Historical consultant!

I am home in Mississppi this week waiting patiently my new release. A full update on Dexter will come right after my release (although I do have some cute stories- learning how to go down stairs and my son dropping us off at the airport). I will keep close notes on everything as not to forget. But the next few days are dedicated to Patriot Secrets!

I am fortunate to have a nephew who is a big a history bluff as I am. Things that took me a long and tedious time to learn, he can rattle off without a thought. Adam is also an aspiring writer. He himself has completed a historical fiction book that he's in the process of revising, City of Steel. His story revolves around the battle of Stalingard during World War II. He amazes me with his knowledge of history rattling off details about battles I've never even heard of, the generals involved, treaties, the interaction of countries-I believe you can get the picture. He knows history. So I asked him. Write me a blog on your quick accessment of the American Revolution.  So I have my first guest blogger- I call him my Historical Consultant- Adam Caveness.

Commentary by Adam Gerald Caveness

         "The American Revolution was born out of a conflict between a few struggling colonies and powerful empire which in turned emerged a nation that is now called the land of the free and home of the brave. In this modern world we sometimes forget what this titanic struggle really meant and even belittle its importance. The reality that surrounds this revolution was far grimmer and darker than the school testbooks would describe to you. Looking into the details of this war not only enlightens but inspires as well. Here are some details that most people might not know..."

• Washington's army could have been destroyed after the crushing defeat at the Battle of Long Island yet skillfully escapes to fight another day in 1776 thanks to the nautical skills of John Glover.
• The British Army employed German mercenaries called Hessians against their own subjects and killed American soldiers surrendering during the Battle of Long Island.
• The freedoms that our Founding Fathers sought had inspiration from British laws such as the English Bills of Rights that were denied to them by the Crown. 
• Thomas Jefferson raged against slavery in an earlier draft of the Declaration of Independence and it was edited out in order to keep the planters' support in Congress.
• The country of Holland was to the first foreign country to respect the American flag when a patriot ship sailed into a Dutch colony in the Caribbean in 1775.
• In the winter of '75, an American force among them Benedict Arnold invaded Canada and was beaten at the Battle of Quebec.
• Washington had to deal with mutinies in the ranks.
• Within the colonies there were many who still held loyalty to the British crown even after the war ended. Many of these people whose lands and homes were confiscated than moved either Canada or England after the war.
• Many Indian tribes fought along side of the British, but a few joined the Americans such as the Chickasaw.
• There was an unique spy ring, the notorious Cupler Spy Ring, occupied New York City feeding information to the Continental Army.
• By 1777 Britian was fighting not only American rebels but the nations of Spain, France, and Holland.
• Many of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence lost their forutne and homes not to mention loved ones. Five were even captured and harshly abused even executed. A few died in poverty even after victory. 
• Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine fought and died from wounds during of the Revolutionary War.
• Both the American Patriots and the British Army promised freedom to male slaves if they would fight in theier armies. Both sides rarely kept that promise.
• There were the horrible conditions of captured Americans on British prisoner ships.
• George Washington proved his great leadership by staying and helping the soldiers during Valley Forge as other officers were taking leave.
• The American dream was once threaten by coup plot from bitter American officers months after victory at Yorktown, Virginia. How General Washington saved the new nation from it reminding and rebuking his angry comrades in his Newburgh Address in Newburgh, New York in late 1783.

A short poem

                                                       It was a Revolution

          King decreed, taxes enforced, protests advocated, futile they were, and tyranny reigns.

                 Colonists outraged, liberation sought, passion boils and defiance tall.

         Odds long, souls, tired, loyalties vary, setbacks legion, and betrayal bitter.

                   Victories few, Patriots endure, causes cherished, courage boundless, and sacrifice saves.

         Struggle ends, country won, freedom unfinished, journey continued.

                                                   It was a Revolution!