----- Original Message -----
From: "Lee Minnis" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2000 10:22 AM
Subject: A Look at the War from a Soldier's Perspective


> Much has been written about the American Revolution by generals,
> politicians and learned historians with a specific point to make.
The
> most comprehensive look at a single Continental Line Regiment during
> that war can be found in "The First Virginia Regiment of Foot
> 1775-1783."
>
> The First Virginia was the inaugural regiment at Williamsburg,
> Virginia, in 1775, and the final full regiment at Winchester and
Point
> of Fork, both in Virginia, in 1783.  At least 172 had died while on
> active duty and many more had undoubtedly expired while prisoners or
> returnees to civilian life who succumbed to wounds or illnesses
> acquired in the service.  Countless others are just unknown.  This
was
> a tremendous sacrifice in the face of nakedness, exposure, hunger,
and
> mistreatment by the enemy with little or no pay. There were
desertions
> and other moments of weakness but many returned to the regiment or
> later fought in other units. The high standards of personal
dedication
> set by the men of the First Virginia have sustained Americans in
> warfare ever since who perhaps equaled at times but never exceeded
> their achievements.
>
> The First Virginia earned its battle streamers at Hampton, Kemp's
> Landing, Great Bridge, Norfolk, Gwynn Island, Long Island, Harlem
> Heights, Mamaroneck, White Plains, Brunswick, Trenton, Assunpink
> Bridge, Princeton, Somerset Courthouse, Bound Brook, Iron Hill,
> Brandywine, Germantown, Fort Mifflin (Mud Island), Whitemarsh,
> Monmouth, Stony Point, Paulus Hook, Savannah, Charleston, Guilford
> Courthouse, Hobkirk Hill, Ninety-Six, Eutaw Springs, Ogeechee Road,
> and Sharon.  Some other battles which had participants from the
First
> were Saratoga, Chestnut Hill, Waxhaws, Camden, King's Mountain,
> Cowpens and Yorktown.
>
> The present condition of many of these battle sites is included in
the
> book.  As well, it is noted that three of the regiment became
> governors of Virginia; a son became a hero of the Mexican War and
> President of the United States; and two other sons attained general
> status. There has been no other war like the American Revolution in
> our short history. Those who did so much to gain our independence
have
> almost been  forgotten.  Perhaps it is time to put their efforts in
> perspective with more recent encounters aimed at defending what they
> won with their almost total dedication.
>
> It is hoped that all who have not done so will preview this book at
> http://www.ancestorsinvirginia.com.
> The book would make an excellent gift to yourself, a friend, a
family
> member, or better yet your library.
>
> M. Lee Minnis
> Ancestors in Virginia
> (904) 287-3198
> [log in to unmask]
> http://www.ancestorsinvirginia.com
>

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