J. L. BELL is a Massachusetts writer who specializes in (among other things) the start of the American Revolution in and around Boston. He is particularly interested in the experiences of children in 1765-75. He has published scholarly papers and popular articles for both children and adults. He was consultant for an episode of History Detectives, and contributed to a display at Minute Man National Historic Park.

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Sunday, October 24, 2010

Best Footnote of the Month

Number 14 on page 305 of Braddock’s March, by Thomas Crocker:

The first-hand accounts are conflicting and confusing as to where the flying column spent the night of July 1. Despite recent research on this phase of the march (see, e.g., Frank A. Cassell and Elizabeth W. Cassell, A Tour of Braddock’s Road from Fort Necessity to Braddock’s Field (Westmoreland Heritage) and article by Steeley, J. in Westmoreland History 7, no. 2, September 2002), historians and geographers will no doubt debate the exact location of the route of march and related encampments during the first days of July for years to come. For purposes of this narrative, however, it is sufficient to say that the army was in the middle of nowhere.
My thanks to the loyal Boston 1775 reader who alerted me to this paragraph.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

See, that's the trouble with history - it's so subject to interpretation. My research definitely confirms that Braddock & Company were closer to the right edge of nowhere at that time.

Chaucerian said...

I am eagerly awaiting the announcement of the relevant symposium.