The Lady was a... Spy?

The  General... 

Many British officers who served in the American Revolution had previously been active in North America during the French and Indian War. Some, like Horatio Gates and Charles Lee, moved to the New World, settled in America, and fought for the Patriots during the Revolutionary War. Others took American wives, continuing the tradition of war brides that still exists today. 

Thomas Gage

One such officer was General Thomas Gage. Gage was born in Firle, England, as the second son of a Viscount. He attended the prestigious Westminster School and, upon graduation, joined the British Army as an ensign. He rose through the ranks and was promoted to lieutenant colonel in March 1751. His regiment was sent to America in 1755. In fact, his career included many important military events as the British Empire expanded during the mid-18th century. But that is another story.

The Lady...

Margaret Kemble Gage in 1771

In America, Gage proved to be a successful and innovative officer, rising to high command and eventually governing Canada after the French surrendered. However, in December 1757, the war and life in America took on special significance for the accomplished officer, now a brigadier general. He spent the winter in New Jersey, where he was tasked with recruiting colonists for the British army. He was stationed near Brunswick, a small town not far from New York City. 

There, he met Margaret Kemble, a well-known beauty with notable standing in the area. Margaret was the great-granddaughter of Stephanus Van Cortlandt, the former Mayor of New York City, who came from one of the wealthiest families in the city. 

Her father was Peter Kemble, a prosperous businessman and politician from New Jersey. On December 8, 1758, Gage married the beautiful and well-connected Jersey girl. For many years, the Gages played a prominent role in New York society. By all accounts, they were happily married, and most attested that they were an ideal couple. Their marriage was further exemplified by the births of five daughters and six sons.

The Governor...

Thomas Gage eventually became in charge of all British troops in North America. After the war with France ended, he observed a shift in political tensions in the colonies toward resistance. Unfortunately, he would soon be part of the effort that led to open rebellion. The colony of Massachusetts was the most defiant. 

In May 1774, King George III appointed Gage to Boston, appointing him military governor of Massachusetts in an effort to restore order in the stubborn colony and enforce the hated Parliamentary acts. His wife, Margaret, arrived in Boston in late 1774. Although Gage initially earned the respect of the colonists, they also viewed him with some suspicion. Margaret was upset about the conflict in the colonies and struggled with her divided loyalties. She hoped her husband would not take actions that could lead to the loss of her fellow countrymen’s lives.

Action...

Margaret's brother, Stephen Kemble, was her husband's Intelligence Officer. His main asset was the prominent Dr. Benjamin Church, a member of the Massachusetts Congress and its Committee of Safety. It seems the doctor had an expensive mistress and turned to spying for the British to support her. While the Patriot Congress met in Concord (October 1774 and March through April 1775), sworn to secrecy, Dr. Church regularly provided Gage with summaries of the proceedings. 

Benjamin Church

Church was later exposed (no pun intended), but that’s another story. General Gage learned that the Massachusetts militia was storing arms and ammunition in Concord, about 20 miles northwest of Boston. He also heard that Samuel Adams and John Hancock were in Lexington. Gage made plans to capture them along with the munitions. 

However, the rebels led by Dr. Joseph Warren had their own spy network. Warren learned of the upcoming British troop movements on April 18 and confirmed it through a confidential informant connected to the British high command. This prompted the famous "midnight ride" of Paul Revere and others to warn the rebels. The "shot heard round the world" resulted. But just who was the informant? Unfortunately, Warren was killed at Bunker Hill, so the identity of the informant remains a topic of speculation.

Intrigue...

And as we all know, speculation is fun. The warning was issued before the redcoats marched toward Lexington and Concord, so the informant was not a low-ranking soldier or officer. Gage himself was questioned because he admitted telling only one person of his plans before informing his top commanders. 

However, there is widespread speculation that Gage was betrayed by his American-born wife, Margaret. Could the long-term spouse of the top British officer really have been an American agent? Would she betray her husband and her king? And if so, how? Did her brother play a role? Stephen was reduced to the rank of captain after the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Why? 

Doctor Joseph Warren

But let's focus on his sister. According to reports, Margaret allegedly warned Warren of her husband's plans on April 18th. A clergyman from Roxbury named Rev. William Gordon later noted that Warren's spy was "a daughter of liberty unequally yoked in the point of politics." 

Many have suggested she was sympathetic to the colonial cause. There is evidence that she held her own political sentiments and that the now-burning dispute between Britain and America filled her with sadness. Margaret once admitted to an acquaintance that she hoped her husband would not be the instrument of killing her countrymen. But many Loyal Britons shared similar views. 

Overall, there is no proof of her espionage. Many discussions have taken place about communication. How could Warren communicate with the wife of the British governor? How could he trust an intermediary with such a sensitive mission? How could he risk a personal meeting? These challenges confront every intelligence operation, especially those with high potential for gain, such as assets like the wife of the British governor. 

But perhaps the strongest "indicator" of Margaret Kemble Gage's possible espionage is that her husband soon after sent her to England. This blog considers her a very likely source, if not a full-fledged spy. The reduction in her brother's rank around the same time suggests a connection. Maybe Gage's other confidant in his plans was his intelligence chief. Perhaps she got her information from Stephen. In 1775, the stakes were high enough to risk passing information to the American side.

End of the Affair...

Gage remained in America for another year but returned to England feeling somewhat disappointed with his record in Boston. Over the following years, their marriage deteriorated, marked by estrangement. Jersey girl Margaret Gage spent the latter half of her life in England, never going back to her birthplace. She died at age 90 in 1824, outliving her husband by nearly 37 years.

 

 

The Last Fort

The Place

When General George Washington and the Continental Army arrived in New York in early summer 1776, the strategic situation was grim. British control of the waterways and superiority in artillery meant that New York, especially the island now called Manhattan, could be threatened from any direction. Although the British approach from the sea made a southern attack most likely, the commander in chief had to prepare for assaults from all sides. To his troops' dismay, Washington ordered fortifications to be built all around the island.

The men worked tirelessly with shovels and picks. Despite their efforts, most of these were primitive and poorly constructed earthworks. However, on June 20, 1776, some Pennsylvania battalions of the Continental Army began building a five-bastion fort at the corner of what is now Fort Washington Avenue and 183rd Street. 

The quickly assembled earthen-walled structure lacked a water supply and a strong barricade to fend off attackers. Still, it was located on the highest hill on Manhattan Island. This made it an ideal spot for the fort, with views over the Hudson River to the east, the Manhattan valley stretching south to what is now 120th Street, and protection on the north side from high ground that commanded the Kings Bridge approach. They named it Fort Washington to honor their commander-in-chief.

The Namesake

Colonel Robert Magaw
hoped to defend the fort

Washington correctly recognized the high ground at the north end of the island as strategically important. Along with its "sister" fort, Fort Lee (named after Washington's deputy commander, Charles Lee), Fort Washington controlled access to the Hudson Valley, the Bronx, Westchester, and areas bordering New England. It also posed a threat to any forces occupying the central and lower parts of New York Island. 

However, without support and with limited troops, Washington's namesake was a liability to his plans and would jeopardize many of his best men. After the British forces led by Lieutenant General William Howe defeated the Continental Army at the Battle of White Plains, they moved to seize Fort Washington, the last American stronghold in Manhattan. 

Recognizing this threat, Washington issued a "discretionary" order to General Nathaniel Greene to abandon the fort and evacuate its 3,000-man garrison to New Jersey. Yet, the fort's commander, Pennsylvania Colonel Robert Magaw, refused to abandon it. He believed it could still be defended against the British and begged Greene to let him hold the position. 

Greene agreed to leave Magaw in charge until he could consult with Washington, and then crossed the Hudson to review the situation. Sadly, the usually sluggish Howe attacked the fort before Washington could fully assess the situation.

The Battle

Throughout that summer and fall of 1776, Lord Howe's British land and naval forces carried out an effective, albeit slow, land-sea campaign that pushed the Continentals off Long Island and most of New York Island. By November, the last position the Americans held on Manhattan was around Fort Washington at the northern tip, known as Harlem Heights. Now, with Washington retreating from White Plains and heading into New Jersey, he decided to strike. 

Howe planned three attacks: Brigadier Lord Percy was to attack from the south up the island, Brigadier Matthews with the light infantry and Guards was to cross the Harlem River and attack Baxter on the east side, supported by Lord Cornwallis with the grenadiers and the 33rd Foot. The main attack was to target Colonel Rawlings’ position, with Hessian troops commanded by General Von Knyphausen. An additional assault was to be launched on the same side by the 42nd Highland Regiment (the famous Black Watch) under Colonel Sterling.

British ships bombarding

Early on November 15th, General Howe demanded the fort's surrender. McGaw refused. The British batteries across the Harlem River and the frigate Pearl launched a bombardment against American positions. Percy's forces moved forward to attack. By noon, Matthews landed on Manhattan and began his assault. The American commander defending the works was killed, and his militia retreated to the fort. 

However, the main threat originated from the north. General Knyphausen crossed from the Bronx onto Manhattan at Kingsbridge. His two Hessian columns attacked American positions along the high, wooded ground. After fierce fighting, Rawlings’ riflemen withdrew into the fort. Meanwhile, Hugh Percy, leading about 2,000 regulars through McGowan's Pass, attacked Colonel Lambert Cadwallader and his 800 Pennsylvanians on the south side of the fort. 

Hessians Overrunning Fort Washington

and Wounding of Mary Corbin

Simultaneously, the 42nd landed on the east side in a diversion and pushed inland behind Cadwallader’s forces. This caused the Americans manning the outer defenses to fall back to the fort as well. With all troops confined inside Fort Washington and under heavy fire, Magaw surrendered to Hessian General Knyphausen. Casualties were high on both sides: the British suffered 450 casualties, including 320 skilled Hessians, while the Americans endured 2,900 casualties, most of whom were prisoners.

The 42nd landing

Aftermath

From across the river, its sister Fort Lee, George Washington watched helplessly as his last hold on the strategic island of New York evaporated. Almost 3,000 men from some of his best regiments marched off into captivity. As critical, valuable, and irreplaceable supplies and munitions, including 150 cannons, fell to the British, who occupied the fort and renamed it Fort Knyphausen after the Hessian general instrumental in capturing it. 

Washington watched in frustration from Fort Lee

The high ground covering the northern approach to Kingsbridge was turned into a separate fort, named after New York's last Royal Governor, Tryon. A third fort was named Fort George. The fact that the British constructed three forts where a single large American fort once stood is significant. In Magaw's defense, he was not given enough men to properly man and defend the extensive positions. 

This is a common theme in fort defenses (to be repeated at Ticonderoga the following year)—they could become a death trap if the garrison wasn't large enough. The British army and its sympathizers then occupied the city until the American victory in 1783. After the war, remnants of the fort disappeared, and the surrounding area became known as Washington Heights. Granite paving marks the former contours of Fort Washington in the southern part of nearby Bennett Park.

BOOK REVIEW: Spies, Patriots and Traitors by Kenneth Daigler

To paraphrase the most interesting man in the world... I don't usually do book reviews on the Yankee Doodle Spies blog. Still, when I do, it's about a great book that highlights the importance of the American Revolution from a military intelligence perspective. This new book definitely made the list.

Kenneth Daigler spent his career as a CIA officer, where he learned the craft of espionage firsthand. In his latest book, Spies, Patriots, and Traitors, he reveals some of the nation's darkest espionage secrets. But they are secrets that have puzzled historians for over 200 years: secrets of the American Revolution. There have been a few books on this subject in recent decades, but none have the breadth and scope of this one. And none are as well documented and well written. Daigler covers a wide range of espionage activities and presents the big picture while diving deep into areas that are sure to fascinate the reader. He starts at the beginning—showing that even the political unrest that led to armed rebellion had an intelligence component. In a sense, he depicts a nation born of secrecy and covert activities.

A Case Officer's Perspective on the Two Big Cases

One of the many things that sets this work apart from others of its kind is the author's personal experience in the espionage trade. He draws on that to analyze numerous cases and explains the timeless aspects of espionage: planning, security, and communications. He shows that the absence of these three elements led to two failures—one for us and one for the British. 

Interestingly, these are the most famous espionage cases of the war: Nathan Hale and Benedict Arnold. In the case of Hale, the entire operational cycle was as ineffective as it could be. The author notes that Hale was inherently unqualified for the mission, which was poorly defined. Unsurprisingly, it failed on all fronts and ended in disaster. 

Daigler also points out that, despite some operational shortcomings, Arnold's case could have succeeded. However, Arnold's personal traits—ego, greed, arrogance—caused him to pressure his former handler, the inexperienced Major John Andre, into making a series of mistakes that eventually cost the British the operation and Andre his life.

Benedict Arnold

Lesser-Known Spies

 Daigler explores lesser-known cases with just as much enthusiasm: the establishment (or lack thereof) of counterintelligence under John Jay; Nathaniel Greene's skilled use of intelligence to secure victory in the southern campaign; the "secret war" in Europe; and Washington's efforts to employ intelligence, counterintelligence, and deception to surprise the British at Yorktown. The author also offers a perspective on the Culper Ring that differs from other accounts, highlighting that it was just one of many agencies Washington relied on—albeit a crucial one. 

Daigler details the activities of Benjamin Tallmadge—not only with his Culper Ring but also in other roles he served for Washington. The book recounts the daring exploits of the little-known John Honeyman, who spied on the Hessians during the darkest days just before the surprise attack on Trenton. Another noteworthy part of the book is his discussion of the plot against Washington and the British effort to destabilize the American economy through counterfeiting Continental dollars.

Benjamin Tallmadge

Other Pluses

James Armistead

The book is full of engaging illustrations of both well-known and lesser-known figures in the intelligence world. The author has also created a timeline of espionage during the American Revolution and, most helpfully for the layperson, a Glossary of Tradecraft Terms. He offers a powerful look at the struggles of African Americans, many of whom were slaves used by both sides. 

Ultimately, neither side treated them very well for their service, although there are some notable exceptions. The story of the African slaves is best exemplified by James Armistead, owned by a Virginia planter, who infiltrated British lines during the Yorktown campaign. 

His bravery and resourcefulness provided critical intelligence while under the noses of the British. He also discusses the role of counterintelligence, the British approach to espionage, and, of course, George Washington’s role as the Case Officer in Chief (my words).

Did intelligence win the war for American independence?

The author concludes with a discussion of that topic. One must conclude that intelligence played a crucial role in America's survival during the early years of the war and its ultimate victory. This does not mean that British intelligence was lacking. They had excellent worldwide coverage of American interests, and their Loyalist allies provided ready-made pools of agents, some already organized into cells. However, their leadership failed to capitalize on the opportunity. In contrast, George Washington clearly developed, over the course of an eight-year war, the ability to use intelligence and counterintelligence more effectively than the British high command. And that made all the difference.

George Washington, the Spymaster

I wish I had this book when I first started writing the Yankee Doodle Spies novels several years ago. Now that it’s available, it serves as an excellent non-fiction companion for those reading the series. You'll find many of the events and characters depicted through the fictional persons and actions in the Yankee Doodle Spies series, along with numerous historical figures and events as well.

I give this very excellent work, Four Tricorne Hats!

Happy Birthday!

This week marks the 239th birthday of the U.S. Army. Around the world, Army units and many other DoD components will celebrate this day, which also coincides with Flag Day. The U.S. Army was founded on June 14, 1775, when Congress adopted "the American continental army.” The Congressional resolution also absorbed the existing 10,000 New England troops and forces besieging Boston, and it requested an additional 5,000 be raised from New York and Connecticut men to defend New York City. Two million dollars was approved to fund the new army. The Continental Army quickly expanded, and by July, the authorized strength of the new army was nearly double that envisioned on June 14. 

Continental Soldiers

What was the first unit?

The American Rifleman

The first contingent of the new Army was composed of ten companies of riflemen – infantry. Congress’s resolution outlined their terms of enlistment and appointed a committee to establish rules and regulations. It seems that even at its inception, the Army had its red tape! The riflemen authorized on 14 June were the first units raised directly as Continentals, rather than state troops. Congress accomplished this by assigning six of the companies to Pennsylvania, two to Maryland, and two to Virginia. This may represent the beginning of the grand American tradition of using military authorizations to achieve a political end. But in this instance, it wasn't about pork (although that would soon come). It aimed to create a national (my word) army under the banner of “Continental.”

How were they recruited?

Recruitment authority was granted to local county committees in those frontier areas known for skilled marksmen. The response in Pennsylvania's western and northern frontier counties was so substantial that on June 22, the colony's quota was increased from six to eight companies, organized as a regiment. A month later, a ninth company from Pennsylvania was formed in Lancaster County. In Virginia, Captain Daniel Morgan raised a company in Frederick County, while Hugh Stephenson formed another in Berkeley County. In Maryland, the companies of Michael Cresap and Thomas Price both came from Frederick County. Readers of The Patriot Spy know that Lieutenant Jeremiah Creed’s light infantry company was also organized in Frederick County as part of the First Maryland Line. All thirteen rifle companies were sent immediately to Boston to join the siege. These riflemen were recruited solely for their marksmanship and toughness, not their adherence to military protocol. One of General George Washington’s first leadership challenges was managing their frontier attitudes and the resulting disciplinary issues.

Dan Morgan

How were they organized? 

Each rifle company was composed of a captain, three lieutenants, four sergeants, four corporals, a drummer (or horn player), and sixty-eight privates. The enlistment period was set at one year, the same as for militias. The companies were organized into a regiment, but until Congress could appoint field-grade officers (such as adjutant, quartermaster, and commissary), the company grades were filled in. Later, these rifle companies were brigaded under Daniel Morgan (now a colonel) into a Rifle Corps. As Continental Line regiments began forming that summer, they typically consisted of about eight companies, each with around forty privates, plus officers, sergeants, corporals, and drummers. However, organizations varied widely, especially at the beginning.

Who would lead the new Army?

Who else but Colonel George Washington! On June 15, Congress unanimously chose the Virginia planter and renowned hero of the French and Indian War. Washington had been active in the military planning committees of Congress, and by late May, he had begun wearing his old uniform. His colleagues believed that his modesty and competence qualified him to lead the challenging New England troops. Washington was given the rank of Lieutenant General and Commander in Chief. The day after Washington's appointment, Congress authorized other senior officers for the new army. Positions for five major staff officers were established: an Adjutant General, a Commissary of Musters, a Paymaster General, a Commissary General, and a Quartermaster General.

On June 20, the new commander-in-chief received orders to proceed to Massachusetts, take charge of the army there, and capture or destroy the British army occupying Boston. Congress directed him to prepare a report on the strength of the army. In the broader context of army command, his instructions were somewhat vague. His only other real mandate was that he must consult a council of war prior to any major strategic or tactical decisions. Washington had the authority to determine how many men to retain and had the power to temporarily fill any vacancies below the rank of colonel. Permanent promotions and appointments were reserved for the colonial governments. However, Congress appointed general officers. In the future, this led to a range of repercussions, not the least of which was Benedict Arnold's treason.

       General Washington assumes

           command of the new army

Who were his Lieutenants?

It is not surprising that the selection of Washington’s subordinate generals and senior staff officers led to political maneuvering as delegates sought appointments for their favorite sons. On June 17, Congress elected Artemas Ward and Charles Lee as the first and second major generals, respectively, and Horatio Gates as the Adjutant General. A few days later, two more major generals were appointed: Philip Schuyler, a New York delegate with close ties to Washington, and Israel Putnam, another hero of the French and Indian War. The brigadier generals followed. Congress appointed them in proportion to the number of men contributed by each colony, adhering to the recommendations of the colony's delegates for the actual selection. However, Congress created problems by ignoring seniority and status.

 Artemas Ward

Why are the Army Birthday and Flag Day celebrated on June 14th?

By pure coincidence, the Stars and Stripes originated from a resolution adopted by the Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia on June 14, 1777. The resolution read: "Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation.” The first celebration of the U.S. flag's birthday was held in 1877 on the 100th anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777.

Betsy Ross Pattern Flag

Francis Hopkinson Pattrn Flag

Heath in the Highlands

First Patriot

I often use the term "First Patriot" to describe those who served in the American War for Independence or who played a role in the political thought and action leading up to it. Many of my Yankee Doodle Spies Blogs discuss these men and women. As I researched the first few books in the series, a name kept appearing: Heath. More precisely, the name "Heath" was often printed across maps showing activity around New York, primarily in the lower Hudson Valley, western Connecticut, and the area now known as the Bronx (Kings Bridge). William Heath was one of those serious men, a New Englander like many others, who stayed committed to the cause from start to finish and served it in whatever way was needed. Certainly, many American officers were self-serving and easily offended by slights or secondary tasks. Not Heath, who I believe served professionally and effectively throughout the war.

Citizen Soldier

William Heath

William Heath was born in 1737. He made his home at his farm in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Like many of his generation, he became active in the militia as a young man, and by 1770, he was a colonel and leader of the Suffolk County militia. At the beginning of the war, Massachusetts named him a brigadier general, and he commanded Massachusetts forces during the final stage of the Battle of Lexington and Concord in April 1775. As the siege of Boston started, Heath focused on training the militia involved in the siege. In June of that year, Massachusetts appointed him a major general in the state troops, and the Continental Congress made him a brigadier general in the new national army, the Continental Army.

Solid Service

Charles Lee

In 1776, Heath took part in defending New York City, where he fought at Long Island and was among those who urged General Washington not to abandon the city. Heath's role involved overseeing the defense of the northern approaches to Manhattan. He did a reliable job monitoring potential British landings, dispatching intelligence missions, and gathering supplies. Heath served under Washington at Harlem Heights and White Plains, where he commanded the left flank of the Continental Army. In November, he was put in charge of forces in the Hudson River Highlands. When Washington conducted a frantic rearguard action across New Jersey to avoid destruction in the final months of 1776, he left Major General Charles Lee and Heath to guard critical communication lines between the mid-Atlantic and New England. When Lee finally responded to Washington's call to join him in the Jerseys, William Heath remained steadfast in defending the Hudson Valley. It was a command that demanded duty, not glory. After the British took control of New York City in 1776, the defenses just north of there became highly important. The ongoing presence of British land and naval forces in New York underscored the significance of the Hudson River, and both sides recognized the need to control this vital waterway. The Americans built fortifications, including West Point with its chain across the river. Washington assigned Continental troops under General Heath to the Highlands on November 12, 1776, and a Continental Army garrison remained there until the end of the war. Heath's assignment effectively created a military department. The British aimed to gain control during the Saratoga campaign in 1777 and frequently raided the southern parts of the department to disrupt military logistics and movement. One of the most notable incidents in this department's history was Benedict Arnold's defection in September 1780.

Hessain Grenadiers Advance

The Dog House?

Robert Rogers

Heath faces scrutiny during this period. In January 1777, Washington directed Heath to attack Fort Independence in the Bronx, New York, to support the American operations at Trenton and Princeton. Over ten days amid a harsh winter, Heath commanded 6,000 men in three attack columns heading south to seize the fort that guarded access from Spuyten Duyvil to the Kings Bridge crossing into Manhattan. Initially, the attack went well as British outposts were quickly taken. However, when they reached the fort, they encountered 2,000 disciplined Hessians. Unfazed, the Hessians responded to Heath's plea to surrender with heavy artillery fire. Heath attempted to flank the enemy, but a sudden thaw made crossing the creek impossible. After several days of skirmishes, a surprise movement by British troops on the American flank and rear forced Heath to consider retreat. The weather worsened, and Heath and his commanders decided to withdraw, which Washington criticized. Nonetheless, Washington understood the importance of avoiding a defeat—his own retreat across New Jersey proved that retreat can be a strategic choice. Had Heath's forces been defeated or captured, it could have cut off New England from the Middle Colonies and destabilized the overall strategic situation.

But Heath was never again assigned command of troops in action. Still, he remained in important posts, which was common at that time. Heath was a dependable commander of this American army of observation (my words) patrolling the no man's land north of Manhattan. His presence maintained the vital link between the colonies, protected the Hudson River, and helped keep the British in check. Heath's forces assisted in gathering and relaying intelligence to Washington. Reading his dispatches, one realizes he had a good eye for terrain, people, and the enemy situation. Heath worked diligently on logistics and overall helped sustain the Patriot presence in a crucial region. His handling of the Daniel Strang Court Martial for espionage shows the wide range of his duties as a commander and administrator. He approved the death sentence, which was duly carried out. Strang was found guilty of spying and recruiting for the notorious Loyalist Colonel Robert Rogers. Later, Heath was put in charge of the Convention Army of John Burgoyne's surrendered troops after the Battle of Saratoga in October 1777. However, in 1780, he returned to command the Highland Department following Benedict Arnold's treason. And in July 1783, he was given command of the Lower Hudson District while George Washington was with the Main Army in Yorktown—again standing watch over the powerful British forces in New York.

Post-War Patriot

After the war, Heath was a member of the Massachusetts Convention that ratified the United States Constitution in 1788. He served in the state Senate from 1791 to 1792 and as a probate court judge. In 1806, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts but declined the office. Heath was listed as an original member of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati. Our first patriot died at home in Roxbury on January 24, 1814, and was buried nearby in Forest Hills Cemetery. The town of Heath, Massachusetts, is named in his honor.

Heath's Monument at
Forest Hills Cemetery

The Mansion

What Mansion Would That Be?

To be more specific, the Morris mansion, also known later as the Morris-Jumel mansion. Readers of The Patriot Spy might remember that the mansion hosted a secret planning session between Jeremiah Creed and General George Washington. In fact, Washington made the Morris mansion his headquarters in the fall of 1776. During the time of the Battle of Harlem Heights, it served as the Continental Army headquarters, as mentioned in The Patriot Spy.

The Mansion

Who Built it?

The house was built eleven years before the revolution, in 1765, by British Colonel Roger Morris and his American wife, Mary Philipse. Known as Mount Morris, this northern Manhattan estate stretched from the Harlem to the Hudson Rivers and covered more than 130 acres. Morris was the nephew of a prominent architect and designed the mansion in the Palladian style. It features a monumental portico supported by grand Tuscan columns and a large, two-story octagonal addition at the rear. Because they remained loyal to the crown, the Morrises were eventually forced to return to England. The Continentals often used the homes of Loyalists, whether abandoned or not, as headquarters, and the British did the same to the Patriots. In this case, the home was large enough to accommodate staff activities and served as a residence for the commander in chief.

Why Headquarters?

Washington recognized the advantages
of establishing a headquarters on Morris Hill

The location was ideal because it was on high ground where Washington vainly hoped to destroy a British attack similar to Bunker Hill (Breed's Hill). The Battle of Harlem Heights was at best a draw. However, the position offered access to the lower island if a chance for a counterattack arose. It also protected the only American retreat route—King's Bridge. With views of the Harlem River, the Bronx, and Long Island Sound to the east, New York City and the harbor to the south, and the Hudson River and Jersey Palisades to the west, Mount Morris proved to be an excellent strategic military headquarters. Soon after the Battle of Harlem Heights, Washington and his troops left the mansion, and for some time, it was occupied by British and Hessian forces.

Post Bellum Shenanigans

Eliza Jumel

In the summer of 1790, Washington returned to the Mansion and dined with members of his cabinet. Among those at the table were Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and Henry Knox. However, the mansion rekindled the public's interest (and ours) because of another (notorious) First Patriot. In 1810, the mansion was bought by wealthy French wine merchant Stephen Jumel. As a result, the name was changed to Morris-Jumel Mansion. Jumel and his American wife, Eliza, purchased the mansion and spared no expense refurbishing it.

In 1828, they returned from Paris with crates of furniture and paintings, much of which they claimed had belonged to Napoleon. In 1832, Stephen died, ostensibly of "natural causes." He fell on a pitchfork and bled out. However, there was speculation that Eliza had a role in the death, as she had carried on a torrid affair with the now disgraced former Vice President of the U.S. and killer of Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr. 

A year after Stephen Jumel died in 1832, Eliza married Burr. However, the union ended after three years in divorce, as Burr only wanted her money, most of which he managed to spend. Burr died in near poverty. Eliza became a recluse, and the once-renowned beauty turned into a frightening sight with unkempt hair, false teeth, and dirty clothing. Although rumors said she went mad, she clearly had dementia and drove away even her closest relatives and friends. She lived alone in the house until her death in 1865.

Aaron Burr

Post Shenanigans Hauntings?

A stately old home, soldiers, sex, murder, and madness come together in a toxic mixture filled with stories of ghost sightings and hauntings. The mansion is now considered not only the oldest house in New York City but also the city's oldest haunted house. A tour of New York's haunted sites wouldn't be complete without a visit to Harlem. Many people, including curators and tourists alike, have reported sightings over the years. These sightings include Eliza, Stephen, and Aaron, as well as Revolutionary War soldiers and servants. One of the latter was a jilted maidservant. I first learned of the Morris-Jumel mansion as a boy. A friend of my father, who later became a history professor, visited the mansion and shared stories of ghost sightings—both civilian and military. He insisted that some of these sightings were made by inner-city youth touring with their schools, who described "soldiers walking through the walls." He also claimed that they accurately described some of the uniforms despite having no knowledge of 18th-century military or civilian dress. Today, the mansion is owned by the New York City Parks Department and is open to visitors, both the living and the dead.

The Sword

Cold Steel

This blog is about cold steel: more specifically, the sword. Despite the increasing use of firearms, blades remained a vital part of military life during the era of the Yankee Doodle Spies. Although Britain and France produced their own blades by the mid-18th century, the finest still came from countries with a long tradition of forging finely tempered steel—such as Spain, Germany, and Italy. During a time when firearms were primitive, slow, and inaccurate, combat with cold steel at close range could be decisive. And the sword was undoubtedly the most versatile close-quarters weapon: effective in melee, ambush, or siege. The sword held both practical and symbolic significance. Primarily, it was a straightforward weapon, easy to maintain. It could be wielded by foot soldiers or cavalry, and it could kill, cut, and maim.

Symbolic

Throughout most of history, the sword has been a symbol of leadership and distinction. This reached its peak during the Middle Ages when the sword became a symbol of knighthood. Knights were anointed and welcomed into the brotherhood of arms with a sword. Later, at least in Europe, carrying a sword was seen as a sign of a gentleman, worn on various occasions by civilians and military personnel alike. Although by the mid-18th century civilians rarely carried a sword, it remained a special symbol in military circles. Its symbolism influenced its use in warfare as the 18th century progressed. A sword might be drawn as a salute, a signal to prepare for action, or returned to its scabbard as a sign to end fighting.

Weapon of Choice

Before the development of the socket bayonet, every military man carried a sword of some kind. The infantry, artillery, and, of course, cavalry all carried swords of various types for close combat. However, as ring-mounted or socket bayonets became more common, the need for a sword alongside them decreased, at least for the infantry. By the time of the American Revolution, only sergeants and officers in the infantry carried swords, which remained symbols of authority and weapons. There were exceptions, such as the Highlanders and German mercenary regiments. Artillery crews and cavalrymen still carried swords; in the case of artillery, swords were used for close-in fighting if the guns were overrun, while cavalrymen kept swords as their primary weapon of action.

Cold steel could still be decisive

Let's talk about the main types of swords used during the time of the Yankee Doodle Spies. This is just a brief overview, not a detailed or official account.

Infantry Sword

The infantry sword, sometimes called a hanger, was a short sword used for close combat. Usually about 25 inches long. By the time of the Yankee Doodle Spies, such swords were mostly carried by American and British infantry sergeants. The hanger had a long, slightly curved blade and a short metal pommel covered by a small round handguard attached to the butt of the sword by a small metal knuckle guard. The hangers carried by infantrymen were inexpensive, simple weapons that worked well in bloody hand-to-hand fighting by ordinary soldiers. Marines also carried the hanger.

Short Saber

Used by many officers in combat, the blade was about 30 inches long. It was used for cutting or thrusting. These weapons could be simple or ornate. In some cases, they were family treasures, handed down from a father to a son on his commissioning.

German Jaegers

Hunting Sword

Originally a sidearm for hunters, the hunting sword was a short, cut-and-thrust weapon used by the German Jaegers, American riflemen, and officers on both sides. Sometimes called the cuttoe, it lacked knuckle and handguards and served as a brutal, bloody weapon for American militias as well. The blade was about 28 inches long and could be curved or straight. Jeremiah Creed carries a version of this in the Yankee Doodle Spies.

Small Sword

By the time of the American Revolution, these were mostly carried by civilians or officers, not with troops. Light and thin, rapier-like in appearance, it was suitable for quick thrusts.

Cavalry Sword

                                         

Mounted troops carried longer, heavier blades, usually about 35 inches long. They could be edged, but most were curved in America. They typically had a heavy hilt for maximum protection during mounted combat. A trained dragoon could slash an opponent or drive the point home with an extended arm, much like a lance. The saber in the hands of a cavalryman had a strong psychological effect. Just the sight of a cavalry formation wielding sabers could often cause all but the best-trained and bravest infantry to run for safety.

British Dragoons

Naval Cutlass

Most people recognize the cutlass from pirate movies. However, the cutlass was actually the seaman's version of a short saber. It was single-edged, heavy, and featured an expanded hilt to provide maximum protection. Though not suitable for dueling, when wielded by a strong sailor, these rough yet effective weapons could smash, crush, slice, and cut.

                                    

The Ultimate Symbol?

As mentioned earlier, the sword was a practical weapon with symbolic significance. Perhaps the clearest example of this symbolism is the classic "surrender." Whether on ships at sea, in great fortresses, or on the battlefield, a commander often surrendered his personal sword as the ultimate sign of submission. That act was almost always accepted graciously and conveyed respect to the surrendering forces. Therefore, the sword represents a range of meanings—from signal to start a fight to signal to lay down arms and yield. In this way, the sword was a unique weapon of its time.