After British General Henry Clinton returns from South Carolina in June 1780, he launches a multi-pronged attack into New Jersey with the hope of finishing off the Continental Army. General Nathanael Greene makes use of limited Continental forces and local militia to protect the headquarters at Morristown. The British manage only to burn the village of Springfield before withdrawing back to New York. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and link...
Sep 04, 2022•32 min•Ep. 254
While awaiting General Clinton's return from Charleston, New York's commanding officer, Hessian General Wilhelm von Knyphausen launches a raid into New Jersey, fighting the Americans at the town of Connecticut Farms. Also, Navy Captain James Nicholson of the Trumbull, tangles with the British Privateer Watt. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendation of the Week: The Battles of Connecticut ...
Aug 21, 2022•32 min•Ep. 253
As the cost of war takes its toll in England, group of voters in Yorkshire create an Association to question the King's role in running the Government. A mob burns London to protest wartime laws allowing granting Catholics additional rights, including that of enlistment in the Army. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendation of the Week: King Mob: The Story of Lord George Gordon and the Rio...
Aug 07, 2022•33 min•Ep. 252
Colonel Banastre Tarleton slaughters a group of escaping Continentals at Waxhaw. General Clinton's edict that all colonists must join loyalist militias convinces many paroled men to rally to patriot units commanded by leaders such as Thomas Sumter and Francis Marion. Patriots attack and massacre a loyalist regiment commanded by Christian Huck. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendation of t...
Jul 24, 2022•33 min•Ep. 251
New York Loyalists and Iroquois warriors in Canada return to the Mohawk Valley in the Spring of 1780 to attack patriot towns and settlements. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendation of the Week: Watt, Gavin K. For Want of His Silver Plate, Sir John Johnson's Raid of May 1780, Dundurn, 1997. (Buy at Fort Plain Bookstore) Online Recommendation of the Week: Swiggett, Howard, War out of Niag...
Jul 10, 2022•33 min•Ep. 250
North Carolina Overmountain Men form a new government for what would become Tennessee. A British inspired raid, primarily by disparate groups of Native warriors attack the Spanish outpost at St. Louis, and the Virginia outpost at Cahokia on May 26, 1780. Both attacks are thwarted. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendation of the Week: The American Revolutionary War in the West, by Stephen ...
Jun 26, 2022•33 min•Ep. 249
After surrounding Charleston South Carolina, British General Henry Clinton compels the Continental Army under Benjamin Lincoln to surrender. The British deny their opponents the honors of war, taking the entire defending army as prisoners of war. The surrender in May 1780 marks the greatest loss for the Americans during the course of the Revolution. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendatio...
Jun 12, 2022•34 min•Ep. 248
The British under General Henry Clinton launch a full scale invasion to capture Charleston South Carolina. It takes months to move the army into place. Meanwhile the Americans under General Benjamin Lincoln prepare to meet the attack. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendation of the Week: Partisans and Redcoats: The southern conflict that turned the tide of the American Revolution, by Walt...
May 22, 2022•34 min•Ep. 247
In the spring of 1780, the Marquis de Lafayette returns to America with the good news that a French army will soon follow. He finds the Continental Army on the verge of collapse, as starving soldiers consider mutiny. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendation of the Week: Adopted Son: Washington, Lafayette, and the Friendship that Saved the Revolution, by David A. Clary Online Recommendatio...
May 08, 2022•33 min•Ep. 246
In 1780, Colonel Steven Kemble and Captain Horatio Nelson launch an attack into the heart of New Spain, in hopes of capturing new land for the British Empire. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendation of the Week: Sugden, John Nelson: A Dream of Glory, 1758–1797, Holt, 2004 (borrow on archive.org) Online Recommendation of the Week: Kotlik, George “The British Invade Nicaragua: The San Juan...
Apr 24, 2022•32 min•Ep. 245
Russia's Catherine the Great declares the right of neutral countries to continue commerce with combatant nations. Russia is joined by several other European powers, who form the League of Armed Neutrality. Britain refuses to accept the terms of the declaration, further isolating itself from most of the powers of Europe. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendation of the Week: Catherine the G...
Apr 10, 2022•34 min•Ep. 244
In January 1780 Britain send a relief fleet to resupply its garrison at Gibraltar. The Garrison had been under siege for six months by the Spanish Army and Navy. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendation of the Week: Gibraltar: The Greatest Siege in British History, by Roy and Lesley Adkins. Online Recommendation of the Week: A History Of The Siege Of Gibraltar (1779-1783), by John Drinkwa...
Mar 27, 2022•34 min•Ep. 243
The Continental and British Armies make use of the fact that New York Harbor froze over during the winter of 1779-80. Both armies send raiding parties across the ice to attack enemy outposts. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendation of the Week: Diary of a common soldier in the American Revolution, 1775-1783 : an annotated edition of the military journal of Jeremiah Greenman, or read on a...
Mar 20, 2022•35 min•Ep. 242
Increasing difficulties in recruiting soldiers forces Congress to compel states to conscript soldiers for the 1780 campaign, leading to complaints of a standing army. Pennsylvania passes the first state law abolishing slavery over time. While the law begins the process, it would not lead to a single slave being freed under the law until 1808. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendation of th...
Mar 13, 2022•33 min•Ep. 241
The British Army in North American must content for resources with the widening global war. General Clinton consolidates his armies in order to send an expedition against Charleston. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendation of the Week: Cornwallis and the War of Independence, by Franklin and Mary Wickwire. Online Recommendation of the Week: Marriot Arbutnot (More than Nelson): https://mor...
Mar 06, 2022•35 min•Ep. 240
Over the winter of 1779-80, the Continental Army endures its most difficult winter of the war at Morristown, New Jersey. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendation of the Week: The Uncertain Revolution: Washington and the Continental Army at Morristown, by John T. Cunningham Online Recommendation of the Week: Life of Israel Putnam ("Old Put"), Major-General in the Continental Army, by Incre...
Feb 20, 2022•35 min•Ep. 239
At the request of the prosecution, Arnold must wait for months to defend himself against charges. The court dismisses two of the four charges, but orders General Washington to reprimand Arnold for the other two charges. After receiving the reprimand, Arnold resumes his secret correspondence with the British. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendation of the Week: The Tragedy of Benedict Arn...
Feb 13, 2022•35 min•Ep. 238
London is deeply divided in 1779 over courts martial of top naval officers and Parliamentary hearings with General Howe and Burgoyne over the loss of the army at Saratoga. Irish militia also hold demonstrations over war-related trade restrictions. Politicians in London begin turning toward plans to cut their losses and end the war in America. Only King George III seems to remain rigidly against independence. He uses his influence to keep war hawks in power and encourage continuation of the war e...
Feb 06, 2022•35 min•Ep. 237
French Minister Conrad Gerard is replaced by Anne-César de La Luzerne. Congress realizes it needs more allies in Europe, as well as access to more cash loans. Congress gives Benjamin Franklin complete control over negotiations with France. It also appoints John Adams to negotiate a treaty with Great Britain, and John Jay as minster to Spain. Congress also appoints Henry Laurens as Minster to the Netherlands. However Laurens is captured en route and sent to the Tower of London. Blog https://blog....
Jan 30, 2022•34 min•Ep. 236
By late 1779, supply chain issues and inflation brought about by the war and Continental dollars creates economic desperation in Philadelphia. Desperate militia members place the blame on greedy merchants of questionable loyalty to the cause. Their outrage culminates in a military assault on the home of James Wilson. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendation of the Week: Arms, Country and ...
Jan 23, 2022•35 min•Ep. 235
The Continental Army cooperates with the French Navy to recapture Savannah Georgia from the British in the fall of 1779. A bloody assault on the city ends with the British holding the city, while the Americans and French withdraw. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendation of the Week: The Siege of Savannah, in 1779, by Charles C. Jones (or read on archive.org) Online Recommendation of the ...
Jan 16, 2022•33 min•Ep. 234
John Paul Jones circles around the British Isles, in search of targets to attack. Frustrated by his slow ship and disobedient officers and crew, Jones fears his mission will end in failure. then, he encounters the British warship Serapis. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Book Recommendation of the Week: John Paul Jones and the Bonhomme Richard: A Reconstruction of the Ship and an Account of the Battl...
Jan 09, 2022•34 min•Ep. 233
John Paul Jones spends nearly a year in France, awaiting a new ship. He finally receives a converted merchant ship, which he renames the Bonhomme Richard. The Commodore of a small fleets sets off to bring chaos to Britain while France and Spain prepare for a full-scale invasion of the island. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendation of the Week:...
Jan 02, 2022•34 min•Ep. 232
Major Light Horse Harry Lee leads a 1779 raid on one of the few remaining British outposts in New Jersey. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendation of the Week: 'Light Horse Harry' Lee In the War for Independence, by Jim Piecuch and John Beakes Online Recommendation of the Week: Schenawolf, Harry “Captain Allen McLane: Death Defying Spymaster of ...
Dec 26, 2021•33 min•Ep. 231
Over the summer and fall of 1779 General John Sullivan and James Clinton lead a campaign of devastation against the hostile tribes of the Iroquois Confederation in upstate New York. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendation of the Week: A Well-Executed Failure: The Sullivan Campaign Against the Iroquois, July-September 1779, by Joseph Fischer Onl...
Dec 19, 2021•36 min•Ep. 230
Spain's control of the Louisiana territory remains tenuous in the years leading up to the Revolution. After Spain intercepts British orders to capture New Orleans, Spain preempts the action by capturing British forts, including Baton Rouge. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendation of the Week: Bernardo de Gálvez: Spanish Hero of the American Rev...
Dec 12, 2021•33 min•Ep. 229
Interview with best selling author Andrew Roberts about his biography of King George III: The Last King of America: The Misunderstood Reign of George III, 2021. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Join the Facebook group, American Revolution Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/132651894048271 Join the podcast mail list: https://mailchi.mp/d3445a9cd244/ame...
Dec 09, 2021•59 min
The Massachusetts Militia, with assistance from the Continental Navy, attempt to dislodge a Loyalist base being established near modern day Castine, Maine. The American failure led to several courts martial, including that of Lt. Col. Paul Revere. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendation of the Week: The Penobscot Expedition: Commodore Saltonsta...
Dec 05, 2021•35 min•Ep. 228
The Continentals attempt to establish a fort in the Ohio region over the winter of 1778-79. Local tribes are unhappy with the deal and after a brief siege, force the Americans to withdraw back to Fort Pitt. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendations of the Week: Fort Laurens, 1778-1779: The Revolutionary War in Ohio, by James B. Gidney & Thom...
Nov 28, 2021•36 min•Ep. 227
British General William Tryon launches a series of coastal raids in Connecticut, attacking New Haven, Fairfield, and Norwalk. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendations of the Week: William Tryon and the Course of Empire: A Life in British Imperial Service, by Paul David Nelson Online Recommendation of the Week: The British Invasion of New Haven,...
Nov 21, 2021•34 min•Ep. 226
