Author Topic: America's First Civil War  (Read 1526 times)

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charlesoakwood

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America's First Civil War
« on: December 23, 2012, 10:52:12 PM »

I knew there was enmity but I didn't know there was blood.
What is that quote, Past is Prolog?

Tories: Fighting for the King in America's First Civil War [Paperback]

Release Date: November 22, 2011

The American Revolution was not simply a battle between the independence-minded colonists and the oppressive British. As Thomas B. Allen reminds us, it was also a savage and often deeply personal civil war, in which conflicting visions of America pitted neighbor against neighbor and Patriot against Tory on the battlefield, on the village green, and even in church.

In this outstanding and vital history, Allen tells the complete story of the Tories, tracing their lives and experiences throughout the revolutionary period. Based on documents in archives from Nova Scotia to London, Tories adds a fresh perspective to our knowledge of the Revolution and sheds an important new light on the little-known figures whose lives were forever changed when they remained faithful to their mother country.

A review:

By
Daniel Hurley
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This review is from: Tories: Fighting for the King in America's First Civil War (Hardcover)

Excellent look at the war of the Americans, a true Civil War of Americans with the British on the Tory side. Allen provides a fascinating history of the battles between the patriots, often termed rebels by the British and the Tories who preferred to be called Loyalists. The battle between neighbors, former friends was often violent towards each other to extreme measures literally involving burning of towns, pillaging and in some cases on the spot hangings. Significant populations of tories existed in Boston and in particularly New York and New Jersey and in the Carolinas.. The areas in NY and NJ between the large area between the British and Washington's army was called neutral ground where forces from either side, particularly tory units and patriots; literally fighting as semi-guerilla fighting, raids and an added opportunist group of virtual outlaws that would rob and kill either for any gain. The plague of either side were spies and individuals who would change sides based on circumstance or economics. Famous notorious tories included Joseph Galloway, a member of the first Continental Congress and William Franklin, Ben Franklin's son. Atrocities were committed on both sides particularly in revenge for a horrendous act by the opponent. Most puzzling was the violent treatment rendered to patriots led by New York (former governor of NC) governor Tyron who wages violent retribution against complete patriot towns that included burning homes, pillaging, rape and unnecessary violence towards helpless victims. This was supported and replicated by Franklin, Galloway and in the south by British officer Banastre Tarleton who led forces in a reported massacre in the Carolinas. This combined with Indian forces accompanying Johnny Burgoyne who killed not only numerous colonists but several women that became notable rallying cries for local patriots. These extraordinary measures, perhaps motivated by personal loss that turned to hated, seems to have ruined the British chances of winning the war in the middle to late stages when the Continental armies seemed to be on their last legs. Even late in the war, it wasn't clear who to trust such as the actions of Continental General Charles Lee at the Battle of Monmouth or the actions of one of the patriots greatest generals, Benedict Arnold. Allen covers this history from the beginnings of independence to the final declaration of peace resulting in the evacuation of NYC. A testament to the harshness between each side is exemplified by General Putnam's letter to Tyron:

Sir- Nathan Palmer, a lieutenant in your king's service, was taken in my camp as a spy. He was tried as a spy; condemned as a spy, and you may rest assured sir, he shall be hanged as a spy. I have the honor to be, &c, Israel Putnam P.S. Afternoon. He is hanged.

One of the best and most interesting books on the American Revolution.


Offline Glock32

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Re: America's First Civil War
« Reply #1 on: December 24, 2012, 06:37:25 AM »
It is indeed a fascinating "side story" to the Revolution. We've also referred to it here in other threads, how it seems to be repeating itself or will soon enough.

The British effectively lost the South due to the actions of Tarleton, particularly at Camden, SC where his forces massacred men who had surrendered. From that point forward "Give 'em Tarleton's Quarter" became a rallying cry. It meant "take no prisoners" basically. The culmination of this occurred at the Battle of Kings Mountain on the NC/SC border. The British were dealt a decisive defeat there, which effectively secured the Carolina backcountry for the Patriots.
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Offline Libertas

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Re: America's First Civil War
« Reply #2 on: December 24, 2012, 11:10:38 AM »
So in a way the brutality of some Tories galvanized resistance to the Crown, we have yet to see that play out in our time, but I hope the end result is the same - it eventually led to victory at Yorktown.  Interesting how NY still is largely enemy ground.  About the only difference is this next time there will be no external force like France coming to our aid.

We're on our own.
We are now where The Founders were when they faced despotism.