----- 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 > To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html