealth and mercantile connections to supply the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. After the War, he brought sanity to the unstable early American economy. America was suffocating under a massive, unmanageable national debt owed to foreign lenders, domestic soldiers, and creditors, and lacking the power to tax effectively under the Articles of Confederation. The currency situation was disastrous, with various state-issued paper monies having depreciated drastically—leading to inflation and a widespread lack of confidence in the financial stability of the new republic. Thomas Willing stabilized the nascent American economy by serving as the first president of both the Bank of North America and the First Bank of the United States, where his conservative fiscal leadership established the nation’s credit and transformed the central bank into the "great regulating wheel" of the country's financial system. Today’s guest is Richard Vague, author of “The Banker Who Made America: Thomas Willing and the Rise of the American Financial Aristocracy.” We discuss how Willing bankrolled–and in the process helped save–the American Revolution, and then shaped the financial architecture of our young Republic. So powerful was Willing that President John Adams complained that George Washington and Alexander Hamilton were governed by him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.