Providence and a Book

A few years ago, our family went to a large used book sale held in a mall.  While there, I acquired one book: American Historical Documents.  This was a compilation of treaties and other important documents of our nation's history.  I also debated about picking up a copy of Augustine's Confessions, but ultimately decided against it.


Not long after, I read Augustine's classic The City of God and enjoyed his writing style and excellent points (if you have not read The City of God, I would highly recommend it).  Only then did I realize that I should have acquired Augustine's Confessions when I saw it at the book sale.


Two or three years passed, and our family went to our local library's book sale.  On one of the tables was a copy of the same book I had passed up--Augustine's Confessions.


God had indeed blessed me with a copy of a book written by one of the finest Christian authors of his time, perhaps of all time--as well as a story of his providence and goodness even in little things.

Strategic Lessons from Bunker Hill

The battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775) was the first full-scale battle between British troops and rebel colonists.  The rebels had fortified Breed's Hill, which overlooked Boston.  If cannons could be placed on the hill, they could shell Boston and drive the British out.  General Howe formulated a plan to drive the colonists from their fortifications.


Some of the British were to feint (that is, to pretend to attack) the redoubts, while the elite grenadiers and light infantry were to push through a rail fence and outflank the redoubts.  Unfortunately, Howe's plan bogged down when the grenadiers and light infantry attacked the fence.  Colonel John Stark's militia fired on them, and instead of pushing on, the British stopped to open fire.  When this happened, Stark's men inflicted heavy casualties on the British.


With the grenadiers and light infantry decimated, and the outflanking maneuver a failure, Howe had to force the redoubts front-on.  He succeeded, but at an immense cost to the British army.


From this battle, the rebels believed that the British would attack earthworks head-on.  This cost them dearly at Long Island, where the same General Howe outflanked them and drove them away from New York.


As for the British, they used outflanking maneuvers in many battles, and generally won.  At Long Island, Brandywine, and Camden, the British successfully outflanked their enemy.

Through All Ages's Facebook Page

I have started a business selling historical posters, postcards, and paper soldiers.  You can see it at www.ThroughAllAges.com.  As part of promoting my business, I also created a Facebook page for my business.  There, I cover many of the same things that I do here, like historical paintings and quotes.  I also spotlight a different product every week, with behind-the-scenes tidbits or historical background on it.  And sometimes, I even post a sneak preview of an upcoming product!  Check it out at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Through-All-Ages-LLC/922590424422622

Beyond the Mask Official Trailer!

My friend William Moore of For Christ's Glory beat me to posting this, but here it is again anyway.  This exciting American Revolution movie is coming in April!  Find out more on how you can bring it to a theater near you at: http://beyondthemaskmovie.com/#/screenings

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1780-1781 Southern Theater of American Revolution by F. C. Yohn

The Southern theatre of the American Revolution proved decisive, as General Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown.  But both before and after Yorktown, many other critical battles were fought.  This gallery of paintings by the noted artist F. C. Yohn captures some of them.

To the left is a painting of the Battle of Camden.  Camden was a decisive British victory, as Lord Cornwallis destroyed an entire American army--the only one in the South--as well as the reputation of the American General Gates.

With Gates out of the way, Cornwallis sent the talented Major Patrick Ferguson on a sweep against the wild frontiersmen of North Carolina/Kentucky.  But at King's Mountain, the frontiersmen ambushed and killed him and most of his small army.

King's Mountain was matched by another British disaster at Cowpens, which led Cornwallis to chase General Greene (Gates's replacement) through North Carolina.  Finally the two armies fought it out at Guilford Courthouse, where Cornwallis defeated General Greene, though not decisively.

With Cornwallis now in Virginia, command devolved to Lord Rawdon.  Rawdon and General Greene fought it out at Hobkirk's Hill.  Another British victory, yet still not decisive.

Another British commander was appointed: Colonel Alexander Stuart.  Greene launched an ambush on Stuart's troops at Eutaw Springs, driving them back.  The battle looked like a decisive American victory, until the American attack bogged down and was then hurled back by a counter-attack.  The British repulsed the Americans, but as General Greene put it "We fight, get beat, rise, and fight again."

Greene's perseverance paid off, because Eutaw Springs was the last major battle of the Southern theater.  Late in 1782, the British army evacuated Charleston, their last post in South Carolina.

Sainsbury's OFFICIAL Christmas 2014 Ad

This touching advertisement is based on the true story of the Christmas Truce of 1914. Highly recommended!

Veteran's Day

Today is the American holiday Veteran's Day, a good time to remember the service--and sacrifice--of all who have served our country in its armed forces. Thank you!  The American holiday Veteran's Day was originally named Armistice Day, in honor of the cease-fire that ended World War I. Interestingly, World War I ended on the 11th day of the 11th month (November), at 11:00 AM.