Delving Into History

"Few things are more stirring than gathering all the evidence you can find about some historical problem, spreading it out and satisfying yourself about what truly happened. ...Doubtless the students of today will get more notice out of space ships, guided missiles, interceptors, and the like, but there is also lasting contentment, this writer believes, in delving into the gold-loaded mountains of philosophy and history."--Glenn Tucker

Queen Anne on the Victory at Ramillies

After the Battle of Ramillies (May 23, 1706), the Duke of Marlborough wrote to Queen Anne to tell here of his victory.  Here is her reply: "The great glorious success which God almighty has been pleased to bless you with, and his preservation of your person*, one can never thank him enough for, and next to Him all things are owing to you; it is impossible for me every to say as much as I ought in return of your great and glorious services to me."

"British infantry attacking French infantry at the Battle of Ramillies" by Richard Simkin

Queen Anne had a good grasp of primary causes (God) and secondary causes (the Duke of Marlborough) that contributed to the victory at Ramillies.

*Marlborough had been in personal danger at least twice during the battle: once when his horse threw him and he was pursued by French cavalry, and again when a cannonball killed the aide holding his stirrup so the Duke could mount.

Monongahela with John Jenkins Designs

These are a few pictures I took featuring my John Jenkins figures.  These pictures attempt to recreate some scenes during Braddock's defeat at the Monongahela (July 9, 1755).  The first one shows a close-up of Captain Robert Orme with some infantrymen of Halkett's 44th Foot in the background.

The second picture is from the point of view of a French-Canadian soldier, as he reloads his musket for another shot at the British invaders.

To see more of Mr. Jenkins work, I recommend that you visit www.JohnJenkinsDesigns.com

Bunker Hill

I often feature galleries of other artists' works, but I am pleased to showcase some art of my own.  All these pictures were created using the designs of soldiers that are printed in my paper soldier book Bunker Hill Attack (available at http://throughallages.com/awi-bunker-hill-paper-soldiers.html)

The first picture is a study of an infantryman of the British 5th Regiment of Foot.  The 5th was known for its distinctive gosling-green lapels and cuffs.  The cartridge box badge features the regimental mascot of Saint George slaying the dragon.

Moving on, we see the Patriot defenders as they man their defenses on Breed's Hill.  The Battle of Bunker Hill actually took place on Breed's Hill.  The flag is known as the "Bunker Hill Flag" and is based on John Trumbull's painting.

But the defenders of Breed's Hill began to run out of ammunition as the British mounted another determined attack.  This time, they overran the dirt walls and closed with the defenders.  In this picture, British Marines clamber over the walls and charge the defenders with bayonets--a weapon that few Americans owned.  The battle ended a British victory, but as Sir Henry Clinton observed, " A few more such victories would have shortly put an end to British dominion in America."

21 June 1757: Council of War

At a hamlet called Cuttawa, a column of 3,000 British troops settled in for the night.  Some were newly-recruited English lads, who had joined His Majesty’s army and never expected a posting in India.   Others were veterans of the East India Company’s service.  The majority of the force was native soldiers, or sepoys.  All were settling down for the night.  The lights in camp were extinguished, and the pickets began their weary vigils, ensuring that no enemy could surprise them while they slept.

But one tent still remained illuminated: the tent of British commander Robert Clive, who was holding a council of war.  Twenty European officers had been convened to answer the question: “Whether in our present situation without assistance and on our own bottom it would be prudent to attack the Nabob, or whether we should wait till joined by some Country Power.”

Much was at stake, and either decision was perilous in its own way.  The British had gotten in this situation because they had backed Mir Jafar in his secret bid to become Nabob.  Mir Jafar had suggested that the British should march to Plassey and battle the current Nabob, Siraj-ud-Doula.  The British had done so—but now what?

Clive’s question haunted the air.  To wait would mean the strengthening of the Nabob’s army with seasoned French soldiers.  With them, Siraj-ud-Doula would regain courage and his armies would crush the handful of British soldiers. But to attack the Nabob seemed suicidal, especially if Mir Jafar switched allegiances and joined the fight against them.  Could 3,000 European regulars, sailors, and Indian sepoys face the Nabob’s host of 35,000?  These two unpleasant alternatives now faced the council of war.

Usually in councils of war, the most junior officer would voice his opinion first, going on until finally reaching the highest officer.  Clive, however, broke with custom and gave his opinion first.  He declared that they must wait for Mir Jafar.  Major Kilpatrick (of his Majesty’s 39^th Regiment of Foot) and Major Grant (of the East India Company) concurred.  Major Eyre Coote was of a different way of thinking. He said, “that the common soldiers were at present confident of success; that a stop so near the enemy would naturally quell this ardor, which it would be difficult to restore.”  He went on to say that a small French army would join the Nabob shortly, and when this happened, the Nabob would vigorously attack and cut off the British from their base at Calcutta.  Cut off from supplies, their position would become critical.

Down the ranks the votes went.  When it had finished, 13 officers had voted for waiting, and 7 had voted for attacking.  The vote was cast, and yet somehow Clive was not satisfied.  He exited the tent and, wandering up and down in a nearby mango grove, thought the matter over.  After an hour, he had come to a decision.

Drums beat as soldiers hurriedly formed ranks.  Officers bellowed commands and sergeants shoved and pushed to straighten the formations.  Clive had determined to march to Plassey and attack.  The battle, on 23 June, 1757, was a British victory.  Siraj-ud-Doula was killed soon after, and a grateful Mir Jafar loaded Clive and his men with presents.

“For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.”—Proverbs 24:6

Beyond the Mask: My Thoughts

The Christian movie Beyond the Mask is releasing to 100 theaters in the United States tomorrow.  I saw this movie in May, and would highly recommend that everyone see it.  This is not my full review of this movie, nor does it contain any spoilers.

1. Story

The story is well-crafted, following Will Reynolds, a former assassin trying to hide his past.  Unfortunately for him, his past keeps cropping up and he is unable to escape it.

2. Visuals

The imagery of this movie is wonderful!  From carriages to Philadelphia, the movie is full of visually lavish scenes.  The costumes as well are recreated in all their 1776 glory.  For an analysis of one--controversial--costume, go here: http://defendingthelegacy.blogspot.com/2015/04/beyond-mask-charles-kemps-india-jacket.html

3. History

The movie is set in 1775-76 during the American Revolution.  Benjamin Franklin, Independence Hall, smugglers, the East India Company, highwaymen, and George Washington all appear in the movie.  While the story itself is fictitious, many of the details of 18th Century life are correct.

4. Personal

This movie is well-done and I would like it anyways, but I love it even more because I appear in it!  If you are curious where I am, I am a rich man on the streets of Philadelphia in company with three other rich men.  My coat is olive-green with gold waistcoat and breeches.  I also worked on construction for this movie, contributing to a street of Philadelphia, a ship, a windmill, and other things.

To find out if this movie is in your area, visit: http://beyondthemaskmovie.com/cities, and if you have any questions, please drop me a comment!  

John Paul Jones, Fighting Sailor

My first glimpse of this book was on the library's shelf of children's history books.  Shortly after, a friend gave a short book report on it at our homeschool group.  I checked it out for myself and was enthralled by Armstrong Sperry's vivid prose and delightful illustrations.  

Then we moved away from that library and our new library did not possess a copy.  But with the help of the inter-library loan system, I could still check it out.  

Several years passed and I learned that Sterling Publishing was reissuing the Landmark series, and one of their titles was Armstrong Sperry's John Paul Jones.  I quickly bought a copy, only to discover that while the story was the same, the illustrations were not included.  Now I could read it, but I could not see John's uncle telling him of Culloden, or Jones's interview with the Countess of Selkirk.  I placed Sperry's original book on my list of books to acquire "someday".

Several more years passed and I attended the 2015 INCH convention as a vendor.  While there, I walked through the vendor hall and came to one of my favorite kinds of vendor: one who sells used books.  Looking through their overflowing bookshelves, I came across a Landmark book.  This immediately triggered memories of John Paul Jones, Fighting Sailor.  I asked one volunteer, and she pointed me to the booth's owner.   No, they did not have it on their shelves, she told me, but they did have other books in storage.  She quickly dispatched someone to look around in quest of the book, and I waited.  Several minutes later, he returned with an excellently-preserved copy of Armstrong Sperry's original John Paul Jones, Fighting Sailor.  Now it is proudly displayed on my bookshelf alongside my other American Revolution books.  I would highly recommend that you read it.