Project sponsored by the Maryland Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
Recent posts: Finding the Maryland 400
“The Ides of January:” Facing the New Year in the Continental Army
The end of the year was often an anxious time for the leaders of the Continental Army. As the end of 1780 approached, General “Mad” Anthony Wayne spoke for many when he wrote “I sincerely wish the Ides of January was come & past.” The cause of Wayne’s “disagreeable ideas about that period” was that […]
The amazing story of Charles Thompson, who “agreed to enlist with the Enemy–and by that Means made his escape”
The life and career of Charles Thompson is perhaps the most remarkable that we have come across in all of our biographical research for this project. Thompson showed immense courage and determination during his time in the army. In addition, piecing together the facts about his life was possible only with the assistance of some […]
Cassy’s Introduction
Hello! My name is Cassy Sottile and I am a junior at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. This fall, I will be writing biographies for the Maryland 400 project. I am currently double majoring in English and history, with a double minor in journalism and theatre. During the academic year, I am the news editor […]
The Maryland Line: Why They Fought
Today on Veteran’s Day, we take a moment to consider Maryland’s Revolutionary War veterans. Our work has always centered on the soldiers themselves–before, during, and after their time in the army–rather than the battles and political events of the American Revolution. However, we have not talked very much about one key element of these soldiers’ […]
Archives
Category Archives: Revolutionary Veterans
Revolutionary Veterans VI: The Long and Eventful Life of William McMillan
Regular readers of Finding the Maryland 400 will already know about William McMillan. As a 20 year old sergeant at the Battle of Brooklyn, McMillan survived a battle where “My captain was killed, first lieutenant was killed, second lieutenant shot … Continue reading
Revolutionary Veterans V: Thomas Stockett Brewer of Annapolis
Thomas Stockett Brewer also remained in his home state after the war. Brewer hailed from Anne Arundel County and likely lived in Annapolis before the war, where he was surrounded by patriotic sentiment. He likely worked as an apprentice or … Continue reading
Revolutionary Veterans IV: The Tragic Fate of James Marle
James Marle, a young man who enlisted as a fifer but was instead given a musket, shows the other reality that many veterans faced when they left Maryland. Originally from Baltimore County, Marle joined the military to be a musician … Continue reading
Revolutionary Veterans III: Leonard Watkins, gearmaker
Leonard Watkins decided to permanently return to his home in Montgomery County, Maryland, after the Revolution ended. Being a craftsman, Watkins did not face the same struggles that many of his fellow soldiers dealt with in acquiring land or growing … Continue reading
Revolutionary Veterans II: Levin Frazier, Soldier, Sailor, Land Owner
Levin Frazier, a farmer from Dorchester County, illustrates the possibilities of success for the veterans who chose to remain in Maryland after the war. He was born a poor man in his home county, and it is unlikely that he … Continue reading
Revolutionary Veterans I: Mark McPherson, Kentucky Gentleman
Mark McPherson, a planter born in Maryland to a marginally successful family, left his home state despite having land and means in Maryland. A resident of Charles County, he inherited land from parents who died while he was still young. … Continue reading
The Fates of Revolutionary War Veterans
Today, the Revolutionary War is remembered as a triumph of liberty, a great struggle for the ideal of freedom that the American colonists so greatly desired. In truth, however, it was much more. The Revolution was not just a war … Continue reading
