Many e-mails have come in asking about characters and events in My Brother Sam is Dead seeing the book takes place in Redding, CT and this site is all about Redding. To make it easier I have listed the information about some of the characters below. I have also included information on Putnam Memorial park as it relates to the encampment Sam Meeker was stationed at. This page is updated frequently as new information about people and events relating to my brother Sam is dead is found. Last update: May 14, 2008. Photos of Redding Ridge and the Annual Putnam Park history walk. Photos of Redding's "Militia Day" where students learn all about 18th Century Life.

Quick link to Characters | Putnam's Encampment | The Executions at Gallow's Hill | Other Topics of Interest: Brown Bess, Loyalists, Militias | Photos | Chapter by Chapter Summary | Notes about Real-Events | Colonial Money, Commissary Notes, Financing the War and Inflation Issues | Map | Camp Life and Orders Relating to Redding's Encampment | Cowboys and Skinners | Taverns

New: Places you can visit related to My Brother Sam is Dead

About my brother Sam is dead:

My Brother Sam Is Dead (1974) is a young adult novel by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier. It was a Newbery Honor book that was also named a Notable Children's Book by the American Library Association and nominated for a National Book Award in 1975. (from http://en.wikipedia.org)

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

The novel recounts the tragedy that strikes Tim Meeker and his family during the Revolutionary War when Tim's older brother Sam joins the rebel forces while the rest of the family (especially Tim and Sam's father), try to stay neutral. The novel opens at the dawn of the revolution on April 20th, 1775. The problems with trying to stay neutral while living in a Tory town was that everyone outside of the town assumed Redding was a loyalist settlement. Tim's family would have to endure conflicts & tragedy for that reason. They owned a tavern, and keeping it running was hard work. Even prior to the Revolution, to make money, each year Tim's Father and brother Sam would go to New York State and sell the cattle they received from people who owed them money. Since Sam had sided with the rebels and wasn't there, Tim's Father (Life) took Tim without his Brown Bess (musket/gun used for protection), which Sam had recently stolen, on his yearly cattle run to New York. Life is captured on their way back to Redding by cowboys, leaving Tim to take care of his mother and himself for the rest of the novel. Tim is forced to grow up over night seeing he is now the man of the house, with his father in prison and Sam fighting with the patriots. The British march though Redding and capture several Patriots there on their way to Danbury, CT to destroy the rebels/Patriot's provisions of war which were being stored there. The Patriot soldiers arrive in Redding in pursuit of the British and Sam was with them so Sam gets to see his mother and Tim again. Later Sam is arrested for being a cattle thief (even though he wasn't guilty of the crime) while the Patriot troops are encamped in Redding during the winter of 1778-79. Sam is executed for the crime while Tim is watching. Tim's Mother goes a little crazy due to the stress of losing her husband and son to a war she doesn't support. Tim lives to be very old. He had a wife, children, even grandchildren. But his mother never recovers from Life and Sam's deaths.

Read My Brother Sam is Dead Summary and Analysis

Stone dedicated in 2002 reads: "In memory of the Redding citizens captured nearby April 26, 1777 & imprisoned in New York for ramsom by British General William Tryon & his invading army."

The Collier Brothers (James and Christopher) were personifying the War of Independence in writing this novel and they did a very good job of it. Their choice of characters, story line and setting create a captivating saga, rich with courage, drama, and intrigue. "my brother Sam is dead" is a classic, well deserving of the awards and accolades it has received.

Map of Redding that relates to My Brother Sam

1780 Map of West Chester and Fairfield County showing Redding, Ridgebury, Salem, Verplanck Point. Click here to view a larger version of this map.

1. Meeker's Tavern

2. Lt. Stephen Betts/Parsons' Headquarters

3. Jerry Sanford

4. Anglican Church

5. William Heron

6. Ned's house (where Ned lived)

7. Presbyterian Church

8. Col. John Read and Betsy Read's House

9. Tom Warrups' Hut

10. Putnam Park, main encampment

11. Second Camp, Gen. Parsons' encampment

12. Gallows Hill, site of Sam's execution

Because of the novel's content, most notably an execution and a beheading, it has been the frequent target of censors and appears on the American Library Association list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990-2000 at number twelve.

Why the Revolution Occurred- a very good timeline of events that led to the colonist revolt, what happenned during it and how our nation was formed.

Download information on Redding Men in the Revolution(Word Document)

William Heron

Squire William Heron lived just south of the Anglican/Episcopal church on Redding Ridge. He was a native of Cork, Ireland; a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin. He has been described as: a man of much ability and force of character. In appearance: short, portly, and florid, with a deep bass voice and a countenance well calculated to disguise the true sentiments of the owner.

Heron's pre-Redding days are a bit enigmatic. He never spoke of them except to say that he was a native of Cork, Ireland, and had been educated at Trinity College, Dublin. It is said that Squire Heron taught at the Academy in Greenfield Hill before coming to Redding, and had also surveyed the old stage route from New York to Boston.

The precise date of his arrival in Redding is absent from record, but most agree it was prior to the Revolution. A notation in Frank B. Rosenau's Christ Church Parish: The first 250 years indicates Heron acquired the property of John Lyon, when Lyon fled Redding and joined British forces in Long Island, and the property was confiscated by the state. Lyon had purchased the home from Anglican Rev. John Beach in 1772.

Was William Heron a spy?

Vague, ambiguous, unclear…these words come to mind often when sorting out Squire William Heron's biography: He was an Anglican, but then again he was Irish; He had chosen to live on Redding Ridge, which was known for it's loyalty to England, yet, his name is absent from the list of Redding's Loyalist Association; Some historians state: "At the time of Tryon's invasion he openly gave aid and comfort to the enemy." But, others have claimed he also met with Wooster, Silliman and Arnold. Why would a Tory hold council with American Generals as they pursued Tryon and his troops?; He was an elected member of the Connecticut General Assembly but traveled to "loyalist-friendly" New York often for "business".

A publication entitled Sir Henry Clinton's Secret Service Record of Private Daily Intelligence, which surfaced in 1882, revealed the truth about William Heron's role in the Revolutionary War…he was a double-agent.

Heron provided information to both American and British commanders during the war. The British received information of little importance, while the Americans received reports that were far more significant and useful.

He most certainly fit the profile of a double-agent. He arrived in Redding just before the Revolution, at a time most residents were more concerned with the threat of war than who their new neighbors were; it appears local residents barely noticed his existence until the war was underway. Even to those who actually spoke to him, his past remained unknown, as he wouldn't discuss it. He was conveniently situated across the street from the residence/tavern of Patriot Stephen Betts and right next to the Anglican/Episcopal Church. From the comfort of his very own home, he was capable of monitoring the movements of either side.

Redding residents clearly viewed Heron as a patriot, throughout the war they honored him with office, and placed him on committees to advance the patriot cause. For instance, April 2, 1777, he was placed on a committee to hire recruits for the Continental army. June 2, 1779, he was appointed delegate to a county convention on monetary affairs; Dec. 27, 1780, on a committee to ascertain the length of time certain citizens of the town had served in the army; April 16, 1781, on Committee of Correspondence; Feb. 28, 1782, on a committee to form citizens into classes for recruiting purposes. For four sessions during the war he served in the Connecticut General Assembly by vote of his townsmen, viz.: May, 1778; October, 1779; January, 1780; May, 1781.

Other's outside of Redding viewed him as a patriot too. Connecticut's Governor Trumbull provided passes to Squire Heron that allowed him to freely travel to and from New York for business. General Samuel H. Parsons, in a letter to George Washington, dated April 6, 1782, gave his approval of Heron:

"I forgot to mention the name of Mr. William Heron of Redding, who has for several years had opportunities of informing himself of the state of the enemy, their designs and intentions, with more certainty and precision than most men who have been employed. He is a native of Ireland, a man of very large knowledge and a great share of natural sagacity, united with a sound judgment, but of as unmeaning a countenance as any person in my acquaintance. With this appearance he is as little suspected as any man can be. An officer in the department of the Adjutant General is a countryman and a very intimate acquaintance of Mr. Heron, through which channel he has been able frequently to obtain important and very interesting intelligence. He has frequently brought me the most accurate descriptions of the posts occupied by the enemy, and more rational accounts of their numbers, strength and design than I have been able to obtain in any other way. As to his character, I know him to be a consistent national Whig; he is always in the field in any alarm and has in every trial proved himself a man of bravery. He has a family and a considerable interest in the measures of the country. In opposition to this his enemies suggest that he carries on illicit trade with the enemy, but I have lived two years next door to him and am fully convinced he has never had a single article of any kind for sale during that time. I know many persons of more exalted character are also accused; none more than Governor Trumbull, nor with less reason. I believe the Governor and Mr. Heron as clear of this business as I am, and I know myself to be totally free from every thing which has the least connection with that commerce."

From the winter of 1778-9, when the American Troops encamped in Redding to 1781, Samuel H. Parsons' was headquartered at Esquire Stephen Betts' on Redding Ridge. Heron's proximity to Parsons was viewed a benefit on both sides of the war: for the Americans, Heron and Parsons could secretly exchange information without much difficulty; for the British, Heron was in perfect position to monitor the American General's visitors and movements.

What the British Commanders did not know was they were receiving dated Connecticut General Assembly information and insubstantial troop position reports from Heron. One of the ways Heron gained access to the British lines was to ride to Fairfield, leave his horse with a Tory there named "Bradley", cross the sound to Huntington on Long Island, or an adjacent part, and thence make his way into the enemy's lines at New York.

Some examples of the letters Heron sent to British Commanders are as follows:

February 4th, 1781, Heron wrote Sir Henry Clinton from Redding that he had hoped to see General Oliver de Lancey, Clinton's Adjutant General in New York, before that time, but had failed to obtain a flag of truce. He added that he had been in Hartford and to the camps in the Highlands; at the former to inform the British of the Secret Convention (which had been held in Hartford the November before) as to what had been done there; to the latter to discover the feeling of the officers and soldiers in the Continental camp, and had succeeded to his entire satisfaction, and he proceeded to tell Clinton that the object of the Convention was to form a closer union of the Eastern and Western colonies, make Washington dictator, and raise money and supplies for the army (all of which had, no doubt, been brought to Clinton by his numerous spies months before). In the Highlands, he added, he spent the night with Parsons and Stark, both of whom were his friends, and gave a very gloomy picture of the destitution and discontent of the soldiers (which was also perfectly known to the British Commander).

In another letter Heron cautioned his correspondent against paying any great attention to the reports of those who only "take up on hearsay." "Some of this class." he continues, "deceive persons in high office with you. They have no access to those from whom perfect knowledge can be obtained," "Believe me," he continues, "there are but few who are let into secrets of the cabinet, nor could I know them were it not for my intimacy with some of the principal officers in the civil and military departments arising from my having been a member of the Legislature and being still continued one of a committee appointed by the Assembly to examine into the staff department." While absent he would "have made it a part of his business to acquire a perfect knowledge of the state of the French at Rhode Island, but finding a person charged with that duty, who he believed would do it with tolerable accuracy, he had not done so." Again: "Private dispatches are frequently sent from your city to the chief here by some traitors. They come by way of Setauket (Long Island) where a certain "Brewster" receives them at or near a certain woman's house."

An admirable example of the manner in which Heron informed the British Commander of important events after they had occurred, was his account of the attempt by Colonel Humphreys, Washington's aide-de-camp, to seize the person of the British Commander-in-Chief by a rush upon his headquarters at No. 1 Broadway. "A daring enterprise was lately concerted at the quarters of the chief here," he writes, and goes on to describe the attempt after it had failed. So much was this the case that after a time Major Oliver de Lancey began to grow suspicious and complained that Heron's information was either stale or of no importance.

It is probable that Heron quieted de Lancey's suspicions with promises of winning over to the British cause his friend General Parsons. Writing of Parsons' "Don't you judge him to be a gentleman possessed of too much understanding and liberality of sentiment to think that the welfare of his country consists in an unnatural alliance with the enemies of the Protestant religion, a perfidious nation with whom no faith can be kept, as all the nations of Europe have experienced…"

Under date of July 8, 1781, he provided a deceptive report on the American and French troops to Major de Lancey:

"The five regiments of our states are more than 1,200 men deficient of their complement; the other states (except Rhode Island and New York, who are fuller) are nearly in the same condition. Our magazines are few in number. Your fears for them are groundless. They are principally at West Point, Fishkill, Wapping Creek, and Newburg, which puts them out of the enemy's power, except they attempt their destruction by a force sufficient to secure the Highlands, which they cannot do, our guards being sufficient to secure them from small parties. The French troops yesterday encamped on our left, near the Tuckeyhoe Road. Their number I have not had the opportunity to ascertain. Other matters of information I shall be able to give you in a few days."

*When the allied American and French armies marched to Virginia in the Fall of 1781, they outnumbered the British 17,000 to 9,700.

Heron also wrote that he had concerted measures with Parsons by which he would receive every material article of intelligence from the American camp. Heron's lure of winning over Parsons was an effective means of retaining the confidence of the British and affording him a pretext for visits to the British camp, where he used his eyes and ears with the most excellent results for the patriot cause.

Proof of Heron's loyalty to Parsons and the American cause was best exhibited in 1780. In July of that year, Benedict Arnold was promoted to Major General in command of West Point, New York. By August, he had already initiated secret correspondence with British General Sir Henry Clinton in New York City through British Major John André. Arnold offered to hand the West Point Fort and the Hudson River over to the British for £20,000 and a brigadier's commission. On August 28, William Heron was called on to deliver a letter from Arnold to André. Even though Arnold's promotion placed Samuel H. Parsons under him in command, Heron did not deliver the letter to its intended receiver, instead he passed it to Parsons on September 10. Unfortunately, Parsons was unable to comprehend the significance of the letter. Luckily for the Americans, Major André was captured on September 23 with dispatches from Arnold, who promptly fled to the British when he learned of André's capture (Arnold was scheduled to meet with Washington that day). It wasn't until after Andre's trial that Parsons realized the significance of the letter Heron had delivered weeks earlier and immediately forwarded the letter to Washington. André was denied his request of a soldier's death by a firing squad and instead was convicted of being a spy and hanged.

After the war William Heron remained in Redding and represented the town in the legislature through seventeen sessions, covering a period of eighteen years. He is said to have exercised a great deal of influence in public affairs, especially at town meetings.

"We must keep down the underbrush" was a favorite remark of his in speaking of the common people. The following story, illustrating in a marked manner the customs of the day, is related of him:

At one of the annual town meetings Mr. Hezekiah Morgan, a somewhat illiterate man, was nominated for grand juror. Squire Heron, in laced waistcoat, ruffles, and velvet breeches, and aiding himself with his gold-headed cane, arose to oppose the motion.

"Mr. Moderator," said he, "who is this Hezekiah Morgan? Why, a man brought up in Hopewell woods: he fears neither God, man, nor the devil. If elected, who will be responsible for his acts? Will you, Mr. Moderator? or I? Why, sir, he can arrest anybody: he can arrest you, your Honor, or even myself;" and with like cogent reasons succeeded in defeating the obnoxious candidate.

His children were: William, Maurice, Elizabeth, Lucy, Elosia, Margaret, Mary and Susan. William Heron Jr. never married. He lived on the old homestead in Redding all his days, and was a man much respected in the community. His brother, Maurice graduated at Yale College, and shortly after was killed in a steamboat explosion on the Connecticut River, near Essex. Mary Heron wed Lemuel Sanford #3, a man of much ability, and quite prominent in town affairs.

Heron died on Redding Ridge, Jan. 8, 1819, at the ripe old age of 77 years, and was buried in Christ Church graveyard. His tombstone bears this inscription:

In Memory of William Heron, Esq.
Who was born in the City of Cork, Ireland, 1742, and died Jan. 8, 1819.
I know that my Redeemer liveth and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.

Revolutionary War Spies- William Heron's Role in the Revolution.

The Meeker Family:

The Meeker's of my brother Sam is dead were fictional, however, there is a real-life similarity via John Meeker's son-in-law Jacob Patchen. Jacob Patchen married Abigail Meeker in 1787. Jacob was only 12 years old when he was captured by the British Army during their march to Danbury. He escaped and joined the Continental Army in 1781, serving until the end war. Jacob's family were Loyalists/Tories, his father fled to Western New York and his uncle Andrew fled with his family too. The other real-life similarity to Sam Meeker in my brother Sam is dead was, James Sanford, who enlisted with the teamsters for General Enoch Poor's New Hampshire brigade while they encamped at Redding. James' enlistment was contrary to the political loyalties of his family. His younger brother John, who is said to have visited him at camp everyday, is a good candidate for the real life Tim Meeker.

Below are definitions and meanings of the character names in my brother Sam is dead, that may explain why the name(s) were selected by the Collier brothers. *keep in mind this is my own presumption, I do not know this to be factual.

Meeker: meek (mek) adj., meek·er, meek·est [Middle English meke, of Scandinavian origin]

1. Showing patience and humility; gentle.

2. Easily imposed on; submissive.

Eliphalet (Life): Hebrew. Meaning: God delivers me.

Susannah: Hebrew. Meaning: Lily. In the apocryphal Book of Tobit Susannah courageously defended herself against wrongful accusation. White lilies grew in the Biblical city of Susa in Persia.

In the New Testament, Susannah was a woman who ministered to Jesus.

She does defend herself for working on Sunday (a sin), after Eliphalet disappeared in New York State: "God will forgive us, Tim, Don't worry about it, I'm sure of that."

Sam: Hebrew. Meaning: The literal translation of Hebrew Samuel (Shemu'el in Hebrew) is Name of God (from Shem, meaning name). However, in some contexts Shem can also mean son, and hence Samuel would mean son of El or son of God.

Uncle Sam, a personification of the United States government is fitting as well.

Timothy: Greek. Meaning: To fear or to honor God. Tim's fear of God was noted in Chapter 2:

"I knew that God could shoot bolts of lightning if He wanted to, but I didn't believe that He ever did. What worried me was that maybe God would punish him (Sam) by getting him bayonetted by a Lobsterback. I knew that God did things like that because I saw it happen once…"

As for the real-life Meekers:

Fittingly for the town of Redding there were two sets of Meeker's: Episcopalian and Congregational (Redding has a long history of rivalry between Episcopalians and Congregationalists.)

Information on the Episcopalian Meeker's comes from Frank B. Rosenau's Christ Church Parish: The first 250 years history booklet which notes: The early Meeker's were members of the Christ Church on Redding Ridge. They must have been messy writers because none of their first names are listed- Frank B. Rosenau only refers to them as "the early Meeker's". John Meeker is the first Meeker named. In 1833 after the fire at the church John Meeker and his family formally withdrew from the Christ Church for reasons unknown. John was the treasurer and clerk for the church and left on bad terms- he didn't return the church money nor documents after he withdrew. He's called a "villain" in the history booklet.

The Congregational Church Meeker's were:

Benjamin Meeker and wife Catherine Burr were admitted church-members June 4, 1747. Their children were: Witely, baptized June 7, 1747. Esther and Eunice, baptized August 13, 1755. Azariah, baptized February 5, 1769.

Daniel Meeker was married by Rev. Nathanial Hunn on July 10, 1744 to Sarah Johnson. Their children were: Elnathan baptized July 26, 1747. Jared, baptized January 29, 1749. Rebecca, baptized January 20, 1751. Lois, baptized March 28, 1753. Josiah, baptized July 17, 1757.

David Meeker was married by Rev. Nathanial Hunn on October 31, 1744 to Hannah Hill.

Joseph Meeker appears as early as May 4, 1735, when his son Isaac was baptized. A Gristmill on the Saugatuck River, off Diamond Hill Rd. was willed to Joseph's wife in 1752, suggesting he operated the mill at some point between 1735 and 1752.

Robert Meeker was married by Rev. Nathanial Hunn on September 19, 1746 to Rebecca Morehouse.

Seth Meeker was a Private, in the 4th Connecticut Militia, Fishkill Campaign, 1777.

Stephen Meeker was a member of the Continental Army and later joined French commander Marquis de Lafayette's elite Light Infantry Battalion. His service is as follows: 5th Regiment Connecticut Line, Northern Campaign, 1775. Does not appear on the rolls of May, 1778. Appears on a list of deserters previous to January, 1780. Appears on rolls of Captain Parsons' Company, 2nd Regiment, Connecticut Continental Line, June 1780, as Sergeant. His Regiment was consolidated with the 9th in 1781 as the 3rd Regiment, and Stephen Meeker was drafted from this Regiment into the Light Infantry Battalion, commanded by Marquis de Lafayette, when he was promoted to be Sergeant. His company formed part of the column of Major Girnat which stormed a redoubt at Yorktown, Virginia.

Daniel Starr:

The home of Major Daniel Starr, which was located on what is now South Main Street, Danbury, CT was burned to the ground when Tryon and his British troops marched on Danbury in 1777. The British troops killed all inside and burned the house down.

Ned is a slave killed in a similar incident in my brother Sam is dead. Ned was the property of Redding resident, Samuel Smith, and was killed by British soldiers during the 1777 raid of Danbury. Apparently, Ned was among seven patriot defenders who stayed behind and opened fire on British troops from a house in Danbury owned by Major Daniel Starr. The house was set ablaze and all inside were killed. There are no official accounts of Ned being beheaded before the house was put to flame. That resulted from an investigation after the raid had taken place, at the request of Samuel Smith. Mr. Smith was required to provide a report of Ned's death with witnesses in order to be compensated for his lost "property". It is in this petition that the accounts of Ned's decapitation surface and provide the view point and events that Tim witnesses in my brother Sam is dead.

Very little is known about Daniel Starr. His headstone is all that remains, it reads: "In Memory of Maj. Daniel Starr who died April 26th, 1777, aged 33 years and 6 months."

Tom Warrup:

Tom Warrup, was a Native American Indian, and is said to have been one of General Israel Putnam's most valued scouts and messengers in the Revolution. He was the grandson of chief Chicken Warrup, whose tribe resided in Redding at the time of first settlement. It was Chicken Warrup's name that appeared first on land deeds to John Read in 1714, indicating he was a Chief or leader of the tribe at Redding.

Tom's House: Tom had a house on the high ridge. It was built, it is said, in primitive Indian style, of poles set firmly in the ground, then bent and fastened together at the top. This framework was covered with bark, and roofed with reeds and rushes. Its furniture consisted of framework bedsteads, with bedding of skins, wooden bowls fashioned from pepperage knots, huge wooden spoons, baskets made of rushes or long grass, pails of birch bark, and an iron pot and skillet begged or borrowed from the settlers. His sister Eunice was his housekeeper.

Master of Revels: Except in war he was a worthless, shiftless fellow, and lived chiefly by begging; hunting and trapping were his recreations. He would often absent himself from his hut for weeks at a time, sleeping in barns or in the forest. A huge overhanging rock about a mile north of Georgetown often sheltered him on these occasions, and is still known as Warrup's rock. Tom's neighbor and landlord before the war was Colonel John Read, son of the early settler of that name. On one occasion the colonel had a company of gentlemen from Boston to visit him, and planned a grand hunt in their honor. Tom was always master of the revels at such times, and piloted the party on this occasion. In their rambles through the forests they came to a spring, and beings thirsty one of the party lamented that they had left their hunting cups behind. Tom at once slipped off his shoe, and filling it with water offered it to the guest to drink; whereupon Colonel Read reproved him sharply for his ill-breeding. Tom drank from the vessel while the homily was being delivered and then replaced the shoe, observing with the haughtiness of a king, " Good enough for Indian, good enough for white man too."

Life with Zalmon: After the war Captain Zalmon Read and Tom were near neighbors, and the former had a cornfield in dangerous proximity to Tom's cabin; he missed the corn and suspected Tom, and watching, not only discovered him to be the thief, but also his ingenious plan of procedure. About midnight the Indian would come, basket in hand, and seated on the top mil of the fence would thus address the field: "Lot, can Tom have some corn?” Tom," the lot would reply, " take all you want ;" whereupon Tom would fill his basket with ears and march off. The next night, as the story goes, the Captain armed himself with a grievous hickory club, and lay in wait behind the fence. Presently Tom came, repeated his formula, and proceeded to fill his basket, but when he returned with it to the fence, it was occupied by the captain, who proceeded to re peat Tom's formula with a, variation. " Lot, can I beat Tom ?'' " Yes," the lot replied," beat him all he deserves;” whereupon the fun-loving captain fell upon the culprit and gave him the thorough beating which his roguery deserved.

Thomas Warrups, appears on the "Roll Call" of The Armed Forces of Kent, 1775-1783, so it is possible that his return to Redding occurred during Putnam's encampment in 1778-79, as stories told in Kent and New Milford echo the tales of Redding historian Charles Burr Todd. Stories relating to Kent publications are as follows:

"Tom belonged to a cavalry company, and while on scout was met by a superior force of the enemy and had to fly to safety, and being pursued was overtaken just as he reached a fence. The red-coat aimed a blow with his sabre, which grazed his head, and Tom fell from his horse as if dead. Tom, in telling the story, used to say: 'I did not stir nor breathe as big as a mouse till the trooper was out of sight.' The red-coat remarked, as he wheeled, 'One d--d Indian has got it.' But when Tom came soon after, riding into camp, his comrades, who had seen the performance, greeted him with cheers of welcome."

"Tom Warrups was long known in the vicinity of what is now Northville, on the east side of Mount Tom, where he settled not long after the Revolution and remained many years, but what became of him is not known. He most probably removed to Scatacock. He is said to have a wife and several children."

The Warrups' Family of Redding: There is much we do not know about the Warrups' of Redding due to a lack of recorded history on them…a common problem with Native American Indian history.

Charles Burr Todd states in his History of Redding, that before settlers arrived the unoccupied lands were: "claimed by a petty tribe of Indians, whose fortified village was on the high ridge a short distance southwest of the residence of Mr. John Read (where Lonetown Rd. meets Putnam Park Rd.). This tribe consisted of disaffected members of the Potatucks of Newtown and the Paugussetts of Milford, with a few stragglers from the Mohawks on the west."

By "disaffected" I take it that Charles Burr Todd was saying the "tribe of Indians" residing in what we call the "Lonetown" section of Redding was made up of Native Americans from multiple tribes displaced from their homelands by English settlers making their way into the interior of Connecticut. The "oblong" or vacant lands between the northern boundary of the Fairfield Long Lots and what is now the border of Danbury and Bethel was one of the few available tracts of open space available in the area to Native American Indians at this timeframe.

He goes on to say: " Their chief was Chickens Warrups or Sam Mohawk, as he was sometimes called. Describing "Chickens", President Stiles says in his "Itinerary" that he was a Mohawk sagamore, or under-chief, who fled from his tribe and settled at Greenfield Hill, but having killed an Indian there he was again obliged to flee, and then settled in Redding. All the Indian deeds to the early settlers were given by Chickens, and Naseco, who seems to have been a sort of sub-chief. The chief, Chickens, figures quite prominently in the early history of Redding; he seems to have been a strange mixture of Indian shrewdness, rascality, and cunning, and was in continual difficulty with the settlers concerning the deeds which he gave them."

Chickens name does not appear on all Indian deeds to the early settlers but he does appear on the deeds of John Read in 1714 and Samuel Couch in 1724, two very important land deeds in Redding's history. He was in "continual difficulty with the settlers" because the settlers continually ignored Chickens' portion of the deeds:

"Reserving in the whole of the same, liberty for myself and my heirs to hunt, fish, and fowl upon the land and in the waters, and further reserving for myself, my children, and grand children and their posterity the use of so much land by my present dwelling house or wigwam as the General Assembly of the Colony by themselves or a Committee indifferently appointed shall judge necessary for my or their personal improvement, that is to say my children, children's children and posterity, furthermore, I the said Chickens do covenant, promise, and agree, to and with the said Samuel Couch, that I said Chickens, my heirs, executors and administrators, the said described lands and bargained premises, unto the said Samuel Couch his heirs etc. against the claims and demands of all manner of persons whatever, to warrant and forever by these presents defend."

The above is text from Chickens' land deed to Samuel Couch, Feb. 18, 1724. Chickens, like a majority of Indians that agreed to land deeds in Colonial times, made a point to reserve the right to hunt, fish, and exist on the lands they were "selling". In 1686, Indians in the Umpawaug section of Redding noted similar stipulations in their land deed to Nathan Gold:

"we have laid out ye said land to Nathan [Gold] and bounded it as above by said brook and river and in ye pond and we have marked trees as bounds...for the 2 square miles of land...it is to be noted said Indian proprietors do hereby reserve the liberty of hunting upon said land for themselves in witness of all which we said rightful proprietors have set to our hands and seals this 29th day of December, 1686."

Indians did not understand land ownership the way the English and their future generations viewed it: in their culture, no tribe nor Indian had exclusive, permanent rights to specific parcels of land, "different groups of people could have different claims on the same tract of land depending on how they used it." Chickens was viewed as a nuisance to Redding's settlers because he was strong willed enough to "call them out" for ignoring the Indians "bargained provisions" of the deeds and thus exceeding the usage rights the Indians perceived to be granting in them.

According to Charles Burr Todd: "No less than three petitions of Chickens, complaining of the injustice of the settlers, are preserved in the Colonial Records. The first, presented to the General Court of May, 1738, asked that in accordance with the provisions of his deed to Samuel Couch in 1725, the Assembly would appoint a committee to lay out to him, his children, children's children, and their posterity, so much land near his wigwam as they should deem necessary for his and their personal improvement; and the Assembly appointed such a committee."

"No report of the action of this committee is preserved in the archives; but ten years later, in 1745, Chickens again petitioned the Assembly to appoint a committee to view his lands for the same purpose, and the Assembly appointed such a committee 'to repair to and deed of conveyance, with the savings and reservations therein contained, to survey and by proper meets and bounds set out for, and to the use of the petitioner and his children, such and so much of said lands as they shall be of opinion-(on hearing all parties or persons therein concerned) ought to be allowed and set out to said petitioner and his children.'"

The text of the third and last memorial, is given in full.

"The memorial of Capt. Chickens alias Sam Mohawk of Reading in Fairfield County, showing to this Assembly that in his deed formerly made to Capt. Samuel Couch, late of Fairfield, deceased, of his land lying between the township of said Fairfield, and Danbury, Ridgefield, and Newtown, he had reserved to himself so much of said land as a committee, appointed by this Assembly, should judge be sufficient for himself, his children and posterity, for their personal improvement, which said reserve has since been set out by proper meets and bounds in two pieces, containing in the whole about one hundred acres as per the surveys thereof may appear, reference thereunto being had:

And showing also that John Read, Esq. Late of Boston deceased, had surveyed, and laid out to him two hundred acres of land by the appointment of this Assembly, at a place called Schaghticoke (Kent, Connecticut; Scatacook is another spelling used in the time-period) bounded as in the survey thereof on record:

And also showing that the land aforesaid, laid out to the said John Read. Esq., is much more convenient and advantageous for him, the said Chickens, being well situated for fishing and hunting, and that he had made and executed a deed of exchange of his aforesaid hundred acres, lying in two pieces as aforesaid in the parish of Reading to the said John Read, Esq. and his heirs, which said deed bears date October 11th, A.D. 1748, and in consideration thereof did receive of the said John Read, Esq.

A deed bearing date the day aforesaid well executed to him the said Chickens and his heirs by his heirs by his attorney John Read, Esq. of said Reading, being fully authorized thereunto, of the aforesaid two hundred acres; praying this Assembly that said deeds, executed as aforesaid, may be allowed of ratified, and be admitted as good evidence in the law for conveying and fixing the title to the several pieces of land aforesaid."

This petition the Assembly granted, and Chickens soon after removed to the reservation at Schaghticoke. Chickens Warrup died in 1762-63, and his son Thomas is said to have died in 1769.

In 1775, the Connecticut General Assembly ordered that the lands of the Schaghticoke should be leased to pay their debts and defray their expenses.

Thomas Warrups, (Chickens Warrups' grandson) was allowed to sell thirty acres of land to pay his debts and provide for his family. Three years after, another tract of ten acres was sold for the purpose of relieving the indigent circumstances of the Warrups family. Thomas Warrups, (Chickens Warrups' grandson) appears on the "Roll Call" of The Armed Forces of Kent, 1775-1783, so it is possible that his return to Redding occurred during Putnam's encampment in 1778-79, as stories told in Kent and New Milford echo the tales of Redding historian Charles Burr Todd.

Stories relating to Kent publications are as follows:

"Tom belonged to a cavalry company, and while on scout was met by a superior force of the enemy and had to fly to safety, and being pursued was overtaken just as he reached a fence. The red-coat aimed a blow with his sabre, which grazed his head, and Tom fell from his horse as if dead. Tom, in telling the story, used to say: 'I did not stir nor breathe as big as a mouse till the trooper was out of sight.' The red-coat remarked, as he wheeled, 'One d--d Indian has got it.' But when Tom came soon after, riding into camp, his comrades, who had seen the performance, greeted him with cheers of welcome."

"Tom Warrups was long known in the vicinity of what is now Northville, on the east side of Mount Tom, where he settled not long after the Revolution and remained many years, but what became of him is not known. He most probably removed to Scatacock. He is said to have a wife and several children."

In any case, his descendents continued to resurface at Schaghticoke. In 1801, the Schaghticokes were reduced to thirty-five tribe members, cultivating only six acres of land, although their territory amounted to twelve hundred acres and extended from the Housatonic River to the New York line. At this time Benjamin Warrups, a descendant of Thomas, was described as a careful and industrious farmer at this place.

Maryanne Cogswell, who moved from Schaghticoke to New Haven and had two children-Nancy and Milton Cogswell was a Warrups descendent reported in 1900. Her daughter, Nancy Cogswell Moody was full-blooded Schaghticoke Indian, living between 1850 & 1934. Wells Offutt and family are the only living descendents of Chickens & Thomas Warrups known as of 2007, Maryanne Cogswell was his great, great grandmother.

Putnam's Encampment(Putnam Park):

After their departure (British marching through Redding to burn Danbury in 1777) nothing further of a warlike nature occurred in the town, until the encampment in Redding in the winter of 1778-9 of General Putnam's division of the Continental Army.

General Israel Putnam's division of the Continental Army encamped in Redding in the winter of 1778-1779. This division was comprised of General Poor's brigade of New Hampshire troops under Brig. General Enoch Poor, a Canadian Regiment led by Col. Moses Hazen, and two brigades of Connecticut troops: 2nd Brigade Connecticut Line regiments commanded by Brig. General Jedediah Huntington, and the 1st Brigade Connecticut Line regiments commanded by Brig. General Samuel H. Parsons. This division had been operating along the Hudson (Eastern New York) during the fall, and as winter approached it was decided that it should go into winter quarters at Redding, as from this position it could support the important fortress of West Point in case of attack, intimidate the Cowboys and Skinners of Westchester County, and cover lands adjacent to Long Island Sound. Another major reason was to protect the Danbury supply depot, which had been burned by the British the year before but resurrected to keep supplies going to Washington's army.

Colonel Aaron Burr, one of General Putnam's aides and a frequent visitor to Redding, had suggested that Putnam look over the area for a future winter encampment during a summer visit to General Heath's Brigade in Danbury. Putnam found the topography and location ideal. Three camp locations were marked and later prepped by artificers and surveyors under the direction of the Quartermaster staff: the first in the northeast part of Lonetown, near the Bethel line, on land owned by John Read, 2nd (now Putnam Park). The second was about a mile and a half west of the first camp, between Limekiln Rd. and Gallows Hill in the vicinity of present day Whortleberry Rd. & Costa Lane. The third camp was in West Redding, on a ridge about a quarter of a mile north of West Redding Station (vicinity of present day Deer Spring Drive & Old Lantern Road).

Article about General Parson's camp (Second Camp)

The main camp, which is now known as Putnam Memorial State Park, was laid out with admirable judgement, at the foot of rocky bluffs which fenced in the western valley of the Little River. 116 huts were erected to form an avenue nearly a quarter mile in length, and several yards in width. At the west end of the camp was a mountain brook, which furnished a plentiful supply of water; near the brook a forge was said to have been erected. The second and third camps, were both laid out on the southerly slopes of hills with streams of running water at their base. Each of the camps were strategically positioned to defend main highways in and out of town: Danbury to Fairfield; Danbury to Norwalk; Redding to Danbury and points north (stage coach route).

As to the exact location of Putnam's headquarters, authorities differ, but all agree in placing it on Umpawaug Hill. Some of Putnam's officers were quartered in a house later owned by *Samuel Gold (Limekiln Rd.); others in a house later occupied by *Sherlock Todd (also on Limekiln Rd). General Parsons' headquarters were at Stephen Betts Tavern on Redding Ridge.

*Samuel Gold's and Sherlock Todd's house locations can be found on Beers 1867 map of Redding. They were not the owners during the winter of 1778-79. I use their names because it gives readers an opportunity to view the locations on a published map.

While the army lay at Redding several events of importance occurred, which are worthy of narrating with some degree of particularity. The troops went into winter quarters this year in no pleasant humor, and almost in the spirit of insubordination. This was peculiarly the case with the Connecticut troops. They had endured privations that many men would have sunk under-the horrors of battle, the weariness of the march, cold, hunger, and nakedness. What was worse, they had been paid in the depreciated currency of the times, which had scarcely any purchasing power, and their families at home were reduced to the lowest extremity of want and wretchedness.

[**"It has been represented to me that the troops of Connecticut are in great want of Shirts, Stockings and Shoes. This leads me to inquire of you whether they have not received their proportion of these Articles in common with the rest of the Army. The troops in general have obtained orders for a Shirt and pair of Stockings per man and a pair of Shoes to each that wanted. If the Connecticut Troops have not been furnished … you will on receiving proper Returns for that purpose supply them in conformity to this Rule." -- George Washington to Deputy Clothier Gen. George Measam, Jan. 8, 1779]

The forced inactivity of the camp gave them time to brood over their wrongs, until at length they formed the bold resolve of marching to Hartford, and their grievances in person to the Legislature then sitting. The two brigades were under arms for the purpose before news of the revolution was brought to Putnam. He, with his usual intrepidity and decision of character, threw himself upon his horse and dashed down the road leading to his camps, never slacking rein until he drew up in the presence of the disaffected troops.

"My brave lads," he cried, "whither are you going? Do you intend to desert your officers, and invite the enemy to follow you into the country? Whose cause have you been fighting and suffering so long in-is it not your own? Have you no property, no parents, wives, children? You have behaved like men so far-all the world is full of your praises, and posterity will stand astonished at your deeds; but not if you spoil it all at last. Don't you consider how much the country is distressed by the war, and that your officers have not been any better paid than yourselves? But we all expect better times, and that the country will do us ample justice. Let us all stand by one another then, and fight it out like brave soldiers. Think what a shame it would be for Connecticut men to run away from their officers."

When he had finished  this stirring speech, he directed the acting major of brigades to give the word for them to march to their regimental parades, and lodge arms, which was done; one soldier only, a ringleader in he affair, was confined to the guard house, from which he attempted to escape, but was shot dead by the sentinel on duty- himself one of the mutineers. Thus ended the affair, and no further trouble was experienced with the Connecticut troops.

Living Conditions

Soldiers: One room hut (14' X 16'), One Fireplace, Dirt Floors, 12 Men to a hut, Soldiers received rations and salaries only when available.

Officers: Two room hut (14' X 22'), Two Fireplaces, Dirt Floors (sometimes wooden, if available), No more than 2 to 4 men in each hut, Officers were one of the first to receive available rations.

Commanding Officers: Housed in-town in real houses with families, Did not suffer the harsh conditions of cramped living spaces and winter weather, First to receive salaries and rations.

More on Camp Life

The Executions at Gallow's Hill (these are the executions the Collier's use in the book):

Putnam was no stranger to deserters and spies. Nothing had so much annoyed Putnam and his officers during the campaigns of the preceding summer on the Hudson than the desertions which had thinned his ranks, and the Tory spies, who frequented his camps, under every variety of pretext, and forthwith conveyed the information thus gathered on the enemy.

To put a stop to this it had been determined that the next offender of either sort (deserter or spy) captured should suffer death as an example. The opportunity to implement this determination soon arrived. Scouts from Putnam's outposts in Westchester County captured a man lurking within their lines, and as he could give no satisfactory account of himself, he was at once hauled over the borders and into the presence of the Commander-in-Chief. In answer to the commanders queries, the prisoner said that his name was Jones, that he was a Welshman by birth, and had settled in Ridgefield a few years before the war commenced; that he had never faltered in his allegiance to the King, and that at the outbreak of the hostilities he had fled to the British army, and had been made a butcher in the camp; a few weeks before, he had been sent into Westchester County to buy beef for the army, and was in the process of carrying out those orders at the present. He was remanded to the guard house, court-martialed and at once ordered for trial. Putnam had his first example.

On Feb. 4, 1779, Edward Jones was tried at a General Court Martial for going to and serving the enemy, and coming out as a spy. He was found guilty of each and every charge exhibited against him, and according to Law and the Usage's of Nations was sentenced to suffer Death:

"The General approves the sentence and orders it to be put in execution between the hours of ten and eleven A.M. by hanging him by the neck till he be dead."

Two days after another General Court Martial was held for a similar offence: on Feb. 6, 1779, John Smith of the 1st Connecticut Regiment, was tried at a General Court Martial for desertion and attempting to go to the enemy, found guilty, and further persisting in saying that he will go to the enemy if ever he has an opportunity.

"The General approves the sentence and orders that it be put in execution between the hours of ten and twelve A.M. for him to be shot to death"

General Putnam having two prisoners under the sentence of death determined to execute them both at once, or as he expressed it, "to make a double job of it," and at the same time make the spectacle as terrible and impressive as the circumstances demanded.

The scene which took place at the execution of these men on February 16 was described as shocking and bloody, it occurred on a lofty hill (known to this day as Gallows Hill) dominating the valley between the three camps. The instrument of Edward Jones' death was erected approximately twenty feet from the ground atop the hill's highest pinnacle. Jones was ordered to ascend the ladder, with the rope around his neck and attached to the cross beam of the gallows. When he had reached the top rung General Putnam ordered him to jump from the ladder.

'No General Putnam,' said Jones, 'I am innocent of the crime laid to my charge; I shall not do it.'

Putnam drawing his sword, compelled the hangmen at sword's point, that his orders be obeyed and if Jones would not jump, that the ladder be over-turned to complete the act. It was and he perished.

The soldier that was to be shot for desertion was but a youth of sixteen or seventeen years of age. The Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett, who was pastor of the Congregational Church in Redding for a period of fifty years, officiated as chaplain to the encampment during that winter, and was present at the execution. He interceded with General Putnam to defer the execution of Smith until Washington could be consulted- for reason the offender was a youth; but the commander assured him that a reprieve could not be granted.

John Smith was described as "extremely weak and fainting" as he was led by Poor's Brigade Chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Evans, approximately 200 yards from the gallows to the place he was to be shot.

Putnam gave the order and three balls were shot through his breast: he fell on his face, but immediately turned over on his back; a soldier then advanced, and putting the muzzle of his gun near the convulsive body of the youth, discharged its contents into his forehead. The body was then placed in a coffin; the final discharge had been fired so near to the body that it had set the boy's clothing on fire, and continued burning while each and every soldier present was ordered to march past the coffin and observe Smith's mangled remains; an officer with a drawn sword stood by to ensure they complied. [This was all standard military procedure of the time period]

It was indeed a grisly scene, and many have questioned the accuracy of the accounts published about it because it seems almost too ghastly. But it should be said that: boldness, firmness, promptness, decisiveness- were the chief elements of General Israel Putnam's character, and at this particular crisis all were needed. There was disaffection and insubordination in the army, as has been noted. Desertions were frequent, and spying by the Tories was almost openly practiced. To put a stop to these practices it was vitally necessary to the safety of the army, to see that these sentences were carried into effect. If the executions were bungling done, the fault was with the executioners, and not with the General.

Theft of Cattle & Livestock

The journals of private Joseph Plumb Martin (stationed with the 8th Connecticut in Parsons' middle camp) shows the desperate lack of food and poor weather conditions endured by the troops throughout January:

"We settled in our winter quarters at the commencement of the new year and went on in our old Continental Line of starving and freezing. We now and then got a little bad bread and salt beef (I believe chiefly horse-beef for it was generally thought to be such at the time). The month of January was very stormy, a good deal of snow fell, and in such weather it was mere chance if we got anything at all to eat."

Below are several reports and one journal entry that highlight the conditions endured by the troops.

In a report out of the New Hampshire division:

162 men in Hazen's regiment were "unfit for duty for want of shoes".

Brigade orders out of Parsons' command on December 27th reveal a desperate lack of food:

The General of the brigade informs the officers and soldiers that he has used every possible method to supply flour or bread to the brigade. Although a sufficiency of every article necessary is at Danbury, the weather had been so extreme that it is impossible for teams to pass to that place. Every measure is taken to supply flour, rum, salt and every necessary tomorrow, at which time, if a quantity sufficient comes in, all past allowances shall be made up. The General, therefore, desires for the honor of this corps and their own personal reputation, the soldiery, under the special circumstances caused by the severity of the season, will make themselves contented to that time.

The journal of Lt. Col. Henry Dearborn, 3rd New Hampshire Regiment at the main camp (Putnam Park) indicates a mixture of snow & rain in December:

Dec. 10th: the weather very Cold, the Snow about 6 inches.

Dec. 13th: a very heavy storm of Rain and no bread for two days.

Dec. 17th: a heavy Rain…

Dec. 22nd : a severe Snow storm…

Dec. 24th: we had Snow last night & very severe Cold today. Our men are well…Clothed and well hutted.

Dec. 26th: we have a very severe Snow storm.

Dec. 27th: the weather seems more like Canada, then Connecticut…

Given the conditions, it is difficult to blame the soldiers that took matters into their own hands and ventured out of camp in search of provisions. The citizens of Redding, did not see things this way, those who initially felt quite honored by the selection of their town for the army's winter quarters, soon grew tired of soldiers looting their livestock. The soldiers position was that they were the one's fighting the country's battles and plundering the neighboring farms was within their rights as men of war. To them a well-stocked poultry yard, a pen of fat porkers or field of healthy heifers offered irresistible cuisine when compared to the horse-beef they were being offered back at camp. After a time, however, the wary farmers foiled the looters by storing their livestock over night in the cellars of their houses and in other secure places.

[This was an issue throughout the war and the letter below shows that George Washington was aware of it. It also highlights why looting was difficult to stop, as looters could claim they confiscated the provisions because they were intended to be sold to the British.

To Major General Israel Putnam, From George Washington, Philadelphia, December 26, 1778.

"I have not a Copy of your instructions with me, but if my memory serves me, I was as full in my directions respecting the conduct of Officers who shall be sent upon the lines as I possibly can be. The Officer must determine from all circumstances, whether Cattle or any species of provision found near the lines are in danger of falling into the hands of the Enemy, or are carried there with an intent to supply them. If it is thought necessary to bring them off, they must be reported and disposed of as directed by your instructions. I was very particular upon that Head, because I know that great Acts of Injustice have been committed by Officers, under pretence that provision and other kinds of property were intended for the Use of the Enemy. I would recommend the bringing off as much Forage as possible but I would not advise the destruction of what we cannot remove. I think your plan of sending out a large party under the command of a Field Officer and making detachments from thence, a good one; and if you and General McDougall can agree upon a cooperation of your parties I think many advantages will result from the measure. You may agree upon the mode of effecting this, between yourselves." ]

Farmer's livestock was not the only object of the soldier's desires, below are some entries in the parish records that prove that "amid the horrors of war sly cupid found a chance to inflict his wounds". They are given as entered by the Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett:

Feb. 7, 1779. I joined together in marriage James Gibbons, a soldier in the army, and Ann Sullivan.
March 18, 1779. I joined together in marriage John Lines, a soldier in the army, and Mary Hendrick.
March 30, 1779. I joined together in marriage Daniel Evarts, a soldier in the army, and Mary Rowland.
April 15, 1779. I joined together in marriage Isaac Olmsted, a soldier in the army, and Mary Parsons.
April 28, 1779. I joined together in marriage Jesse Belknap, an artificer in the army, and Eunice Hall.
May 4, 1779. I joined together in marriage William Little, steward to Gen. Parsons, and Phebe Merchant.
May 23, 1779. I joined together in marriage Giles Gilbert, an artificer in the army, and Deborah Hall.
March 9, 1780. I joined together in marriage William Darrow, a soldier in the army, and Ruth Bartram.

During the winter encampment, James Sanford, enlisted with the teamsters for General Enoch Poor's New Hampshire brigade. The teamsters were responsible for bringing daily supplies to camp from the military stores in Danbury, Connecticut. James' enlistment was contrary to the loyalties of his family, which is similar to Sam Meeker in my brother Sam is dead. His younger brother John, who is said to have visited him at camp everyday, is a good candidate for the real life Tim Meeker.

The troops left Putnam's encampment in stages, Colonel Hazen's Canadian regiment were detached from the New Hampshire brigade and ordered to Springfield, MA; they left on March 27th. The New Hampshire regiments also left on March 27th for their new assignments in the Hudson Highlands. Huntington's 2nd Connecticut Brigade left for Peekskill right after May 1st , and Parsons' 1st Connecticut Brigade was the last to depart on or about May 27th … also bound for duty at the Highlands. .

More on Putnam Park

Period Slang: Used in Camp or in the Field

Adjutant: an officer who acts as military assistant to a more senior officer.

Beetle-Headed: Dull, Stupid.

Brown Bess: A soldier's fire-lock (musket). "To hug Brown Bess" is to carry a fire-lock, or serve as a private soldier.

Chicken-Hearted: Fearful, cowardly.

Cur: A cut or curtailed dog, disabled from chasing game. Figuratively used to signify a surly fellow.

English Burgundy: Porter (wine).

Flip: Small beer, brandy, and sugar.

Fusillade: A discharge from a number of firearms, fired simultaneously or in rapid succession. A rapid outburst or barrage: a fusillade of insults.

Gill: One gill is equal to 1/2 cup of liquid. Soldiers were allowed a gill of Rum per day when on fatigue, and at no other time.

Grog: Rum and water. "Groggy" or "Groggified" is to be drunk.

Ground Arms: To stack firearms on the ground.

Hook: To steal. "My shirt was worn so I headed out of camp to hook one."

Huzza: Said to have been originally the cry of the huzzars or Hungarian light horse; but now the national shout of the English, both civil and military; to give three cheers being to huzza thrice.

Jack Tar: A sailor.

Lobster(Back): A British soldier, from the color of his clothes (Red).

Loggerhead: A blockhead or stupid fellow, also a double-headed, or bar-shot of iron.

Neck Weed: Hemp. Used as rope in the time period.

Pottage: A thick soup. Rod: A measurement of width, 16.5 feet is a rod.

Sallied: Usually means to breakout or depart.

Scaly: Mean, sordid.

Surly: Unfriendly, crabby, grumpy. Used to describe someone of that nature: "Major Williams was a surly fellow."

Sutler: A sutler or victualer is a civilian who sells provisions to an army in the field, in camp or in quarters.

Tattoo: A beat of the drum, or signal for soldiers to go to their quarters, and a direction to the *sutlers to close the tap. * A sutler or victualer is a civilian who sells provisions to an army in the field, in camp or in quarters.

Trainband: Local Militia. Volunteer soldiers formed to protect townships.

Vanguard: The foremost position in an army or fleet advancing into battle.

Period Slang: Used in Everyday Life

Anvil: A heavy steel faced iron block.

Breeches: Trousers ending above the knee.

Ciphering: Transforming a message into secret code via math.
18-21-14 = R-U-N

Cholera: An acute infectious disease of the small intestine, caused by the bacterium Vibrio Cholerae.

Commissary Notes: A Commissary is a store or market for military personnel, so a Commissary Note is a certificate given in lieu of currency for use in the store.

Drover: One that drives cattle or sheep to market.

Forage: The act of looking or searching for food or provisions.

Fusillade: A rapid outburst or barrage: a fusillade of insults.

Hardtack: A hard biscuit or bread made with only flour and water.

Hogshead: Any of various units of volume or capacity ranging from 63 to 140 gallons.

Hundredweight: 100 pounds.

Jerked Beef: Long slices or strips of beef dried in the sun or near a fire.

Johnny Cake: Cornmeal bread usually shaped into a flat cake and baked or fried on a griddle.

Leggings: Tight, form-fitting trousers that extend from the waist to the ankles.

Loft: Unpartitioned room overlooking another room.

Pallet: 1. A fire shovel; 2. A bed of straw

Papist: A Roman Catholic

Plowshare: The cutting blade of a plow.

Populace: The general public; the masses. A population.

Pound: Unit of money- equivalent to twenty shillings sterling

Powder Horn: W