tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post3634488888410187774..comments2024-03-28T04:26:30.557-05:00Comments on Boston 1775: Nat Philbrick’s Bunker Hill: Talks, Reviews, and a GiveawayUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-55138334384633462712013-05-15T22:49:45.151-05:002013-05-15T22:49:45.151-05:00Thanks for sharing your letter. You’re right that ...Thanks for sharing your letter. You’re right that Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that the “shot heard ’round the world” was fired in Concord. Nowadays a lot of authors think that shot was the first shot of the Revolutionary War, which happened at Lexington. (<a href="http://boston1775.blogspot.com/2006/10/where-was-shot-heard-round-world.html" rel="nofollow">Or at Portsmouth</a>, according to some odd folks.) But that’s not what Emerson thought was important. <br /><br />Ralph Waldo Emerson grew up in Concord and moved back there to live for many years. He wrote his hymn for a celebration in Concord. His grandfather had been the minister in Concord during the battle, and watched it closely. He knew that Concord was where Massachusetts militiamen made the first organized move against the British soldiers. It’s only natural that Emerson thought what happened in Concord was most important, just as I dare say folks on Cuttyhunk learn to value the history of their home.J. L. Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15405157000473731801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-79826705613809901002013-05-15T16:47:47.983-05:002013-05-15T16:47:47.983-05:00Dear Mr. Bell,
We enjoy reading your blog while w...Dear Mr. Bell,<br /><br />We enjoy reading your blog while we learn about the American Revolution and thought you might be interested in a letter we wrote to the Economist after their review of Mr. Philbrick's new book. We hope it will all fit here.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Carter Basnight Lynch<br />Gwen MacKay Lynch<br />Cuttyhunk Island<br /><br />May 15, 2013<br /><br />Dear Editor of the Economist, <br /><br />In the Books and Arts section of your April 27th - May 3rd issue you reviewed the new book “Bunker Hill: A City, a Siege, a Revolution” by Nathaniel Philbrick. In the review it stated, “On the way they exchanged fire with the Patriots at Lexington, an incident that is celebrated in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s most famous poem as “the shot heard ‘round the world”. Emerson’s poem is correctly titled, the “Concord Hymn”, not “the shot heard ‘round the world”. Your review also stated that the above battle at Lexington was the one celebrated in Emerson’s famous poem. As the first stanza of the Concord Hymn reads, “By the rude bridge that arched the flood, Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled, Here once the embattled farmers stood, And fired the shot heard ‘round the world.” There is no river in Lexington and there is no bridge in Lexington! The poem is a memorial to the fight that took place at the Old North Bridge in the town of Concord, MA, and the poem is engraved at the base of the Minuteman monument right next to the bridge that spans the Concord River. We just visited here on our recent class field trip while studying about the American Revolution, and we have attached two photographs showing the North Bridge at Concord, MA and the Minuteman monument with Emerson’s engraved poem. We learned from our teacher, Ms. Dunn, to always tell the truth because as your famous English poet Keats said, “Beauty is truth, truth beauty”. <br /><br />We believe the author, Mr. Philbrick, once visited our island of Cuttyhunk , MA while researching another one of his books on the sinking of the ship the Essex, which leads to the novel “Moby Dick”. Cuttyhunk Island is part of the Elizabeth Islands chain and part of the town of Gosnold, MA. Our town was named after Bartholomew Gosnold an English entrepreneur who journeyed here in 1602 on the ship Concord to find the Sassafras plant and bring it back to England to cure a disease that many people had, and also to make money. Gosnold’s voyage of peace and commerce to Cuttyhunk Island introduced English culture, law, and fair trade to America. He later captained the ship Godspeed and helped establish the first piece of the British Empire in Jamestown, VA. We are very proud of our heritage here on Cuttyhunk Island, proud to be a free people, independent-thinking students, and to be a part of that entrepreneurial spirit introduced to us in 1602 and still present today.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Carter Basnight Lynch<br />Gwen MacKay Lynch<br />Cuttyhunk Elementary School<br />PO Box 175<br />Cuttyhunk, MA 02713<br />United States of America<br /><br />(the two photographs didn't copy but these were the captions on them)<br />Gwen MacKay Lynch and Carter Basnight Lynch of Cuttyhunk Island, Gosnold, MA, USA, visiting the Old North Bridge in Concord, MA by the Minuteman monument engraved with Emerson’s poem the “Concord Hymn”. <br /> <br />The Old North Bridge spans the Concord River in Concord, MA, USA. This is where the “shot heard ‘round the world” took place on April 19, 1775.Cuttyhunk Island Schoolhousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06871001228352870457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-64116798681871631952013-05-03T15:35:25.996-05:002013-05-03T15:35:25.996-05:00Thanks for all the comments!
Thanks for all the comments!<br />J. L. Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15405157000473731801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-74695208565492426472013-05-02T19:18:06.486-05:002013-05-02T19:18:06.486-05:00He was in Philly lobbying to lead the army in MAHe was in Philly lobbying to lead the army in MABrian macknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-83571300562560695302013-05-02T16:51:57.361-05:002013-05-02T16:51:57.361-05:00He was in Philadelphia, angling for and receiving ...He was in Philadelphia, angling for and receiving the congressional appointment to command the army. The next day he wrote to Martha W. describing the appointment, making suggestions about her residence, and ending with a postscript about suits of muslin. http://gwpapers.virginia.edu/documents/revolution/martha.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-56771399586262118582013-05-02T16:48:08.035-05:002013-05-02T16:48:08.035-05:00Congress voted to appoint Washington Commander in ...Congress voted to appoint Washington Commander in Chief on June 15, 1775. The date written on his commission is June 17, 1775. My guess is that Washington was still in Philadelphia waiting for his official commission. He would have wanted it in hand so that when he arrived in Massachusetts everyone would know that he had a legitimate (unless you were a loyalist or British soldier) commission to command.lizcovarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04945198541230169112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-54777252773214242182013-05-02T16:30:47.163-05:002013-05-02T16:30:47.163-05:00George Washington was en route to Boston to take c...George Washington was en route to Boston to take control of the Continental Army when Bunker Hill battle occurred. He didn't take command of the forces until early July, about 2 weeks after the battle.Philliphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09004848067957898199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-62022845496873874072013-05-02T14:51:09.946-05:002013-05-02T14:51:09.946-05:00He had already been appointed as Commander by Cong...He had already been appointed as Commander by Congress and was on his way to Boston to assume commnad but had not yet arrived.Mark Jacobsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-58981051605920410172013-05-01T16:06:28.959-05:002013-05-01T16:06:28.959-05:00Well, I don't know how specific you are lookin...Well, I don't know how specific you are looking for but since he was appointed just two days prior he was on route to Boston I would assume.Brian Kelleynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-80807089274133572072013-05-01T15:56:07.791-05:002013-05-01T15:56:07.791-05:00George Washington was accepting his commission as ...George Washington was accepting his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.P. M. Hinesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-32460318307069516862013-05-01T15:34:59.240-05:002013-05-01T15:34:59.240-05:00On Bunker Hill day, Washington was in Philly havin...On Bunker Hill day, Washington was in Philly having been named that day as general and commander-in-chief. Of course, we all know that as soon as the discussion came up, he ran from the room where Congress met, thinking it was improper for him to listen to the discussion, although as a congressman, he was entitled to remain. Of course, modesty only went so far: You got a hint of his political canny---he was by far the best political general we ever had, rivaled only by Eisenhower---by the fact that he wore his military uniform. (Hint. Hint.)<br /><br />Don Glickstein, SeattleUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06577843003037198943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-35659582888095704312013-05-01T15:26:32.745-05:002013-05-01T15:26:32.745-05:00What was Washington doing during the battle of Bun...What was Washington doing during the battle of Bunker Hill? He was in Philadelphia that day, and had just learned of his appointment to command the army, but the battle occurred in the afternoon,starting around three o'clock. So I think Washington's diary gives the best indication of what he was doing <i>during the battle</i>; he wrote: "Dined at Barne's [not sure if I'm reading that name right] in the Fields. spent the Evening at my Lodgings." Don N. Hagisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07378559838757104754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-41321777227018168592013-05-01T08:02:41.503-05:002013-05-01T08:02:41.503-05:00As for the name of the battle, the term “Breed’s H...As for the name of the battle, the term “Breed’s Hill” was not common in 1775, as I <a href="http://boston1775.blogspot.com/2007/06/what-do-we-call-battle-of-bunker-hill.html" rel="nofollow">found back here</a>. J. L. Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15405157000473731801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-20596648699339179412013-05-01T07:53:03.598-05:002013-05-01T07:53:03.598-05:00The giveaway copy is not autographed.The giveaway copy is not autographed.J. L. Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15405157000473731801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-30574700483524827202013-05-01T06:28:31.920-05:002013-05-01T06:28:31.920-05:00Glad to hear about Maps..
Would that be a signed ...Glad to hear about Maps.. <br />Would that be a signed copy?<br />Will have to get that book.La Petite Galleryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09553902574516930172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-27581094812790430162013-05-01T05:35:13.655-05:002013-05-01T05:35:13.655-05:00George Washington was on his way to take command o...George Washington was on his way to take command of the new Continental Army located at Boston. He was a little east of New York City when the battle was fought. Alan J. Bellomo (alanbellomo@hotmail.com)Alan J. Bellomonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-61800302850375061732013-05-01T01:50:53.458-05:002013-05-01T01:50:53.458-05:00Thanks for the write up on the book and the appear...Thanks for the write up on the book and the appearances. <br /><br />A quick question--perhaps I missed this years ago--but if everyone knew it was fought on Breed's Hill, why did the "battle of Bunker Hill" gain currency? <br /><br />I can understand school children being confused today, but why did this even start?Lee Wrighthttp://www.thehistorylist.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-30403498572571247862013-05-01T01:50:37.914-05:002013-05-01T01:50:37.914-05:00Here's what he says he did that day, according...Here's what he says he did that day, according to his diary:<br /><br />"17. Dined at Burns's in the Fields. Spent the Evening at my Lodgings."Joe Baumanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11479858641297585493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-15259066417947693062013-04-30T15:19:05.556-05:002013-04-30T15:19:05.556-05:00George Washington was in New York on his way to as...George Washington was in New York on his way to assume command of the Continental Army.Miss Emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03181854232497219467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-81649144194463332682013-04-30T14:08:37.440-05:002013-04-30T14:08:37.440-05:00On June 17, 1775 when the Battle of Bunker Hill wa...On June 17, 1775 when the Battle of Bunker Hill was being fought, George Washington was in Philadelphia making preparations in order to take command of the Continental Army and also trying to settle some personal and home affairs and debts before he left.<br /><br />He had been selected by Congress on June 15th to be the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army.<br /><br />June 17th is when Congress actually drafted the text of his commission. <br /><br />According to a letter written to his wife on June 18th, Washington had a new will drafted in case he died. The will has never been found, so we don't know it's exact date but it's distinctly possible that he could have drafted it on the 17th as well.FT Argle-Barglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04117310370225620357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-86567753094180178172013-04-30T13:43:30.676-05:002013-04-30T13:43:30.676-05:00I think when Bunker Hill was being fought, General...I think when Bunker Hill was being fought, General George was in Philadelphia, en route from NYC to Cambridge to take command of the "New-England Army".John L Smith Jrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04209064146960498237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-57197793138997444092013-04-30T12:37:25.235-05:002013-04-30T12:37:25.235-05:00Washington received news of the battle while en ro...Washington received news of the battle while en route to Boston. He had recently, within the previous week, been appointed by the Second Continental Congress, to take charge of the Continental Army.<br /><br />He was in New York City and travelling towards Boston to take control of the army. He arrived 2 1/2 to 3 weeks after the battle. Zachhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07559715613833694598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-73409893810441647832013-04-30T10:17:08.763-05:002013-04-30T10:17:08.763-05:00I think that George Washington was in Philadelphia...I think that George Washington was in Philadelphia on 17 June 1775. He accepted the commission as commander in Chief of the Continental Army on 19 June 1775, and left for Massachusetts soon after.<br /><br />See http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/commission.html<br /><br />and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington<br /><br />Randy Seaverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17477703429102065294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102666.post-68320229353450523862013-04-30T09:10:10.097-05:002013-04-30T09:10:10.097-05:00George Washington was in New York City during the ...George Washington was in New York City during the actual battle but was in the process of travelling to Boston to assume command of the newly formed Continental Army.Bob Deiningernoreply@blogger.com