Being a California guy and having the opportunity to visit many Rev site this summer, I became hooked on the Rev war. Since June I have accumulated 15 books which I have read. Mostly focusing on the years leading up to the Declaration. It has become more and more evident in my mind that the Rev War was our first Civil War. We seemed to be just as divided as THE Civil War although probably more so favoring the Patriots. But it was a war that as was the case of Ben Franklin a family divided. And how many families lost everything as they fled to England and never recovered. And how many sided with the Patriots for fear of losing everything. As most people did not want a war against Britain.
The divisions of loyalty within the colonies has always fascinated me. I live in an area that felt the effects of the situation. There was a family named Doan ( also spelled Doane) who lived in Bucks County PA and were very loyal to England. The brothers and cousins of the family spied for the British army and took part in several raids throughout the area. My ancestors settled in this region prior to the Revolutionary War...I'm proud to say they were staunch Patriots. I grew up hearing about the "terrible Tories" who spread fear everywhere they went. It's a very interesting history. If you want to know a bit more about it, visit the following site: www.peterprints.com/doanes.htm The Doan family is just one example of what the average colonial resident dealt with regarding their "stand" on the political issues of the day. Regards, Pam
Pam, That's an interesting link, and puts a name to the loyalist whose message was ignored by the Hessians at Trenton. The use of the term 'Whig' in the link, for those supporting the rebellion, is interesting as Banastre Tarleton was considered a 'radical Whig' in this country. Funny how complex these things can be, and labels don't always seem to fit as they should. Mark
Greetings, The "civil war" aspect of the American Revolution was nowhere felt more than in New York's Mohawk Valley, where neighbor fought neighbor, literally. Gen. Nicholas Herkimer, American commander at Oriskany, had brothers and nephews fighting with the Loyalists. Sir Guy Johnson, born and bred in the Valley, along with John and Walter Butler, led ferocious raids into the Valley by Loyalists and Indians throughout the war until 1782. One of the best historical novels is "Drums Along the Mohawk", which is a fairly accurate portrayal of the period. I highly recommend a summer tour of the Valley and surroundings (i.e., Cooperstown, Erie Canal, Oriskany barttlefield, Fort Stanwix, etc); a beautiful area with many well-preserved historic sites. Regards, Jack Kelly
The National Park Service calls the battle of Kings Mountain and the smaller engagements in the Carolina's a Civil War as often no regular British or Continental troops were in involved and if they were it was only in a leadership or what we may call today an "adviser role" . Tony
Excellent observation, it is also important to consider the fact that many colonists did not want to choose a side and attempted to stay neutral. These British citizens were not treated kindly by the revolutionists. Many lost their property and were ejected from the colonies.
It's always hard to find yourself on the other side of an issue from people you know, people who you have shared time with, people who you may call your friends. Of course, there were many people who tried to stay out of this confrontation, I think that at the end, people found themselves not only fighting against neighbors, but against family. I feel sorry for those who were forced to choose, to take a side in a fight they didn't want. But I am grateful personally to those who took a stand and fought for what they believed in, because I now live a great life because of it.
I think many people saw Britain as a powerful monarchy. They truly were at the time. They had one of the most powerful militares at the time. I think the colonists didn't want war because they feared they would all be slaughtered quickly. Luckily we had support and won.
