Connecticut – Page 2

A digital collection covering Connecticut in the American Revolution

Thanks to the Connecticut Historical Society, a collection of Revolutionary War era manuscripts are now available for viewing on the Connecticut Digital Archive. This diverse collection includes images of several orderly books, hospital records, correspondence, muster and pay rolls, and more. Of particular interest is a document attesting that Backus Fox, a man held inContinueContinue reading “A digital collection covering Connecticut in the American Revolution”

How do I find a Connecticut privateer’s commission?

At it’s most basic level, privateering could be considered legalized piracy. Privateers were given a commission by the state government or Continental Congress to search for and attack merchant ships. This action benefited both the authorizing government, as it weakened the enemy’s supply chain, and the privateer, who received a portion of the proceeds fromContinueContinue reading “How do I find a Connecticut privateer’s commission?”

Was the Connecticut Continental Line Segregated?

Short answer: no. The integration of military units during the American Revolution is a question that has largely yet to be touched by scholarship. Many accounts mention only that Washington banned recruitment of African American soldiers in 1775; that British Commander Lord Dunmore offered freedom to those who joined his “Ethiopian” unit in November ofContinueContinue reading “Was the Connecticut Continental Line Segregated?”

What’s the Minerva?

Owned by William Griswold, the Minerva served first in the Revolutionary Navy.[1] In August of 1775, it received a commission from the colony of Connecticut: […] that a certain brig, called the Minerva, belonging to Capt. Griswold and now lying in Connecticut River at Rocky Hill, is one proper vessel to be employed for theContinueContinue reading “What’s the Minerva?”

Was my Connecticut ancestor a Loyalist?

It’s often forgotten today, but in 1775 and 1776, most American colonists didn’t start out with the goal of gaining independence. They wanted concessions from Britain about how the colonies were run. When they didn’t get them, many moved towards declaring independence. For others, it was just too far. “Loyalist” is a term used toContinueContinue reading “Was my Connecticut ancestor a Loyalist?”