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The Rocky Road To Peace Talks
Little did anyone on either H.M.S. Vestal or the Continental Navy packet Mercury know that the capture of the packet in December 1779 would help set the stage for peace…
Read MoreEngland Finally Faces Reality in Early 1782
Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown on October 19th, 1781 was the second shockwave that rattled the British political and military establishment in the fall of 1781. The first occurred on September…
Read MoreThe Convention Army
After 19 days of off and on fighting, the Battle of Saratoga ended on October 7, 1777 with British Army General John Burgoyne surrendering his army. Burgoyne’s 6,200+ man force…
Read MoreCornwallis’ Surrender at Yorktown Did Not End the American Revolution
If most people are asked what was the last battle of the American Revolution, the answer is often Yorktown. It wasn’t. Cornwallis and approximately 8,000 men surrendered on October 19th,…
Read MoreThe Origin of the U.S. Dollar
In the 18th Century, there weren’t official exchange rates for currencies. Before and during the American Revolution, in the Thirteen Colonies there were at least 17, that’s right, 17 different…
Read MoreNicholas Biddle – One of Our Best
It is rare that the U.S. Navy names ships after one its officers, much less four. Captain Nicholas Biddle, Continental Navy is one that has been honored with four ships…
Read MoreNot Worth a Continental
Before the Battle of Lexington and Concord, currency (paper money) and specie (coins) were regulated by the British Parliament. In 1751, 1764 and as late as 1773, British Currency Acts…
Read MoreThe Pandemic of 1793
By 1793, the United States had been an independent nation for 10 years. The Treaty of Paris gave the country peace with England. Our new Constitution was ratified in 1787…
Read MoreFive Facts About JPJ You Probably Didn’t Know
John Paul Jones (JPJ) is one of the most storied naval officers of the 18th Century. He uttered the words “I have not yet begun to fight” in the battle…
Read MoreAfrican Americans in the British and Continental Armies
The first African American who died for our freedom was Crispus Attucks, who was killed in 1770 at the Boston Massacre. This event was a precursor to the American Revolution…
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