Battle and Siege of Savannah: Revolutionary War in the South
84Kazimierz Pulaski "The father of American cavalry" falls mortally wounded at the Second Battle of Savannah, Georgia Oct 1779
Opening moves
The Siege or Battle of Savannah, sometimes called the Second Battle of Savannah, which took place between September the 16th and October the 18th, 1779 was preceded by the British capture of Savannah, Georgia in December of 1778.
Following an action at Stono's Ferry in June of 1779, the American and British army forces retired to their respective encampments, until the arrival of an American allied French fleet on the coast aroused them to quick activity.
This fleet, commanded by Count d'Estaing, consisted of twenty sail-of-the-line warships. It's arrival at once led to the adoption of a joint resolution by the American and French troops to attempt the re-capture of Savannah. Also, orders were issued to the militia of Carolina and Georgia to rendezvous in the surrounding neighborhood.
Flushed with the belief that the fall of Savannah was certain, the Americans turned out with alacrity, and on the 16th of September, British held Savannah, beleaguered by the united force led by the American commander General Benjamin Lincoln and Admiral d'Estaing, was summoned to surrender. The garrison requested twenty-four hours to consider this demand.
Unfortunately for the Allies, this delay was allowed, and the most favorable moment lost, in which an assault might have been successful. In that time, a detachment of British troops from the back country, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Maitland, succeeded in throwing itself into the beleaguered city in support of the British commanding officer there, General Augustine Prevost.
24 pounder siege cannon at Savannah the battlefield
Siege, bombardment and preparations for assault on the British fortifications
Despite the arrival of such a re-enforcement the Allies were still determined to make an assault. The besiegers were reduced to the necessity of either storming or regularly besieging the place. The former measure was resolved upon.
On the evening of the 23rd, they broke ground, and on the 4th of October following, opened a fire upon the city from nine mortars and thirty- seven pieces of cannon from the land side, and sixteen from the river. These continued to play with little intermission for four days, but without making any serious impressions on the defenses of the place.
Preparations were then made for an attack. This measure was forced on Count D'Estaing, by the necessity of withdrawing his fleet without delay from a coast which was so dangerous to shipping at that time of year.
The morning of the 9th of October was fixed upon for the assault. Two feints were made with the Georgia militia, and a real attack on the Spring Hill battery, with 2500 French troops, 600 American continentals and 350 South Carolina militia; the whole being led by D'Estaing and Lincoln with the brave Pulaski in charge of the cavalry.
The assault was ordered to take place at 4 o'clock in the morning; but some miscalculations having been made, it was broad daylight when the troops advanced to the attack, when all their movements were perceptible to the enemy.
The Americans Plant the Palmetto Flag atop Spring Hill
The Attack
By the desertion of a soldier the night before the assault, the Brits were also apprised of the contemplated arrangement's, and were enabled to strengthen themselves in the Spring Hill battery by additional forces, which were withdrawn from those points against which the feints were to be made.
Under these disadvantages, the allied troops nevertheless marched forward with great boldness to the attack, but under a heavy and well directed fire, not only from the land batteries, but from several armed ships which lay in the river and threw their shot directly across their path. This cross-fire did such fearful execution as to throw the front of the column into confusion.
The British redoubt on the allied forces left side had been chosen by Admiral D'Estaing for storming, as he believed it was only defended by inferior loyalist ranks, when in fact those troops were supplemented by Maitland's veteran Scots company.
Consequently, the white clad French troops, standing out in the early morning light and fog, suffered terribly in the battle. The French admiral himself was wounded twice, and the famed Polish cavalry leader Kazimierz Pulaski, fell with a mortal wound at the head of his cavalry troops.
A general retreat was commanded, after the attackers had stood the enemies fire for fifty-five minutes; but not before the ramparts were carried by the South Carolina militia regiment under the Swedish count Curt von Stedingk. Lieutenants Hume and Bush planted its colors upon the walls, but were shot down a moment after.
It was a matter of honor that the flags not be lost. A Lieutenant Gray endeavored to save them, and received a mortal wound in the desperate attempt himself. A soldier named Jasper then bore them back from the bloody heights and delivered them in safety to his comrades; but he too received a mortal wound in doing so, and died a short time later. The militia regiment paid a high price indeed for that military banner in which they held such pride.
Memorial to the American, French, and British Soldiers
Aftermath of Savannah
In this sanguinary attempt upon Savannah, the combined assaulting armies sustained a heavy loss. The French and Americans had suffered close to 250 slain, nearly 600 wounded, and well over 100 prisoners taken. The British casualties were light in return with their official tally at 40 killed, 63 wounded, and 52 missing.
After this repulse, the idea of taking the place by regular approaches was resumed, but soon discarded. D'Estang was uneasy at the exposed situation of his fleet; and the militia were no less anxious to return to their homes.
The siege was conducted without the spirit the army previously had and was soon discontinued. D'Estaing then re-embarked for Europe and General Lincoln retired northward into Charlestown(Charleston).
The arrival of the French, if productive of no other good, served for awhile to confine the Brits to the ramparts of Savannah, preventing them from overrunning the back settlements of Georgia and Carolina.
It also brought into activity and thus exposed, the malicious and disaffected partisans still clinging to the royal standard, who were scattered in great numbers throughout the country. Thus, with that effect, the campaign of 1779 ended in the South.
copyright Fri Feb 03 2012 All rights reserved alastar-packer.hubpages.com
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I bookmarked your site last month to read at a later date. I am glad that date finally arrived. You have many interestig hubs that will keep me occupied this evening, and possibly into the night. Thank for an interesting evening of reading.
All dates and no details makes history reading dull fare, indeed it does 2Ps. The detail you pointed out with the French troops white uniforms standing out is exactly the kind of info I like to have in these. There was an English follower who wrote that they were upset with these Revolutionary War stories and disappeared thereafter. I'm thankful you're not like that and see them for what they are, interesting history, nothing more, nothing less. Appreciate the vote and comment 2Ps.
It's the details that make this so interesting. The information that the French uniforms were white, which served to make the soldiers stand out in the weather conditions helps to paint the picture of the battle. I never liked history until I started to read novels - history at school was so dull - all dates and no detail.
This has been voted up and interesting.
Names and dates. Peggy I'm with you there on remembering that in school history classes. It didn't take me long before starting to read books other than the school texts. There were a couple of good teachers though. Your college professor had the right idea in the way they presented it, glad you had one like that. Well Peggy, this hub history teacher is happy you liked this Revolutionary War tale and he thanks you very much!
Hi Alastar,
As so many have already stated...wish you had been my history teacher. You truly give life to these stories. Waaay back when I was in school, the tests revolved around names and dates. Had history been presented such as you do in your hubs, it would have become a favorite subject for most, I am certain. Actually I had one college professor who did a great job and told it in story form with interesting details such as you do.
Savannah is a gorgeous city! Spent 3 days there on vacation many years ago.
Up votes and will share.
Blooming Magnolias! That's right Terri, it's like springtime down here, hope the Keystone State's weather is like-wise. It's so very fine to see you back in regular action on the Hubs my friend. You'll catch up alright so don't be frettin' any about that. You know I thank you for the vote n all and am imagining you enjoying your beloved Gettysburg right now.:)
I'm so behind in my reading...sorry it took me so long to get to this one. Like always, I loved the history lesson. But all the talk in the comment about blooming magnolias is making me long for warmer weather up here in the drab cold countryside of PA. Can't wait to get in a spring trip to my beloved battlefield. Voted up and interesting, not to mention liked on FB!
Tell your daughter best wishes on her history class questions thumbi, happy to help in any way!
Hi Alastar - my daughter is learning Indian history in school now and this is one of the questions she has to answer in tomorrow's history class.
We searched net, but couldn't find the answer.
Once again it is proved that there are many advantages to be in hubpages
Thank you very much for helping:)
Hi there thumbi7, thanks for commenting. thumbi a driver of war elephants was called a mahout. Can you believe even Caesar employed one against the Celts of Britain! As a matter of fact they were used extensively up until the advent of field cannons which put an end to the war elephants usefulness on the battlefield.
Hi, Alastar Packer
Well, I started having a liking towards history after reading your hubs.
Could you please tell me "what a soldier on elephant back is called?"
Thanks for SHARING:)
Oh yes Jackie, didn't I comment. Anyway i should have said are you going to do another one with the new Magnolia photos. Like a southern belle walking out-side. Good description! They're one of our fave trees aren't they.:)
You and me both Randy. Course you got the greater claim bein' a natural born Georgia gentleman. Appreciate the SSSS bro!
I did do one Alastar, haven't you been there to see my pictures? Not my best but pretty good, from last week. One magnolia bloom almost open...like a southern bell walking outside...
Excellent as usual, Alastar! You know I love this stuff, especially when it's about places near and dear to my heart!
Randy SSSSS
Dreary weather day, yes. Magnolia blooms in Febuary. Hope you do a hub Jackie.
No sun today but going tomorrow to bloomed out magnolias I only got a hint of last week. Looking forward to it.
Appreciate that Kitty. I know the CW and RW hubs aren't for everyone but I do try and present them in a way that is more assessable than say wiki. That's a great thing about HubPages too. There were some topics or stories never would have considered reading before but learned new stuff and found them enjoyable on here. Thanks again my friend, do hope you have a super Valentine's Day!
Your historical hubs are always so wonderfully and articulately written, AP. This is no exception to that rule. Although I'm not a big fan of Revolutionary and Civil War History, you always seem to pull me into your stories. Voted up and awesome!
Aww thank you Jackie. Happy Valentines to you too. Bet you'll have a good one. Hope so!
Happy Valentine's Day.
Always nice to go up, up, and away with you after the gun-smoke clears and roar of cannons fade Eddy. You'll have to tell me more about your 'Armchair Traveling' slot sometime. Thanks for the visit my Welsh lady.
You always have that knack Alaster of breathing life into your hubs and I could almost imagine myself on the battlefield.
I am now giving this one my up up and away plus a bookmark into my 'Armchair Travelling'slot.
Brilliant as always my dear friend;take care and have a great day.
Eddy.
Thank you there John. You'll probably enjoy the Aesop's Fables. He was a great fabulist in ancient Greece.
Hi Alaster, really great hub. You know your history really well.
Voted up on your wonderful hub
John
Very good Canook! Yes, all seems well now. Thanks for checking. Say hi to Marsha.:)~Tarheel
Hi! Tarheel I watched over the weekend, my hub sites seem to be O.K. Has the problem been fixed? Canook
Ah thank you my brother, we learn many things from you as well. Your hubs are always interesting and done so very well. Still thinking on your latest about the Cat-boy and his remarkable eyes; most intriguing and thought expanding case, thanks again Pras!
Hi Sunnie. Wonderful to hear you used to live near and have those memories of Savannah. It certainly is a great place to walk around and see all the history. Be careful of the bars near the waterfront though, the bar-keeps tend to really load one up for free if they think you'll leave them an extra large tip lol! Just kiddin' there Sunnie, I know this wouldn't apply to you my friend. And thank you so much for the compliment. These are written to at least not be boring, that's the intent anyways. Be over to visit soon.:)
Hello Alastar,
I told myself to wait to read this so I would not be interupted. You sure can write such a great historical, indepth hub at the wars fought in the south. I remember living outside of Savanna many years and walking along the river walk and looking at all the old houses, and buildings that are still standing. Savanna is so rich with history. You did a wonderful job..so much history I did not know. Savanna is such a beautiful city and has such great memories for me. Thank you for a wonderful hub.
Sunnie
Man but is that intriguing JKenny. Nothing done to remember Trafalgar's 200th, eh. That sea battle was one of the most important in history and really had nothing to do with over-seas colonies as it was fought during the Napoleonic Wars! Appreciate the plaudit but sad to know the PTB don't consider major historical events in your history worth remembering. Can assure you it's not like that over here for most battles of any magnitude.
I always find something new about the history of the Civil War from you, brother. You are the master of this topic and again...I learn many things from you. Beautiful presentation and good job. Rated up!
Prasetio
Once again, I've felt like I've been reading the work of a historical master. Incidentally I noted in one of the earlier comments, it was mentioned that the word 'Empire' is a black word in Britain now. That sentiment is mostly true, I remember a few years ago, there was a campaign to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, and as far as I know, nothing was done.
The Devil's in the details, so they say. Always glad to see you lyric, and appreciate your input my friend.
I have always enjoyed the history of the Civil War. You do such a great job with detail in all your stories Alastar. This is another class "A" article my friend.
Appreciate that Bobbi, it's very fine to hear you have an interest in this kind of history. Still thinking about that woman you just wrote on. You would think something could be done to help her in this day and age.
I love Civil War history, I find it fascinating and you make it a lot of fun to read about. Very nice hub and very informative.
Why thank you Irish, do appreciate the sentiment my friend. Amazon's an awesome place to read reviews and see whats coming out soon. A bibliophiles' liquid dream it is lol.
Your fascinated by Old Rosey and Bragg Phyllis. Well, how about that. Rosecrans was a good general, just got unlucky at Chickamauga with Longstreet's division being there to exploit the hole in his line. Bragg is a totally different matter. He's one of the main reasons the South lost in my humble opinion. Phyllis that's great what your doing over on Appalachia. Got to check it out soon; and thanks about the Warhorse, I'll check it out sometime too.:)
Another meticulously researched and impeccably written historical report. Your hubs are developing into an awesome history book that I can see up on Amazon in the not so distant future. Up and awesome Dixie!
Alastar, I recently wrote on Bacon's Rebellion of 1676, then jumped ahead to Battle Of Chickamauga of 1863 -- I was fascinated with Generals Rosecrans and Bragg. I started with Jamestown and the Anglo-Powhatan Wars. Now I have to go back to fill in the 1700's. I have not submitted those articles yet. I am anxious to get to the war of 1812. I will go as far as I can on the battles/wars right up to the last one, then go into coal mining and the problems all that has created. Thanks for the offer of using your info, I can use the battle names and go from there, much obliged.
PS: War Horse is a slow movie, but a very emotional story that kept me glued to the screen. It was great! The horses they trained for the movie are amazing.
.
Haha suzette! You want to know the secret there- it was a good Charlotte public school system, encouraging parents, and a lot of reading early on. Thanks and there was a very nice surprise tonight when a student commented enthusiastically how much one of these came in handy for a history report!
Your historical knowledge always awes and amazes me. You chose battles and topics that have never been presented in history classes in school. Have you ever been a history teacher in another life?
Phyllis thank you ma'am! Appalachia eh; I'm going to check that site for sure. So your writing history stories on there because they get the most attention. If your in the mid 1700s now how far forward in time are you going? Phyllis dear, you use what you want from this and I'll look forward to reading your articles there. Thanks again for the kudo and vote!
Oh good Canook. If you liked it then its on the schedule to view sometime. One movie critic said the first half was kinda slow but who listens to the critics much eh lol.:)~ Tarheel
My gosh, Alastar, you made me feel as though I were right there on the battlefield! "The little regiment paid a high price indeed for that military banner in which they held such pride." That paragraph is so strong in showing the dedication and bravery of the men in the little regiment. You write with power and paint a vivid picture with words. Excellent hub! I am a writer for another site, on Appalachia, and I find that the articles that get the most attention are of history and the battlefields -- I am almost through the mid 1700's at that site with the wars. This subject is of great interest for me. Thank you! (I promise not to copy, paraphrase, or use your dynamic style when I write about this battle. :) Kudos, Up, Interesting, Useful and Awesome
Hi! Tarheel Just to touch base. I saw the movie War Horse last night...Awesome! Canook
Appreciate that Mike.Thats a good question too, one I could ask you with your out-standing Emerald Wells series. I've mentioned before how its a new The Waltons. As far as the battle articles any periodical would probably want the copyright but then theres always the e-book route. At any rate they've got a good home on the HP and Google for now. Thanx for the comment and ask my friend.
You always present such interesting historical events. Is your eventual plan a book of short stories relating to the battles that take place in your area?
Is your blog up Jackie? How are you going to handle your photos on it? Cannons are pretty good cameras so you should get a lot of nice pics in these spring-like days were having. You ought to go back to Ft Dobbs soon or hey, what about the Moravian village!
Oh, even P goes down to level 7 sometimes after being at 8 almost 2 years. Who can know, maybe I will ask at hub hoppers. lol At least I am hanging at mid 90s now and getting a steady following and that is good since I am going to have to be busy awhile with blogs and pictures. Ended up with a Cannon and it's pretty good. Out taking pictures again today. The camillas were so huge and gorgeous.
Hi Sannel and thanks for the share and bringing up the Swedish officer Stedingk. He's one example of how inter-continental the American Revolution really was. You had people from almost ever country in Europe involved in one fashion or another. See, you remember your history lessons better than you think! And if I grabbed your attention with this then the day has been a success as well. Skoal Sannel! PS- hope there's another tantalizing dessert hub or similar before too long.:)
Alastar - You are a true master at bringing these historical battles to life!
I enjoy history immensely. However, my knowledge of the Revolutionary War is, I'm sorry to say, rather restricted. . .I wish you had been my history teacher!
But I have heard about the Swedish army officer, diplomat and aristocratic nobleman Curt von Stedingk. It was interesting to hear his name mentioned here. Now in fact, I recall he went overseas and wounded at the Siege of Savannah. He left a remarkable military career behind him at age of 90, when he finally died.
This was so fascinating to read. You really know how to keep a girl's attention. LOL!
Voted up and sharing.
Thanks!
Man do you have a way with words Colin. That's funny you should say that cause that's how I feel about your masterful poem-art. Thanks as always for the Epiman's vaunted FB link; and the warm wishes both ways should keep the mighty Lake Erie from freezing over anytime soon my friend.
....well no one does it like you Mister Packer - I send EVERYONE your way - believe me - and as a writer, next to you, I feel like a kid wiping snot from my nose, my league is not in your league it's deep in the bottom of the sea, but that may be, you are a star in my book and a loyal supporter and friend too - see you on my Facebook page with a posting here and a direct link back to you - at lake erie time 1:02am and sending warm wishes to you with full moon over the lake (not frozen, either)
Oh right Jackie, there's enough on the site and elsewhere which can make it difficult to keep up with sequels that go on and on. Some of them are very good but I wouldn't recommend anyone write too many of them on the hubs. Your a great commenter, don't know why your not level 8 but you should be. Ha ha left field and southerns good stuff sometimes!:)
Thanks for the answer Alastar, and I really meant like sequels of one story that just goes on and on and I so hate to hurt any friends feelings but I just really don't have time to keep up going back and as another person's answer there was you have to be true to yourself and you can feel forced comments. I like to always say something I truly feel in a comment and some you can tell didn't even read it, lol. So anyway thanks, sure didn't want you to think I meant you. Your stories sometimes take me out in left field as you well know; but they are always food for thought! Well you know my interests in all things southern anyway I am sure.
Hello Gail, and thanks. Suppose they are exciting in a tragic kind of way. Ha can understand if you learn more from these than what the school books had to offer. Didn't care for them much either Gail, every chance I got would read something else besides the text books lol.
Alastar, you'e done it again! Your hubs on the south and the revolutionary war are so detailed and exciting! As usual, I learned much more from you than I did from my teachers so many years ago! thanks
Aww, we're all friends and lovers now Nell, no white flag needed lol. And hey, that's right about King Daddy; although told by his closest advisers to let the American colonies go he just kept throwing more money into the pot on what turned out to be a losing hand. Triple tack Nell; all that was a long time ago and it should be remembered for the world changing ramifications and splendid valor of both sides in that grand chess game of history.:)
Hi, Waving the white flag of peace here! lol! I remember reading somewhere that a lot of the English at that time didn't actually want to fight, and believed it was a waste of time as it was on American soil and of course trying to get ships over their, and stupid King George sitting on his fat backside giving out orders from here, just got their goat so to speak, so many wars are fought like a chess game for the monarchs, and it was the innocent people who paid the price, great hub as always, and interesting but sad history, cheers nell
Nurse Mar your officially an HP veteran now. It is a big leap from the first months to a year. You can 'sassy' away anytime you want to now lol. Thank goodness you are who you are and have been such a blessing to all who've come to know you here. The schools should make subjects interesting and involving for students and should realize one size doesn't fit all. Hope your friend likes the article, they've moved to a beautiful and historic city there in Savannah. :) XO
Hi Vix, thank you so much. The textbooks would be alright so long as no revisionist history writing was required. As far as Americans paying the ultimate price on their own soil, perhaps Thomas Jefferson said it best: "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is it's natural manure."
Dear Alastar,
I've been here at HP close to a year already. I feel so much more comfortable, was so shy when I first began. Now, I'm even friends with 'tammy' and I'm getting almost sassy!! So, with that in mind, I wanna say...
'watered down' is precisely how I feel I was schooled, as I have been reading your work these months. It took someone as young as tammy to let me know I wasn't being forgetful! So that's a relief! I continue to learn so much from you...voted UP & UAI.
I am sharing this with one of my dearest gal pals who just moved in the last couple months from Birmingham to Savannah.
Have a great day. Hugs, Nurse, mar.
You should be writing history text books. You make the information interesting to learn about! It never ceases to amaze me how much blood has been shed on this soil. Alastar, you have a rare gift, thank you for sharing it.
Hmmm, there were a lot of spies; most of them seem to be in favor of the British which makes sense when you consider the people in America were divided on staying with England or independence. Remember what Nathan Hale said before he was hung? Don't know any exact numbers, good question though Jackie. After the Patriot victory most of the Loyalists that didn't escape were forced into Canada. Thanks Jackie, I agree with you 100% on the wastefulness of conflicts and wars. Lets hope one day they'll all be a thing of a long ago past.:)
You do make history interesting Alastar and just like all interesting studies it brings more questions. Such as the spies at that time, a risky job I bet, and just how many died? All these wars you write about, do you have any idea? How many in all these American wars, and if they hadn't were would we put them and the families they would have had? That probably is a very unusual thought but sometimes I think it may be the answer to war today. I hate war. That is were we lose our fittest and best, makes no sense. We have weapons that should mean no lose of life, or very little. We have some very brave people who volunteer to die, I can never imagine being that brave.
Hyph, that's sadly so true. Guess the bling and Idol shows are more entertaining. Its a bit distressing to see people put their whole sense of self and interest into going to a Hollywood singing audition. And if they're not picked their whole world collapses around them. Appreciate this Ms B, it is heartening though to go to a CW re-enactment for example and see lots of boys and girls really getting into the experience. Maybe some will carry on and keep the memories alive. Thank you the most my friend.
Hey Thomas your friend goes places with that observation I wouldn't dare - gotta admit it's pretty good though, especially coming from a Londoner. Reminds of the mom saying it's alright if family talks trash about each other but those out-siders better watch out! LOL
Aha! how did you ever know Drbj! Had my share of plastic soldiers as a young boy, oh yes. That was back when they were made in the good ole U.S too. One might could find them in the antiques stores nowadays lol. Thank you Drbj, that PhD in front of your name stands for Puns & Humor Doctor extraordinaire!
They've been with us at least through the beginning of history and up until the present day. Maybe one day all behind us, I really hope so Tina. you've reminded how Sweden has been neutral country for a very long time. Sweden can teach the rest of the world something, if only it would listen. Oh my Tina! -20 below brrrrh! That is some kind of cold! Here in N.C. the days have been almost Spring-like, the nights chilly but nothing like what your experiencing. Swedes, in addition to being some of the nicest people anywhere are also amongst the hardiest too! Tack Tina; and skoal, the Eel must swim!
Alastar, your knowledge and clarity in writing always make me breathless. You draw the reader into the battle. I was shocked to read
"The French and Americans had suffered close to 250 slain, nearly 600 wounded, and well over 100 prisoners taken. The British casualties were light in return with their official tally at 40 killed, 63 wounded, and 52 missing."
So many gave so much and now people here in America are too callous and selfish to respect that sacrifice. Thanks to writers like you this piece of history will continue and those soldiers remain alive in our memory. Thank you.
Thank you Prince! still around, been keepin up some with that hellhound on Mr O's trail too.:)
Very relieved you feel that way about the sides Seeker. One very fine person from over the pond that used to read these Revolutionary War ones eventually wrote that they were starting to have a hard time with them. Understand completely why but perhaps the way to look on them is like two brothers or sisters that fought in childhood on occasion but love each other dearly now.
So true on the vagaries or maybe fate that can absolutely change the situation on the battlefield from one set direction completely over to another. One event I've noticed in this series is the number of deserters and spies that got vital info over to the British commanders.
Oh my! How perceptive with the uniforms Seeker! The red-coats have to be one of the all time mis-matches in military history. If not mistaken they were originally to hide the color of blood on European battlefields, but over in America they just made the soldiers stand out more. Haha that's so funny how you put that about them! Seeker, appreciate to the max your insights and great comments as always my friend!
Thats a good way to look at these Frank; they are like a chess match in many ways. Yes indeed, we all have our own style in writing on certain subjects, like I said before one time, if I tried to write a story using poetry like you do it would be mighty embarrassing for the writer and reader lol. Thanks bro!
Alastar...
I had a friend from London who explained that statement to me, "The Sun never set on the British Empire." Apparently...that was because God wouldn't trust an Englishman in the dark.
Thomas
The sun never sets on the British Empire, at least it didn't back then. Martie these campaigns...battles, sure can get interesting. Just about everything a human being can think, do, or feel is in their stories to the nth degree and then some. Someone from England commented once that the word 'Empire' is pretty much a no-no over there now. And its true history can be damning on some things but I say we shouldn't forget all the great and amazing things that land and people have created or given to the world that made it a better place for all. Ha ha thank you Martie, you've got one extra fine frame of mind to stretch my lady so we'll keep it going on the history if that helps with the proportions.:) Lord willing!
So the Battle of Savannah was lost by the colonies but subsequently the war was won. Very interesting details, Alastar, you are the history maven.
Do you know what I was picturing as I read this fascinating hub? You in your immense second drawing room adjusting the various tiny pewter soldiers in their authentic uniforms displayed on an immense table as the recreation of the Battle. Right, eh?
It is amazing with all these wars during time and it seems that humans never learn even if war have been tried for so many hundred years. Interesting hub as always and I have learned about this battle by reading this. The British seem to have been everywhere historically!
Thanks for an interesting article Alastar and I wish you a wonderful weekend! Here I expect a cold weekend! The temperature has dropped and it is now - 15 °C and it will probably go lower during the night. The forecast says about -20 ° C!
Voted up and interesting
Tina
Alastar - Great Hub old friend. Haven't seen you out and about lately but this was superb work.
The Frog
Alastar I think this has to be one of your best historical hubs, it was fascinating.
It doesn't matter to me what side is who, it's just very sad when you realise how many lives were lost due to the making of history - this wonderful subject that so many of us love. But what always makes me thoughtful about history is how often it only takes one small incident, insignificant perhaps, but one that will cause a major turn around in fortune. One poor decision, one delayed decision, one soldier deserting, one company of troops delayed for a short time. It seems so often that the out come of history is based on, what might seem like, insignificant incidents.
If there is one thing that really puzzles me about the past is how dumb many of their uniforms were!!! These poor French guys dressed up in white? Other countries including Britain were no better. When in places such as Savannah, South Africa, Asia - the Brits all had to wear these stupid uniforms buttoned up to the neck, thick, stiff jackets and coloured like some bird of paradise! Why couldn't they keep these silly glad rags for parade rather than having to wear them on the battle field? I reckon just as many soldiers must have passed out or died from heat stroke as they did from bayonet wounds or bullets!
Fantastic hub and defiantely deserves the vote up of awesome!!!
Alastar.. reading your tellings is like a complicated chess match... even though you know the outcome.. you fill the brain with education and excitement.. I can re-tell this story and it will not come out with the same intensity or impact.. up and awesome my friend :)
Awesomely interesting. So deep is the trail of blood all around the world left by the small kingdom of Britain.
Thanks, Alastar, you are stretching my frame of mind to an enormous proportion with all your history hubs.
Very glad to supply the new info to you wmhseo, thank you!
I don't have an idea on Revolutionary War in the South but thanks to the article you have posted now I have an information about it.
Oh yes! Whenever I could get away with it in school the watered down version would be put aside for something better to read. Can't imagine what its like today. Thank you Tammy for the great comment and share, Savannah truly is beautiful. Hear all the time folks saying which do you like better, Savannah or Charleston? Both unique in their own way is my answer. Haunted, oh yea. Btw, a huge UFO was spotted the other day not far from here- disappeared into a smallish black hole over the highway- just over tree-top height!
Great overview of this battle of the Revolutionary War. It is interesting to hear how history really was rather than the watered down version we all sat through in history class. Savannah is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. Battles like these may explain why it is one of the most haunted places as well. Very intersting and well explained.
Hi Canook! Hey that sounds fancy dancy and standing room only with the play Angie. Guess what, I started a new book called Mr and Mrs Madison's War which revolves around the 1812 one. Its pretty good so far. Canook, that's some very good news! Family, hub friends and doggies make all the difference in the world sometimes, they surely do!:)~Tarheel
Hi! Tarheel Another good history Hub. This summer I am going to see a play at the Stratford Shakespare Festival about the War of 1812 - America declare war on Britain and the empire (Canada)..I will you know if it is good or bad. Canook P.S. The past two Jan. I have been very sick ( M.D.), this Jan. I feel great, I think it is because of my family,my Hub Friend and Marsha. :-)
Hello there Thomas- been looking for the next Reno installment. Got that right about Gen Lincoln and Charleston you do, he blew it big time didn't he. Almost lost the entire campaign right then and there. Correcto again Mr T, the British overestimated their support in the hinterlands, and underestimated folks like the Over-the-mountain-men to mention one stalwart band of fellows. Appreciate the good vibes my friend- see ya in wizard land!
Hi Kelly. No, your correct there- not much was accomplished either way in that battle. The British held on to Savannah till near the end. Saw a print once in an exhibit that showed Hessian mercs forcibly removing a man from his home to join their ranks in the Revolutionary War. His wife had her arms wrapped around one soldiers leg begging, the grans had a babe in arm weeping, an older girl child was beginning to cry and a smaller boy played on like nothing was happening. That mans forced enlistment probably meant starvation for his family. Tough times indeed. Thank you Kelly, say hi to uncle when you see him.:)
Alastar...
I was unaware of this campaign and its, rather, inglorious ending. Typically I pick up General Lincoln's southern 'travails,'with his surrender of Charleston the next year. Still...not a lot you can do when you have deserters screwing you over.
An excellent Hub as always my friend! In your final commentary you nailed why the British lost the war...to win they had to get out of the cities and occupy the hinterland...stopping or delaying that from happening was the next best thing to a victory.
Awesome job good sir!
Thomas
Hi Alastar - well at least there seemed to be some good served for having had the war. I was thinking - until the end - did anyone here end up with anything for all the bloodshed?
I just can not imagine having lived during those years. Really interesting hub!
Alastar Packer Hub Author 2 weeks ago
You've set yourself a reading marathon and again, I'm honored and hope they can live up to the standard that was attempted for them Hubert. Your most welcome and you know how much your appreciated my friend.