DOCSLIB.ORG

Ecticut Tercentenary Celebration

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Ecticut Tercentenary Celebration ecticut Tercentenary Celebration DANBURY- BETHEL Settled in 1685 f<ww •» OkO PRutS-. September 15 to 21, 1935 PRICE 25c. L , . t • • n- i IV • ^ J -JRIBBB p , tfl HHLraJL* •HI i '; £w lifts •M ali MM • • • V: , « J- N T - * - I* ' ' ' ' ? ^ , • '' >- M m 4 . » iiiii iiillli ...,• . x' ... .>»«'....,... .. ^ i - ..,',.«_.....,...' m ills iliSflll ilif t V L 3 , - , I I M •• 1 H f| • SKI V r I 7 > ' j? ! > J 1 •i Ht 111 1, „ , „fr^ ' : / .'-aPhis -•'•"••"•-".."SHS i'S* . if « " •: i '* :' : f tf SS . .1 .... ..... , ... : If. f * ® IS • • - ' ' .-'.. '..... a : 5 •• . Si® • • ' : •^^tMkm&mBMmmS i • ' i ' ''i^riii "mi r J j;,' ,*>Im 1 ' SSSSSfSlStS fmiMimm i^Sf- B •i : . iM < : %' B • *' ' \< • J ' • si«8i I BPPPB^^^T^ mf > • ' . - • ..<•.'•-' SC. iiiuii iimm^MS^Mi'^31 / :-i--i[.if.h • S ' . • " if^BiiiiiJ- ' ... - 'f •• I . Ill saiff-a; - lili Connecticut State Libran 3 0231 00061 1256 The Connecticut Tercentenary 1635 1935 and The Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Settlement of the Town of Danbury which included the Society of Bethel 1685 1935 A Short Historical Sketch of the Early Days of Both Towns Program of Events for the Tercentennial Celebration -f-Jlf PUBLISHED BY THE TERCENTENARY COMMITTEE PROGRAM SUNDAY, SEPT. 15TH Observance of the Tercentennial by all the Churches separately at the usual services. 4 p.m. Floats Parade. 7 p.m. Outdoor Union Service of All Churches Corner Deer Hill Avenue and Wooster Street. MONDAY, SEPT. 16TH 8 p.m. Colonial Ball, Elks Auditorium. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 17TH 8 p.m. Tercentenary Concert, Empress Theatre. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, SEPT. 20 AND 21 8 p.m. Historical Pageant, "The People of the Book" Danbury Fair Grounds. Bethel is joining with Danbury in the main events of Tercentenary Week. In addition, Bethel will observe the Tercentennial separately as follows: SUNDAY, SEPT. 15TH Observance of the Tercentennial by all the Churches separately at the usual services. WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, SEPT. 18TH, 19TH AND 20TH Exhibits of Antiques and Relics at the Masonic Temple. DANBURY TERCENTENARY COMMITTEE Chairman—Thomas J. Bowen Vice-Chairman—John C. Doran Secretary—Harold F. Dow Treasurer—Arthur J. Hurley Honorary Chairmen—Mayor Adam A. Roth 1st Selectman Edward A. Culhane EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Thomas J. Bowen Mrs. John C. Downs Charles E. Carter George F. Green James R. Case Arthur J. Hurley Mrs. Leroy Chapman J. Moss Ives Mrs. Andrew Conniff Wilbur F. Tomlinson Martin J. Cunningham Donald Tweedy John C. Doran Albert P. Walsh Harold F. Dow Lynn W. Wilson CHAIRMEN OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES Colonial Costume Ball ---------- - Frank Belmar Parade of Floats ---------- - William J. Connors Pageantry and Music - -- -- -- -- - Donald Tweedy Director of Personnel -------- - George E. Allingham Tickets -------------- - Albert P. Walsh Information Booth ---------- - Charles E. Carter Industrial Exhibit ----------- Robert J. Dobbs Transportation ------------A. William Sperry Historical Program - -- -- -- -- -- -J. Moss Ives Markers - -- -- -- -- -- - Mrs. Chester H. Brush Publicity -------------- Lynn W. Wilson BETHEL TERCENTENARY COMMITTEE Chairman—Burton F. Sherwood Sec.-Treas.—Frank E. Hurgin CHAIRMEN OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES Exhibits ---------- ^ - - - Morris Britto, Jr. Markers --------------- C. K. Bailey Pageants and Floats ---------- Anna Laura Smith Tickets ----- Earl M. Smith HISTORIC DANBURY Danbury is not only observing this year, the tercentenial of the State of Connecticut, one of the thirteen original states which formed the National Union, it is also observing the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of this historic old town. Perhaps you would like to know something of the early history of Danbury, how and when it was settled, of interesting events that occurred here during the War of the Ameri- can Revolution, and of the beginning of the hat industry which has made Danbury famous as the hatting center of the country. Therefore, we have briefly set forth some of the highlights of the early history of the town. THE FIRST SETTLERS In the spring of the year 1685, just two hundred and fifty years ago, the first permanent settlement of Danbury was made. During the summer of the year previous some of the first settlers had set out from the town of Norwalk, and headed northward on an old Indian trail, looking for fertile inland fields where the soil would be more produc- tive than it was near the waters of Long Island Sound. They came to the valley where today is the site of the City of Danbury. They were attracted both by the beauty and fertility of this valley and here they decided to build their new homes. To their eyes it was an attractive spot with fertile green fields lying between gently sloping hills and out- lying meadowlands through which flowed many small streams making at their junction a river flowing to the northward to join the larger river which is now known as the Housatonic. During the late autumn most of these pioneers returned to Nor- walk. A few remained for the winter. The eight families who made their permanent abodes here did not come to Danbury until the following spring so it cannot be said that the first real settlement was made until then. The names of these first settlers were: Thomas Taylor, Francis Bushnell, Thomas Barnum, John Hoyt, James Benedict, Samuel Bene- dict, James Beebe and Judah Gregory. They brought their families with them and built their homes. There are many direct descendants of these first settlers living in Danbury today. The homes of the first settlers were built at the southern end of what is now Main Street, then called Town Street. The lands were purchased of the Indian proprietors. Little is known of the Indians [S] CUT BY WARREN C. ROCKWELL VIEW OF CENTRAL PART OF BOROUGH OF DANBURY, 1830 who owned the land in the valley. They were a friendly tribe and made no trouble. The Indians had named the valley Pahquioque, which meant an open plain, and the settlement was first known as "the plantation of Pahquioque." This name, difficult of both spelling and pronunciation, now only survives in one street called Pahquioque Avenue and in the names of several organizations. It was once used for the name of a popular tavern and of one of Danbury's banks. The tavern burned and with it the name. The bank changed its name long since. Danbury was first made a town by act of the General Court in 1687. The petition was presented on behalf of the inhabitants of the plantation of Pahquioque, who asked that the town be named "Swam- feild" (Swampfield). A swamp on the east side of Main Street was an important feature of the topography. The petition stated that "there are twentie families inhabiting at Pahquioque and more desirable per- sons a-cominge." Danbury escaped being christened Swampfield for the General Court named the new town Danbury, after the old village of Danbury (anciently Danebury) in Essex County, England. It is prob- able that some of the first settlers came from Danbury, England. The official survey showed the territory of the town to be eight miles in length, running north and south, six miles in width, east and west. This territory included what is now the town of Bethel which was not separately incorporated until 1855, so that Bethel shares in the early history of Danbury and in the two hundred and fiftieth anni- versary of the first settlement. Gradually as the years went on the little settlement grew and pros- pered. The main street extended its length and took on new houses until it stretched nearly two miles from south to north. Until the last quarter century the old street was lined with beautiful elms but modern city improvements have laid waste most of these old trees. There is little documentary evidence of the history and growth of the Town and its settlement until 1777, as the Town Records were all destroyed at the time of Tryon's raid. THE BRITISH RAID ON DANBURY The outbreak of the Revolution found the town of Danbury with a population of 2,470. When in April of 1775 the shot that was "heard around the world" was fired at Lexington, the bell on the meeting house was rung and patriots were summoned to arms. A company of ninety-eight able-bodied men was organized and sent for duty with the northern army at Lake Champlain. The first man to enlist in this company was Enoch Crosby, a shoemaker, who afterwards became f 7 1 famous as a Revolutionary spy operating in Putnam and Duchess counties, New York. The event of chief historic interest in the story of Danbury's past was the raid made by General Tryon, commanding the British forces in New York in 1777. This raid was made because the commissioners of the American army had chosen Danbury for a deposit of a large quantity of military stores. General Tryon set out from New York with a force of two thousand troops for the purpose of destroying these stores. This force landed at Compo Point in the town of Fairfield, and marched directly to Danbury. As soon as the landing was made and it became known that Danbury was the objective of the expedition a call was sent out for the gathering of the state militia forces. General David Wooster, who was living in New Haven, responded to the call as did also General Benedict Arnold, who happened to be home on fur- lough, and was eager to get into some real fighting. Wooster ordered the militia to march to Fairfield where he was joined by Arnold. There at Fairfield they learned that General Silliman, who was in command of the Department of Connecticut, had started for Redding on the way to Danbury, and had sent word to have the militia report at Redding.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Heritage Library News, Winter 2008
    Volume XI Issue 4 Winter 2008 Heritage Library News BIRDIES FOR CHARITY TIME Sign up now! INAUGURAL FESTIVAL WINDS UP WITH A BANG The Library finished its tenth anniversary year with a festival at Historic It’s Birdies For Charity time and Honey Horn in early October celebrating not just our library’s accomplishments we have been invited to take part since its founding in 1997, but more importantly the history of the Island and the again this year. We ask you to diverse cultures and heritage of its residents and visitors. By all accounts it was please use the form included in this greeted with great enthusiasm by those attending the Sunday Afternoon newsletter and pledge One Cent or more for every birdie scored in the festivities under the 2008 Verizon Heritage golf tourna- live oaks and on the ment to be played on The Harbour fields of Historic Town Links April 14th thru 20th. If Honey Horn. you would rather, you may pledge a The audience, fixed amount. modest but enthusi- The Heritage Classic Founda- astic, thrilled to the tion, which runs the tournament, demonstrations of sets aside approximately $100,000 military contingents from tournament distributions to representing the charity and distributes it among the Revolutionary and Birdies for Charity participants ac- Civil War periods in cording to the funds each group our history. They raises. We realized $4,354.64 last cheered on the danc- year.—$3,094.29 pledged by 41 ers and singers from (Continued on page 2) the Hilton Head Sounds of the Civil War—Ten Pound Parrot Gun in Action School for the Arts, the Barbershoppers, and the Step- Inside This Issue ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE pin’ Stones Band.
    [Show full text]
  • The Battle of Ridgefield: April 27, 1777
    American Revolution & Colonial Life Programs Pre and Post Lesson Plans & Activities The Battle of Ridgefield: April 27, 1777 • The Battle of Ridgefield was the only inland battle fought in Connecticut during the Revolutionary War. • Captain Benedict Arnold was the main commander for the battle as the British marched upon a weak Colonial Army. Arnold's defenses kept the British at bay until the larger army could come later. • Brigadier General Gold Selleck Silliman of Fairfield was also involved in the battle. In the primary source letter below, he sends word to General Wooster that they need reinforcements. • Silliman’s 2nd wife, Mary Silliman, writes to her parents after the battle, relieved that her husband and son were unharmed. Although her parents are only a few towns away, she is unable to travel the distance. • Another primary source is a silhouette of Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Gould of Fairfield, who died during the battle. At the Fairfield Museum: • Students will view a painted portrait of Mary Silliman in the galleries. • Students will see the grave marker for General Gold Selleck Silliman, his first wife, and a few of his children. • Students will also see the grave marker of Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Gould. Fairfield Museum & History Center | Fairfieldhistory.org | American Revolution: The Battle of Ridgefield A brief synopsis – The Battle of Fairfield: General Tryon of the British army thought that he would be warmly received by the people of Ridgefield after taking out a Colonial supply post just days earlier. Tryon, to his dismay, learned that the town was being barricaded by none other than General Benedict Arnold.
    [Show full text]
  • TOURS 1. Ethan Allen: the Green Mountain Boys and the Arsenal
    TOURS 1. Ethan Allen: The Green Mountain Boys and the Arsenal of the Revolution When the Green Mountain Boys—many of them Connecticut natives—heard about the Battles of Lexington and Concord, they jumped at the chance to attack the British Fort Ticonderoga in the despised state of New York. • Biographies o Benjamin Tallmadge (codename John Bolton) and the Culper Spy Ring o William Franklin, Loyalist Son of Benjamin Franklin o Seth Warner Leader of the Green Mountain Boys 2. Danbury Raid and the Forgotten General The British think they can land at the mouth of the Saugatuck River on Long Island Sound, rush inland, and destroy the Patriot’s supply depot in Danbury. They succeed, but at great cost thanks to the leadership of Benedict Arnold and General David Wooster. • Biographies o Sybil Ludington, the “Female Paul Revere” o Major General David Wooster o British General William Tyron 3. Israel Putnam and the Escape at Horse Neck Many of the most important military leaders of the American Revolution fought in the French and Indian War. Follow the life and exploits of one of those old veterans, Israel Putnam, as he leads his green Connecticut farmers against the mightiest military in the world. • Biographies and Boxes o General David Waterbury Jr. and Fort Stamford o The Winter Encampment at Redding, 1778-1779 o General David Humphreys o Loyalist Provincial Corp: Connecticut Tories 4. Side Tour: Farmer Put and the Wolf Den In 1742 Israel Putnam’s legend may have started when he killed the last wolf in Connecticut. © 2012 BICYCLETOURS.COM 5.
    [Show full text]
  • Battle of Ridgefield - Wikipedia
    Battle of Ridgefield - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Ridgefield Coordinates: 41°18′19″N 73°30′5″W The Battle of Ridgefield was a battle and a series of Battle of Ridgefield skirmishes between American and British forces during the American Revolutionary War. The main battle was fought in Part of the American Revolutionary War the village of Ridgefield, Connecticut, on April 27, 1777. More skirmishing occurred the next day between Ridgefield and the coastline near Westport, Connecticut. On April 25, 1777, a British force landed between Fairfield and Norwalk (now Westport) under the command of New York's Royal Governor Major General William Tryon. They marched to Danbury, where they destroyed Continental Army supplies after chasing off a small garrison of troops. Word spread concerning the British troop movements, and Connecticut militia leaders sprang into action. Major General David Wooster, Brigadier General Gold Selleck Silliman, and Brigadier General Benedict Arnold raised a combined force of roughly 700 Continental Army regular and irregular local militia forces to oppose the raiders, but they could not reach Danbury in time to prevent the destruction of the supplies. Instead, they set out to harass the British on their return to the coast. The company led by General Wooster twice attacked Tryon's Monument to David Wooster in Danbury, rear guard during their march south on April 27. Wooster was Connecticut mortally wounded in the second encounter, and he died five days later. The main encounter then took place at Ridgefield, Date April 27, 1777 where several hundred militia under Arnold's command Location Ridgefield, Connecticut and confronted the British; they were driven away in a running present-day Westport battle down the town's main street, but not before inflicting casualties on the British.
    [Show full text]
  • Event Program
    Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution CELEBRATES 240th ANNIVERSARY OF THE INVASION OF NEW HAVEN, CT Fort Wooster Park – Beacon Hill at 1 Beacon Avenue, New Haven, CT. Rededication of SAR Tablet placed in 1895 By the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Saturday July 13, 2019 10:00 a.m till Noon Introductions President of the Connecticut Society of the SAR Damien Cregeau Commander of the Connecticut Line David Perkins Commander 2nd Company Governor’s Foot Guard Richard Greenwalch Past Grand Marshall of the Connecticut Masons Marshall Robinson Honorable Mayor of New Haven Toni Harp Co-Chairman of the Friends of Wooster Park Susan Marchese State Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution Christly Hendrie The Connecticut 6th Regiment Rick Shreiner Yale Veterans Liaison Jack Beecher Executive Director of the New Haven Museum Margaret Tockarshewsky Past State Troubadour Thomas Callinan 2nd Company Governors Horse Guard Steven Chapman Program Posting of the colors The Connecticut Line, 2nd Company Foot Guard, 6th Connecticut Regiment Invocation Heavenly Father, we are here today to cherish the memories of the patriots, a little militia company with muskets and a small cannon who fought a valiant resistance against British soldiers and mercenaries. We are standing on the battlefield that was once filled with smoke and carnage. This conflict gave new life and vigor to the very spirit that it aimed to quelch. This battle and similar battles against overwhelming forces help to forge the liberty and freedom we enjoy today in the United States of America. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
    [Show full text]
  • Battle of Quebec (1775) - Wikipedia
    Battle of Quebec (1775) - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Quebec_(1775) Coordinates: 46°48′54″N 71°12′8″W The Battle of Quebec (French: Bataille de Québec) was Battle of Quebec fought on December 31, 1775, between American Continental Army forces and the British defenders of Part of the American Revolutionary War Quebec City early in the American Revolutionary War. The battle was the first major defeat of the war for the Americans, and it came with heavy losses. General Richard Montgomery was killed, Benedict Arnold was wounded, and Daniel Morgan and more than 400 men were taken prisoner. The city's garrison, a motley assortment of regular troops and militia led by Quebec's provincial governor, General Guy Carleton, suffered a small number of casualties. Montgomery's army had captured Montreal on November British and Canadian forces attacking 13, and early in December they became one force that was Arnold's column in the Sault-au-Matelot led by Arnold, whose men had made an arduous trek painting by C. W. Jefferys through the wilderness of northern New England. Governor Carleton had escaped from Montreal to Quebec, Date December 31, 1775 the Americans' next objective, and last-minute Location Quebec City, Province of Quebec reinforcements arrived to bolster the city's limited (present-day Canada) defenses before the attacking force's arrival. Concerned that expiring enlistments would reduce his force, Result British victory[1] Montgomery made the end-of-year attack in a blinding snowstorm to conceal his army's movements. The plan End of American offensive was for separate forces led by Montgomery and Arnold to operations in Canada.
    [Show full text]
  • Smallpox in Washington's Army: Strategic Implications of the Disease During the American Revolutionary War Author(S): Ann M
    Smallpox in Washington's Army: Strategic Implications of the Disease during the American Revolutionary War Author(s): Ann M. Becker Reviewed work(s): Source: The Journal of Military History, Vol. 68, No. 2 (Apr., 2004), pp. 381-430 Published by: Society for Military History Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3397473 . Accessed: 02/11/2011 18:34 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at . http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact [email protected]. Society for Military History is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to The Journal of Military History. http://www.jstor.org Smallpox in Washington's Army: Strategic Implications of the Disease During the American Revolutionary War Ann M. Becker Abstract The prevalence of smallpox duringthe early years of the American Warfor Independenceposed a very real danger to the success of the Revolution.This essay documents the impactof the deadly disease on the course of militaryactivities during the war and analyzes small- pox as a criticalfactor in the militarydecision-making process. Histo- rianshave rarelydelved intothe significantimplications smallpox held for eighteenth-centurymilitary strategy and battlefieldeffectiveness, yet the disease nearly crippledAmerican efforts in the campaigns of 1775 and 1776. Smallpox was a majorfactor duringthe American invasionof Canada and the siege of Boston.
    [Show full text]
  • American Revolution - Château Ramezay
    American Revolution - Château Ramezay http://www.chateauramezay.qc.ca/en/museum/history/american-revolution/ (/en/) ERING (/EN/DONATIONS-EVENTS/) | PRESS ROOM (/EN/PRESS-ROOM/) | CONTACT US (/EN/CONTACT-US/) | SITE MAP (/EN/SITE-MAP/) | FRANÇAIS (/FR/MUSEE/HISTORIQUE/LA-REVOLUTION-AMERICAINE/) HOME (/EN/) PRACTICAL INFORMATION (/EN/PRACTICAL-INFORMATION/) MUSEUM (/EN/MUSEUM/) History (/en/museum/history/) American Revolution (/en/museum/history/american-revolution/) Collections (/en/museum/collections/) Château Team (/en/museum/chateau-team/) Job Offers (/en/museum/job-offers/) Become a member (/en/museum/become-member/) Partners (/en/museum/partners/) EXHIBITIONS (/EN/EXHIBITIONS/) GARDEN (/EN/GARDEN/) ACTIVITIES & EDUCATION (/EN/ACTIVITIES-AND-ANIMATION/) SERVICES AND RENTALS (/EN/SERVICES/) FUNDRAISING EVENTS (/EN/FUNDRAISING-EVENTS/) THE CHÂTEAU RAMEZAY DURING THE AMERICAN INVASION OF 1775-1776 THE CHÂTEAU RAMEZAY AT THE TIME OF THE INVASION From the time it was constructed in 1705, the Château Ramezay was a place associated with power; first administrative power, then commercial. Built as a private residence for Claude de Ramezay, Governor of Montréal, the Château subsequently welcomed the intendants of New France when they were in town. The Compagnie des Indes, in charge of the fur trade on the continent, set up its offices there from 1745 to 1760. After the conquest of New France, the Château Ramezay once again found itself at the centre of political events during the American invasion of 1775-1776. THE REASONS FOR THE INVASION In the spring of 1775, Guy Carleton, Governor General of the new British colony, was informed that the United Colonies were planning to invade 1 of 4 6/28/17, 1:39 PM American Revolution - Château Ramezay http://www.chateauramezay.qc.ca/en/museum/history/american-revolution/ the Province of Québec.
    [Show full text]
  • The Continental Army Vs. the Continental Congress
    Louisiana State University LSU Digital Commons LSU Master's Theses Graduate School 2012 "A Damned Set of Rascals" the Continental Army vs. the Continental Congress: tensions among revolutionaries Megan Wilson Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses Part of the History Commons Recommended Citation Wilson, Megan, ""A Damned Set of Rascals" the Continental Army vs. the Continental Congress: tensions among revolutionaries" (2012). LSU Master's Theses. 1200. https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/1200 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at LSU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in LSU Master's Theses by an authorized graduate school editor of LSU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. “A DAMNED SET OF RASCALS” THE CONTINENTAL ARMY VS. THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS: TENSIONS AMONG REVOLUTIONARIES A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in The Department of History by Megan Wilson B.A., Rice University, 2007 May 2012 For Mom and Dad, Thank you for everything ii Acknowledgments The process of writing a thesis has been more difficult and satisfying than I could have imagined. It would not have been possible without my friends and advisers who have provided immeasurable guidance and support along the way. I owe the largest debt of gratitude to my parents. From the beginning, they have encouraged my love of history and the American Revolution.
    [Show full text]
  • Economic Factors in the Military Career of Benedict Arnold
    University of Rhode Island DigitalCommons@URI Open Access Master's Theses 1995 AN INDELICATE BALANCE; ECONOMIC FACTORS IN THE MILITARY CAREER OF BENEDICT ARNOLD Robert A. Scappini University of Rhode Island Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses Recommended Citation Scappini, Robert A., "AN INDELICATE BALANCE; ECONOMIC FACTORS IN THE MILITARY CAREER OF BENEDICT ARNOLD" (1995). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 1813. https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/1813 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@URI. It has been accepted for inclusion in Open Access Master's Theses by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@URI. For more information, please contact [email protected]. AN INDELICATE BALANCE; ECONOMIC FACTORS IN THE MILITARY CAREER OF BENEDICT ARNOLD BY ROBERT A. SCAPPINI A THESIS IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN HISTORY UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 1995 ABSTRACT This thesis will examine Benedict Arnold's life assessing the mercenary nature of his military career in the larger context of financial gain under the guise of military opera­ tions. Arnold's actions as a Continental officer and as a British general became overshadowed by his act of treason, and as such, there has been no serious examination of his personal and business affai rs from 1779 to 1801. Throughout the war Arnold was the object of several Con­ gressional and military investigations for financial misman- agernent and abuse of power. The accusations against Arnold would become secondar y , as the priorities of the war super­ ceded the need for justice.
    [Show full text]
  • Danbury Raid and the Forgotten General
    Danbury Raid and the Forgotten General “I am dying, but with a strong hope and persuasion that my country will gain her independence.” General David Wooster’s dying words after being mortally wounded by the British at the Battle of Ridgefield on the Danbury Raid, 1777 Start/Finish: Compo Beach / Cedar Point, Westport, Connecticut Distance: 61.5 miles Terrain: In town cycling, country roads and some busier sections Difficulty: Hilly with some steep grades Connecticut supplied more food and cannons to the Continental Army during the American Revolution than any other state, which explains why it was eventually known as the “provision state.” Soldiers cannot survive for long if they must rely on the local population for food, clean water, clothing, tents, blankets and other basics, especially in an environment where more colonists were Loyalists or neutral than most contemporary Americans realize. The Rebels simply had to have an organized, well-protected supply line. Danbury, located just 25 miles from Long Island Sound and between New York and Boston, was ideally situated for a major depot. After American victories at Trenton and Princeton in 1776 and 1777, the British felt an urgent need to go on the offensive. They took advantage of their control of the waterways and moved 26 ships off of Compo Beach in Fairfield as a staging area for an attack on Danbury. Today there’s a fantastic Cannon Revolutionary War Memorial at the spot in Westport where the Redcoats came ashore on April 25, 1777 under the leadership of British New York Governor Tryon. Nearly 2000 British troops moved quickly in a forced march through the farm- covered landscape.
    [Show full text]
  • Slavery and Abolition in the Founding Era Gilderlehrman.Org 7 Black and White Voices
    Slavery and Abolition in the Founding Era gilderlehrman.org 7 Black and White Voices SAFE_Cov6.indd 1 2/25/2021 5:36:00 PM Slavery and Abolition in the Founding Era 7 Black and White Voices COMPILED AND EDITED BY JAMES G. BASKER NICOLE A. SEARY © 2021 The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, New York, NY 49 w. 45th st., 2nd floor new york, ny 10036 646-366-9666 gilderlehrman.org isbn 978-1-953611-10-9 cover illustrations (clockwise from top left) Rev. Lemuel Haynes, AM, undated engraving. (Print Collection, Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs, The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations.) Phillis Wheatley, frontispiece from Phillis Wheatley, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, London, 1773. (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, GLC06154.) Mrs. Perez Morton [Sarah Wentworth Apthorp Morton], Gilbert Stuart, ca. 1802, oil on canvas. (Juliana Cheney Edwards Collection, 39.681. Photograph © 2021 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.) Rt. Rev. Richard Allen from Distinguished Colored Men, A. Muller, New York, 1883. (Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress.) James Forten, unidentified artist, ca. 1818, watercolor. (Leon Gardiner Collection 151. Historical Society of Pennsylvania.) Colonel David Humphreys, Gilbert Stuart, ca. 1808–1810, oil on wood. (Yale University Art Gallery.) CONTENTS Introduction by James G. Basker ............................... v Section III Acknowledgments .................................................... vii The Unrealized Promise of Freedom: Slavery and the Ongoing Abolitionist Struggle ............................ 29 A Chronology of Major Events in the History of Slavery and Abolition .............................................. viii ANONYMOUS (“L.B.C.” OF ARLINGTON, BENNINGTON COUNTY, VERMONT] .......... 33 from “Reflections on the Slavery of the Negroes, Section I Addressed to the Conscience of Every American Black Voices at the Time of the American Revolution ..
    [Show full text]