Category: Americana

George Washington, Donald Trump, and the Character of Power

George Washington addressing Revolutionary War officers in a candlelit wooden hall

In March 1783, George Washington faced what may have been the most dangerous moment of his public life.

The Revolutionary War was essentially won, but the American experiment was anything but secure. Officers of the Continental Army were furious. Congress had failed to pay them what they were owed. Some were openly discussing whether the army should use its power to force Congress to act.

Washington walked into a meeting of those officers at Newburgh, New York.

He argued against military intervention. Then, near the end of his remarks, he pulled out a letter and struggled to read it. Washington reached into his pocket for a pair of spectacles.

“Gentlemen,” he told them, “you must pardon me, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”

Men who had endured years of war with him reportedly wept.

The conspiracy collapsed.

There are few moments that better illustrate George Washington’s conception of leadership. He possessed enormous power at that moment. His officers revered him. The national government was weak. History offered plenty of examples of victorious generals who had converted military glory into political power.

Washington chose restraint.

Nearly two and a half centuries later, Donald Trump offers Americans an extraordinarily different conception of strength.

And whatever one thinks of Trump politically, that contrast is worth examining.

Because this isn’t really a story about whether George Washington was a good man and Donald Trump is a bad one.

It is a story about what Americans believe character has to do with power.

Continue reading “George Washington, Donald Trump, and the Character of Power” →
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Submarine and Yellow

Wooden Bushnell's Turtle submarine labeled Bushnell's Turtle in a historic harbor

Today in Revolutionary War History — September 6

If there’s ever a boring anniversary, I’ll skip it but that day is not this day!

Tonight marks an especially good 250th anniversary. On the night of September 6–7, 1776, Sergeant Ezra Lee climbed into David Bushnell’s tiny hand-powered Turtle and set out into New York Harbor to attack HMS Eagle, Admiral Richard Howe’s flagship. Lee was unable to attach the explosive charge to the ship, but the attempt became the first known use of a submarine in combat. The U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command dates Turtle’s departure to the evening of September 6, and the Smithsonian published a substantial new article on the experiment just three days ago for its 250th anniversary. Naval History and Heritage Command

There’s a neat commemorative connection today, too: Warrenton, Georgia, where Bushnell lived late in life under the name David Bush, is holding a 250th-anniversary Turtle commemoration and wreath-laying today, September 6, 2026. Explore Georgia

Then, September 6, 1781, brought one of the Revolution’s darkest final battles. Benedict Arnold, now fighting for Britain, led roughly 1,600 British troops against his native Connecticut. New London was burned, while across the Thames River British troops stormed Fort Griswold at Groton Heights. After the fort fell, many American defenders were killed after surrendering; their commander, Lt. Col. William Ledyard, was among the dead. The attack came only about six weeks before Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown. Fort Griswold

And that battle is being remembered today as well: Fort Griswold is holding its 245th-anniversary commemoration this evening, extinguishing candles one by one as the names of the fallen are read. Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce

So September 6 gives us an extraordinary Revolutionary pairing: 1776 — Americans experiment with the future of warfare beneath New York Harbor. 1781 — Benedict Arnold returns home at the head of a British invasion force.

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Living to Fight Another Day

Today in Revolutionary War History — September 4

250 years ago today, September 4, 1776, George Washington was trying to rebuild discipline in an army still reeling from the Battle of Brooklyn. With the British poised to strike again, Washington was alarmed that soldiers were wandering away from their units. He ordered commanders to keep their men close, conduct roll calls three times daily, punish unauthorized absences, and stop the plundering of homes, orchards and gardens. In a remarkable letter to Colonel Fisher Gay, Washington warned that “the safety of the Army, & the good of the Cause” depended on vigilance and discipline. (Founders Online)

At the same time, Washington was quietly preparing for the possibility that Manhattan might have to be abandoned. He informed John Hancock that unnecessary military stores were being moved north of King’s Bridge so they would not be lost if the Continental Army had to retreat. Mount Vernon is highlighting this exact episode today as part of its “On This Day 250 Years Ago” series. (Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association)

September 4, 1778 also marked the opening movement of Grey’s Raid. Major General Charles Grey’s British expedition sailed into Buzzards Bay and landed near New Bedford that evening. During the ensuing raid, British troops devastated American shipping, warehouses and supplies—a reminder that the Revolution was also an economic war fought against ports supporting privateers and the Continental cause. (Revolutionary War) A recent New Bedford historical investigation notes that the raid remains surprisingly little commemorated locally, though plans are already developing for its 250th anniversary in 2028. (The New Bedford Light)

The thread connecting today’s events: in September 1776, Washington was learning that preserving his army mattered more than holding ground. Two years later, Britain was increasingly trying to damage the American war effort by striking the communities and commerce that sustained it.

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The Difference that 7 Years Makes

Historical battlefield beside gentlemen negotiating around a table indoors

Today in Revolutionary War History — September 3

Today gives us two excellent anniversaries—one exactly 250 years ago, and one that ultimately finished the Revolution.

September 3, 1776 — Washington tries to restore his battered army. Just a week after the Battle of Brooklyn, Washington’s army around New York was in rough shape. General William Heath reported that soldiers who had suffered most on Long Island were “much Dispirited” after losing officers, blankets and other possessions. Some lacked money, and sickness was becoming a problem. (founders.archives.gov)

Washington’s general orders that day reveal his concern about something even more dangerous: the army’s discipline was beginning to crack. He condemned recent incidents of cowardice, plundering and rioting and warned that stealing abandoned property could bring about the “ruin of any Army.” (founders.archives.gov)

Meanwhile, engineer Rufus Putnam gave Washington a grim assessment of Manhattan’s defenses: the British had so many possible landing places—and such good intelligence about American movements—that preventing another British landing was essentially impossible. Washington was already strengthening the New Jersey side of the Hudson opposite Fort Washington, ordering work on defenses that would eventually become Fort Lee. (founders.archives.gov)

And Congress answered the extraordinary question Washington had raised the previous day: Should New York City be destroyed rather than surrendered to the British? John Hancock informed Washington on September 3 that Congress had decided “that no Damage should be done to the City of New York.” (founders.archives.gov)

And then, seven years later…

Continue reading “The Difference that 7 Years Makes” →
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To Burn or Not to Burn

Split historical artwork contrasting 1776 and 1781

I’m going to just keep going with this #semiquincentennial thing for awhile…

Today in Revolutionary War History — September 2

250 years ago today, September 2, 1776, George Washington was confronting the possibility that New York was lost—and considering an extraordinary response.

Only days after escaping the catastrophe on Long Island, Washington wrote the Continental Congress asking what should happen if his army were forced to abandon New York City. Among the possibilities: should the city be burned rather than allow the British to use it as winter quarters? Congress ultimately rejected the idea. (Smithsonian Magazine)

Continue reading “To Burn or Not to Burn” →
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Narrative of a Revolutionary Soldier

Reenactor resting beside a canvas tent in a snowy military camp

Joseph Plumb Martin’s Narrative of a Revolutionary Soldier is an extraordinary glimpse into the life of a soldier during one of America’s most pivotal eras. From the very first pages, Martin draws readers into his world with a vivid and engaging writing style that makes the harsh realities of war feel immediate and relatable.

What truly shines through in Martin’s narrative is his unwavering sense of duty and patriotism. His accounts of daily life in the Continental Army are filled with both humor and hardship, illustrating the resilience and camaraderie of the soldiers who fought for their beliefs. Each chapter offers a unique perspective on the American Revolutionary War, complete with personal anecdotes that give the reader a true sense of the trials and tribulations faced by those who served.

Continue reading “Narrative of a Revolutionary Soldier” →
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Recommended Books after Narrative of a Revolutionary Soldier

Open handwritten journal, quill, map, and leather-bound book on a wooden desk
Narrative of a Revolutionary Soldier

Oh, yes. If what grabbed you about Joseph Plumb Martin was that wonderful “ordinary person actually living through the Revolution” quality—the hunger, marching, lousy officers, humor, fear, boredom, and sudden violence—there are some excellent places to go next. Martin is unusually special because enlisted-men’s memoirs from the Revolution are relatively rare. 

Continue reading “Recommended Books after Narrative of a Revolutionary Soldier” →
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August 31 in Revolutionary War History

Antique map surrounded by a quill, compass, candle, books, and sealed letter

Today — August 31 — gives us a particularly good Washington story, especially coming right after the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn.

🇺🇸 August 31, 1776 — Washington explains the Great Escape

One day after completing his extraordinary evacuation from Brooklyn Heights, George Washington finally sat down and told Congress what had happened.

He was exhausted.

Washington wrote John Hancock that during the preceding days he had “hardly been off my Horse and never closed my Eyes.” (Founders Online)

After the disastrous Battle of Brooklyn on August 27, Washington’s army had been trapped against the East River. Rather than risk another battle that could destroy the Continental Army, Washington secretly evacuated roughly 9,000 troops across the river to Manhattan during the night of August 29–30. Silence, darkness and finally a remarkably dense fog concealed the operation. (National Park Service)

On August 31, Washington reported the result to Congress:

“Our Retreat was made without any Loss of Men or Ammunition…”

Continue reading “August 31 in Revolutionary War History” →
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Washington’s Army Disappears

Revolutionary-era soldiers rowing wooden boats through foggy water

250 years ago today in the predawn hours of August 30, 1776, George Washington completed the extraordinary evacuation of the Continental Army from Brooklyn Heights across the East River to Manhattan.

After the devastating Battle of Brooklyn on August 27, roughly 9,000 Americans had been cornered with the British in front of them and the East River behind them. Washington recognized that another major engagement could mean the destruction of his army. National Park Service

So during the night of August 29–30, Washington pulled off a remarkable escape.

Colonel John Glover’s 14th Massachusetts Regiment—the Marblehead Mariners— used their considerable seamanship to ferry soldiers across the river. Wagons were muffled, campfires were left burning, and the troops were ordered to remain silent so the British wouldn’t realize what was happening. National Park Service

And then Washington caught an extraordinary break.

Fog rolled in.

It concealed the final stages of the evacuation from British observation. By about 7:00 a.m. on August 30, the Continental Army had safely reached Manhattan. The troops on Governors Island were among the last removed. National Park Service

We even have an eyewitness diary entry from Massachusetts soldier Moses Sleeper for today:

“Last night Evacuated Long Island with verry Much Fatigue…”

Sleeper recorded reaching New York at about 1:00 a.m. National Park Service

Why August 30 matters

This wasn’t a victory in the conventional sense. Washington had just lost the largest battle of the Revolution.

But he understood something fundamental that would become central to his strategy:

The British could capture territory. They could not be allowed to capture Washington’s army.

As long as the Continental Army remained intact, the Revolution remained alive.

And there’s something wonderfully cinematic about it: Howe wakes up expecting Washington’s battered army to still be sitting across from him at Brooklyn Heights—and discovers that the Americans have simply vanished.

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Washington Decides to Escape Brooklyn

Revolutionary-era soldiers rowing boats past burning shores at night

250 years ago today and two days after the disastrous Battle of Brooklyn, Washington’s army was trapped in its fortifications at Brooklyn Heights. The British were close enough that one American soldier recorded on August 29 that they had thrown up a breastwork “within gun shot of our Lines.” National Park Service

Washington now faced the possibility that his army—and perhaps the Revolution itself—could be destroyed.

On August 29, he made the critical decision to evacuate Brooklyn secretly across the East River.

That evening, Colonel John Glover’s Marblehead Mariners, experienced Massachusetts seamen, began ferrying thousands of soldiers, horses, artillery and supplies across to Manhattan. The evacuation continued through the night of August 29–30, aided famously by fog that concealed the operation from the British. National Park Service

It’s hard to overstate this one: Washington didn’t win a battle on August 29, 1776. He saved his army. And by saving the army, he kept the Revolution alive.

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Battle of Brooklyn Comes Back to Life in Prospect Park 250 Years Later

In a remarkable event marking the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn, Prospect Park recently hosted its first large-scale reenactment in 50 years. The event drew significant crowds, providing a vivid glimpse into history and honoring the legacy of those who fought in this pivotal battle. The reenactment featured actors, period costumes, and demonstrations, allowing attendees to experience a slice of 18th-century life.

For a more detailed account of this historic reenactment and its significance, be sure to read the original article: Battle of Brooklyn comes back to life in Prospect Park 250 years later

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Battle of Brooklyn Coverage Around the US

Vintage collage featuring a prominent 50th Anniversary Celebration sign

I’ve been tracking the anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn and pulled together recent news coverage and commentary about how this pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War is being remembered today.

“Today, August 27, 2026, is exactly the 250th anniversary and the Battle of Brooklyn/Long Island got some noteworthy coverage.

Continue reading “Battle of Brooklyn Coverage Around the US” →
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The Role of Virtue and Education in the American Experiment

Open antique book, quill, stacked books, papers, candle, and glasses on wooden desk

Popular government requires virtue, and public opinion must be enlightened.

George Washington

This is one of the central assumptions behind the Founders’ idea of republican government: a republic could not be sustained by a good constitution alone. It required citizens capable of governing themselves—both morally and intellectually. That theme also fits the broader Revolutionary-era framework we’ve been building.

Continue reading “The Role of Virtue and Education in the American Experiment” →
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Battle of Long Island: 250 Years Ago Today

If most Americans know what happened 250 years ago today, it might be because of this song from the music Hamilton:

Hoewever, celebrating 250 years of America has nothing to do with Hamilton, UFC matches or Indy car races: it has to do with being mindful of the courage of real Americans who put everything on the line for us.

The Battle of Long Island, fought in August 1776, was a significant engagement during the American Revolutionary War. It marked the largest battle of the conflict in terms of troop strength, as British forces sought to seize control of New York City from the Continental Army. The battle showcased the tactical superiority of the British army and resulted in a decisive victory for them, forcing the Continental Army to retreat. This encounter set the stage for subsequent struggles throughout the war, highlighting both the challenges faced by the American forces and their resilience in the face of adversity.

For a more in-depth look at the strategies, key figures, and aftermath of this pivotal battle, be sure to read the full article on Wikipedia — I think you’ll be amazed! This is what it means to celebrate America; to pause and reflect on moments like this…

Bonus

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George Washington’s Immortals: The 400 Who Saved the American Army

If you’re an American, you owe your ‘freedom’ to these 400 men who fought and died 250 years ago on August 27.

The 1st Maryland Regiment (specifically the “Maryland 400”) undertook a critical rearguard mission during the Battle of Long Island (Brooklyn) on August 27, 1776 [00:00:01].
  • The Objective: After British forces executed a surprise flanking march through the unguarded Jamaica Pass [00:09:19], the Continental Army was surrounded and cut off [00:00:21]. The mission of the 1st Maryland Regiment was to launch a counterattack against the fortified British position at the Old Stone House [00:15:48] and hold the line at all costs [00:00:31].
  • The Strategic Goal: Buy enough time for thousands of retreating American troops to escape across the treacherous mud and salt marshes of Gowanus Creek back into the primary defensive fortifications at Brooklyn Heights [00:14:29].
  • The Action: Led by General William Alexander (Lord Stirling) and Major Mordecai Gist [00:15:38], fewer than 400 Maryland soldiers charged into concentrated British artillery and musket fire multiple times [00:16:16], holding off 2,000 veteran British and Hessian regulars for roughly an hour [00:18:07].
  • The Cost & Outcome:
    • Over 256 Marylanders were killed and more than 100 captured [00:19:20], leaving fewer than a dozen able to return directly to camp [00:19:37].
    • The sacrifice succeeded, delaying the British advance long enough for Washington’s army to reorganize and ultimately execute their midnight evacuation across the East River to Manhattan [00:21:12], saving the Continental Army and the Revolution from early destruction [00:23:28].
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Signs This Is the End of The American Experiment

Empty courtroom with wooden benches and papers scattered on floor

Political scientists, historians, and sociologists who argue that the “American Experiment”—the democratic republic founded on constitutional checks, civil liberties, and shared civic norms—is severely endangered or reaching an end typically point to structural strain across several core institutions.

Continue reading “Signs This Is the End of The American Experiment” →
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Americans Rate Nation’s Moral Values at All-Time Low

While Americans point to a decline in morality, they may be referring to social conventions, not ethical behavior.

The article from Psychology Today discusses a significant decline in Americans’ perception of the nation’s moral values, which has been rated at an all-time low. It suggests that this perceived decline may stem from shifts in social conventions rather than actual ethical behavior. The piece explores how various factors influence public opinion on morality and highlights the differences between societal norms and personal ethics.

Go to the source and read the whole article: Americans Rate Nation’s Moral Values at All-Time Low

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Ken Holtzman’s first no-hitter

Yesterday, my mom gave me this program from Ken Holtzman’s 1969 no hitter. I was 11 and my dad and I sat in the upper deck behind home plate for what turned out to be one of the most unique games in Cubs’ history. The program is signed by Ken Holtzman, Ron Santo (who hit the game winning homer), Billy Williams (whose catch preserved the no hitter) and Fergie Jenkins. Ken Holtzman’s no-hitter on August 19, 1969, is one of the strangest and most memorable pitching performances in Chicago Cubs history—not because he overpowered hitters, but because he didn’t strike out a single batter.

The 23-year-old left-hander faced the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field and won 3–0, allowing no hits, three walks, and no runs. Every one of the Braves’ 27 outs came on a ball put into play—grounders, fly balls, or line drives. A no-hitter without a strikeout is extraordinarily rare, and Holtzman remains the most recent major-league pitcher to accomplish it. (SABR)

Continue reading “Ken Holtzman’s first no-hitter” →
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George Washington’s Rules of Civility (and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation)

George Washington’s “Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation” is a collection of 110 maxims that emphasize proper conduct and etiquette in social interactions. Originally derived from a set of French rules, Washington adopted and translated them in his youth. The rules cover various aspects of behavior, including:

  1. Respect for Others: Treating people with kindness and dignity, acknowledging their presence, and showing proper deference in conversation.
  2. Politeness and Modesty: Maintaining humility and refraining from boasting, as well as speaking appropriately according to the situation.
  3. Listening and Understanding: The importance of listening attentively and allowing others to express their thoughts without interruption.
  4. Avoiding Controversy: Steering clear of topics that could lead to disagreements or discord, particularly in mixed company.
  5. Good Manners: Practicing etiquette during meals and gatherings, sharing space amicably, and being gracious in both victories and losses.

Collectively, these maxims provide insight into the social expectations of Washington’s time and reflect timeless principles of civility that are still relevant today.

Could you imagine what our current president’s book would look like?

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Media, Technology, and Stress At America’s 250th

“The United States is in a strange position. Even as we prepare to celebrate our 250th anniversary we are dissatisfied with how things stand. A recent Pew Poll indicated that 69% of Americans don’t like the way things are going right now but that may have always been true in this country; historians believe that only 30-40% of American Colonists actively supported the Revolutionary War, with 20% remaining loyal to the crown, and the remainder being neutral or disengaged.”

Go to the source and read the whole article if you’re interested: Media, Technology, and Stress At America’s 250th

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How America Recovers from All This

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