History is Story

by Pegg Thomas

I love history. I love reading and writing historical fiction. That shouldn't surprise anyone reading this blog, since Colonial Quills is all about history. But it’s amusing to tell this to people I meet out and about during my daily life. I get some pretty predictable responses.

“Oh. History. I hated that in high school.”

“I could never read history. It’s so boring.”

“I read a book once.” (But let’s not dwell on these people today.)

My favorite way to respond to the history haters is with a few questions.

“Do you watch Downton Abbey?” More often than not this gets a wide-eyed positive response with a little gushing about how much they enjoy the show.

“Who is your favorite character?” This varies widely, but everyone has a favorite.

“What do you think about the costumes and the setting?” I love those who admit that these elements transport them back in time. And – yes – I am setting them up.

Once they are in their happy place about Downton Abbey, I casually let slip:

“Downton Abbey is a great example of historical fiction.” tweet this

While I’ve never literally had to pick up someone's chin and hand it back to them, it’s been close a couple of times. So many people equate history with a teacher who stood over them and crammed dates and names down their rebellious teenage throats.

Oh! The injustice of that!

History is story. First, foremost, and always. Hi―story. Treat it like such and you’ll make even the most jaded history hater into a fan. And a pox upon any history teachers who are treating it like a series of dates and names. A pox, I say!

George Washington - Bullet Proof

by Roseanna M. White

Once upon a time, a story was told in American history books and every school child learned of our "bullet-proof president." Even today, one can go to the Smithsonian and see one of George Washington's jackets from his French and Indian War days...a jacket riddled with bullet holes. But these days, the story of that jacket, and of that nickname, has faded from public consciousness.

I'm from the western Maryland town of Cumberland, a fort during the French and Indian War. If you take a drive through our area, you'll see where George Washington was headquartered, and you'll also see various streets, squares, and schools bearing the name of Braddock--the officer under whom Washington served during that war. Cumberland was, in fact, where Washington and Braddock fled after a famous ambush on July 9, 1755.

Washington in his famous coat

The British troops under Braddock and Gage, joined by the Virginia militia with Washington (23 years old at the time), were making their way through Pennsylvania when they were ambushed in a steep ravine by the French and natives, who shot at them from treetops and from behind rocks. The natives had been given very particular instructions--to aim first at all the officers, at anyone on a horse. And they were easy pickings, being so far above the rest.

The British command ordered the men to form columns--it was their SOP, but it proved the worst thing they could do in that situation. They had lined their men up for slaughter, and that's just what they found. Some of the Virginians decided to adopt the enemies' methods and dropped behind rocks, shooting only when an enemy came within sight.

Braddock thought this a show of cowardice and rode back and forth, commanding them to show courage and emerge. He had Washington riding back and forth too, carrying out his commands. Both had horses shot out from under them multiple times--and at last, Braddock took a bullet to the side as well.

Of the 1500 British troops, 714 were killed and 37 wounded. Of the 86 officers, 26 were killed and 37 wounded. Of the mounted officers, only one was left unscathed.

George Washington.

He lost two horses that day. Men beside him fell at every turn. But Washington didn't pause. When a retreat was finally called, he headed with Braddock toward Fort Cumberland. Settled in for the night...and realized only then that his coat had 4 bullet holes in it. But he himself had not been touched by a ball.

In a letter home to his family, he wrote:

"But, by the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me!"

It was many years later that Washington finally got more of the story. He was again in the area when a respected Indian chief sought him out--a chief who had fought with the French that day. He said this to Washington:

"I am a cheif and ruler over my tribes. My influence extends to the waters of the great lakes and to the far blue mountains. I have traveled a long and weary path that I might see the young warrior of the great battle. It was on the day when the white man's blood mixed with the streams of our forest that I first beheld this chief [Washington]. I called to my young men and said, mark yon tall and daring warrior? He is not of the red-coat tribe--he hath an Indian's wisdom, and his warriors fight as we do--himself is alone exposed. Quick, let your aim be certain, and he dies. Our rifles were leveled, rifles which, but for you, knew not how to miss--'twas all in vain, a power mightier far than we, shielded you. Seeing you were under the special guardship of the Great Spirit, we immediately ceased to fire at you. I am old and soon shall be gathered to the great council fire of my fathers in the land of shades, but ere I go, there is something bids me speak in the voice of prophecy. Listen! The Great Spirit protects that man [pointing at Washington], and guides his destinies--he will become the chief of nations, and a people yet unborn will hail him as the founder of a mighty empire. I am come to pay homage to the man who is the particular favorite of Heaven, and who can never die in battle."

Washington's jacket can still be viewed in the Smithsonian, and this story has been read by many...and ought to be read again by many more.

Giveaway and Guest Review of Suzanne Woods Fishers' Anna's Crossing

Anna's Crossing by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Revell, 2015)

Review of  Suzanne Woods Fishers' novel, Anna's Crossing (Revell, 2015)

By Grace Yost 

I give this 5 stars! *****

    In Ixheim, Germany in the year 1737,  Anna Konig is realizing that she can no longer put off preparing for her imminent departure to America, namely Port Philadelphia. As she walks among her roses, she thinks of all she will leave behind, her grandparents,  her beloved woollies and the glorious rolling green countryside. So begins author Suzanne Woods Fisher's Historical Fiction Novel of how the  Amish Community begins their treacherous journey to the new world where the hope is to buy land, and above all, worship freely.This journey will take Anna from all that she knows.

   The Charming Nancy is the vessel which will bring this German Community to the new land. Once on board, not only are the passengers faced with scrutiny from the crew, but faced also with harsh and dismal living quarters and  moral dilemmas. This novel  contains a cornucopia of characters, each with their own struggles and temperaments. Faith, self discovery, a budding romance, and  mysteries from the past all combine to help shape the future of the passengers bound for the new world. We are blessed to live in a nation where we can freely worship without fear of reprisal. This wasn't always true, as you will see by reading Anna's Crossing.
  I highly recommend this novel. Even if this is a different genre than what you usually read, you will not be disappointed! By the end of this story you will share in the trials, you will delight in the triumphs and will join in the celebration as the Charming Nancy and its colorful passengers reach the end of their journey.

***

Thank you, Gracie for sharing your guest review with us today!!!

CFP: Carrie is giving away a copy of Anna's Crossing to one of our commenters. This novel precedes Carrie Fancett Pagels' upcoming release Saving the Marquise's Granddaughter by a decade and does a great job of explaining what was involved with making an ocean crossing in the mid 1700's.  

Washington's Spies Review - By Pat Iacuzzi

Washington’s Spies

The Story of America’s First Spy Ring

Alexander Rose

            I recently joined an American Wars discussion group at my local Barnes and Noble. The group, made up of veterans of more recent wars, and re-enactors of early American wars, is a great outlet for research. And I was happy to find out the first book they were discussing was Washington’s Spies.  

A lot has been written about the heroes of the American Revolution—but few take an in-depth look into the secret world of America’s first spy ring. Certainly little recognition was given to these men who risked their lives for liberty; their belief as strong as the men who fought on the forefront of battle. Spies, if caught, would be hanged by the enemy, and never acknowledged by their own side.    

            Spying, as we know it today….living among the enemy as one of them, gathering secrets, developing codes and seeing information got to the American side, was first developed by the Culper Ring, a group of men led by Abraham Woodhull who used the code name “Samuel Culper Sr.” and Robert Townsend (“Samuel Culper Jr.”). Smart, articulate men hand-picked by Washington, they were the first to break out of the mold where soldiers merely “observed” troop movements from a distance. Instead, they were able to create a convincing “cover” in order to live among the British and collect information, yet faced constant danger should they be discovered.

            This non-fiction narrative had me hooked from the beginning as Rose discussed such incidents as Nathan Hale’s enlistment as one of Washington’s spies, before the development of the Culper Ring. Hale, an idealistic, trusting young man of twenty-one, and acting alone, was quickly captured by the British and hanged. Rose does so well developing insight into Hale’s character from his personal letters and journals, I almost hoped what we’d learned in our history books about his fate wasn’t true—that he had somehow survived.

            The only problem I saw with this book was a hint, perhaps, of a rather liberal or revisionist attitude in his style of writing. There are certain adjectives, adverbs and personal comments he makes about our American heroes that, if you research their personal papers, you will find the true reasons for their actions. Example: “For political cover, Washington passed the buck to Congress; if there were to be fallout in later years, the general needed to be able to claim he was following the directions of the nation’s elected representatives.”

Washington wasn’t “passing the buck” as a personal cover. Nor it seems would he be the type to say “I was just following orders”. He was a man of leadership and integrity, who applied to a newly-created Congress for aid in getting supplies and report to the people, through their elected representatives. He also could not say should there be “fallout in later years”…

For by applying to the members of Congress as often as he did, Washington not only endangered himself but all of them.  

Rose also leaves out mention of female spies, only naming women as spouses of the agents. And there were female spies during the American Revolution, including Sally Townsend, sister of Robert Townsend who was able to intercept a message to John Andre about the attack on West Point.

Though it was made into the AMC series “Turn”, my rating: 4 stars.           

By Turf & Twig ~ A Transfer of Land in Colonial America

“This turf and twig I give to thee, and I hope a loving brother thou wilt be.”
From the Turf and Twig, Livery of Seisin Ceremony.

 

Spencer-Pierce Farm which was conveyed by Turf and Twig.

I first heard of the turf and twig ceremony when researching my ancestor, Daniel Pierce, and learned that a property was conveyed to him from John Spencer in 1651 by means of "turfe and twigge." The following deposition was recorded in the Registry of Deeds, Salem, Massachusetts.

"This deponent saith that about the yeares 1651 or fifty-two I was at the farm y’ Mr. John Spencer sold to Mr. Daniell Peirce in Newbury, and Mr. Spencer and Mr. Peirce with myselfe and another, I suppose it was Mr. William Thomas, and, as we were going through the land of ye said farme, Mr. Pierce said to Mr. Spencer you promised to give me possession by turfe and twigge. Mr. Spencer said soe I will, if you please to cutt a turff and twigge, and Mr. Pierce did cut off a twigge off a tree, and cutt up a turfe, and Mr. Spencer tooke the twigge and stuck it into the turff, and bid us beare witness that he gave Mr. Pierce possession thereby of the house and land and ffarme that he had bought of him, and gave the turff and twigge to Mr. Pierce and further saith not.
Taken upon oath 10 Jan. 1679.
Before me
JOHN WoooBRHXiE, Commissioner."

William Penn Statue, New Castle Common, Delaware

Turf and Twig, otherwise known as Livery of Seisin, is a ceremony performed since medieval times in England that effected the transfer of land from one party to another. Livery means delivery, and seizin means possession. The common law once provided that a valid conveyance of a fee interest in land required the physical transfer by the transferor to the transferee, in the presence of witnesses, of a piece of the ground (often, in the literal sense of a hand-to-hand passing of an amount of soil), a twig, key, or other symbol. This practice was brought to the American Colonies and continued until the late 17th century. In fact, in 1682 William Penn performed the Livery of Seisin ceremony with twig and turf, along with a porringer of riverwater, when he obtained property in New Castle, Delaware.

Sealing of the Freeman's Purchase With the Presentation of Turf and Twig

An example of the many Livery of Siesen ceremony's that took place between the colonists and the Indians is the Freeman's Purchase in 1659, made by the General Court of Plymouth from Wamsutta, son of Massa­soit. The land included in the pur­chase extended to the northern bound­ary of Freetown (Massachusetts) and easterly from the Taunton River four miles. It was all purchased for some household implements and some pieces of cloth. The contract was denoted by the English custom of presenting the "turf and twig." The "turf" represented all the water included in the purchase, and the "twig" denoted all the land and all that was on it.

1797 Early American Deed

When conveyance was made by turf and twig the transfer was supplemented by a deed in the usual form, duly signed and recorded. Witnesses signed an affidavit attesting that they witnessed the deed of transferring the clump of dirt. And this, my friends, is the origin of the word deed! In colonial deeds and wills the term “seized” is frequently used to describe the land they are selling as something which they are“lawfully seized and possessed of,” or that someone “died seized” of a piece of property. Although some of the terminology from the Livery of Seisin exists today, the ancient ceremony became obsolete as literacy increased and only a written deed was deemed necessary. See the video below to observe how the turf and twig ceremony was performed.

Cover Reveal - The Lumberjacks' Ball by Carrie Fancett Pagels - SEVEN Blog Hops & Giveaways!

The Lumberjacks' Ball by Carrie Fancett Pagels (April, 2015) The Christy Lumber Camp Series Book #2

Releasing April, 2015!!!

The Lumberjacks' Ball Cover Reveal!!!

The Lumberjacks’ Ball Blurb

A decade after surviving a brutal attack, a mercantile owner’s daughter seeks to begin her life anew in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A gifted craftsman wishes to leave his lumberjack life and seeks employment at her new store. When his presence dredges up memories she sought to suppress, she must learn to overcome her demons. Can affection grow between the cabinetmaker and the proprietress of St. Ignace’s newest business? And will they survive to attend The Lumberjacks’ Ball?

Blog Hop & Giveaways!!!

Stop by the SEVEN blogs and leave a comment for a chance to win the grand prize of a basket of surprise goodies!!! Giveaways of Carrie’s books at every blog stop, so leave a comment on each one!!!

Nancee Marchinowski  - Perspectives by Nancee  

Anne Payne - Stuff & Nonsense  

Britney Adams - Buzzing About Books

Kathleen E. Belongia - Lane Hill House  

Debbie Lynne Costello - Sword and Spirit

Overcoming with God

Colonial Quills

GIVEAWAY: One copy, winner's choice, to a commenter here to be chosen at random one week from today's posting. CHOOSE from:

1) The Fruitcake Challenge, released September, 2014. This story is Book #1 in The Christy Lumber Camp Series and will soon be having a new cover. It is also part of the Christmas Traditions Series. Endorsements from Serena Miller, Lisa Norato, MaryLu Tyndall, Julie Lessman, and a new one from Jen Turano! On the long list for Book of the Year at Family Fiction! Hit the #1 Spot in Christian Historical Romance in December on Amazon.

2) The Lumberjacks' Ball, pictured above, releasing April, 2015.

Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance

3) Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance 

God's Provision in Tough Times

4)God’s Provision in Tough Times by Cynthia Howerter and LaTan Murphy, chapter contributed by Carrie. 

5) Watch for an upcoming Cover reveal for my upcoming release Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter from White Rose/Pelican!

Ebook or paperback copy choice for books 1-5.

6) A Cup of Christmas Cheer from Guidepost Books, hardcover only. 

Or 

7) Family Fiction Anthology of The Story 2014 which includes my award-winning short story “The Quilt Contest”, paperback only.  

International Winners - ebook only of one of books 1-5.

Leave a comment on EACH blog to win a giveaway on that blog. ONE Grand Prize winner will receive a basket of goodies from Carrie. That person needs to leave a comment on EACH one of the Blog Hop stops!!!

Bio 

Carrie FancettPagels, Ph.D., is an award-winning Amazon bestselling author of Christian historical romance. She served as a psychologist for twenty-five years. Carrie lives in the Tidewater Virginia area with her family. When not writing, researching, blogging and enjoying tea, Carrie beads and reads—not necessarily in that order! And she's the administrator of Colonial Quills and Overcoming with God blogs.

CHRIST CHURCH IN LANCASTER COUNTY, VA ~ ~ A BEAUTIFUL 18TH CENTURY CHURCH WITH A HINT OF MYSTERY

Christ Church, Weems, VA

On a recent sunny winter day I went to Weems in Lancaster County, in the coastal area of Virginia, to visit Christ Church, one of several 18^th century churches in the Tidewater region. While there, I had a remarkable encounter with a local resident and saw some fascinating details about the structure. The gentleman who shared this with me has studied all aspects of the church for over twenty years. He cited reasons why he believes that one day the design will be credited to Sir Christopher Wren.

But more on that later. . .

The first Christ Church in Weems, Virginia, founded in 1670, was a wooden structure built as directed by John Carter. The current the church, completed in 1735, is a one story cruciform or cross-shaped plan (equal sides). Its Georgian style with symmetrical layout and pediment facade is completely brick in Flemish bond style with a steep hipped roof.

Robert Carter Tomb

Robert “King” Carter commissioned the building of the current church. At the time, he was the richest and most powerful landowner and planter in Virginia and lived nearby at Corotoman, his plantation on the Rappahannock River. At his death, his sons completed the building project. There is a cedar lined walk that leads from the church to the former plantation site. Many Carter graves are located within the church walls.

cedar lined walkway

Christ Church Parish is one of the best preserved Anglican parish churches in Virginia. The craftsmanship and architecture of this brick church is stunning.

Two tablets that contain the Decalogue, or Ten Commandments, frame the altarpiece. Canon Law LXXXII of 1604, the Church of England required that “the Ten Commandments be set up on the East end of every Church and Chapel, where the people may best be able to see and read.” Even the church at the Jamestown site contains the Decalogue.  

ox-eye window

Each of the churches three doorways has an ox-eye, or elliptical, window centered above them. Twelve large compass-head windows add considerable light to this beautiful church.

There is a museum staffed by volunteers that offers a history of the church and the Carter family to visitors.

It was almost five o’clock when I arrived at the church. Because there was work being done on the roof, considerable scaffolding surrounded it. Mr. Stewart was the lone gentleman standing outside. He asked if I was interested in learning more about the church. At his suggestion, I looked through the keyhole and could see the cross illuminated by the declining sun from the ox-eye window above the door. It was amazing. Mr. Stewart, a Horologist, one who studies the science of measuring time, spent the next hour explaining the connection between Wren and the Carters, and that the building was designed to act as a sun dial as well as a Christian church. Specific dimensions, the latitude of the church, as well as its siting on the property, were incorporated to achieve this purpose.

“Sunlight and shadows are used to indicate the time and the changing dates of the year, the progression of the seasons, the dates of the equinoxes and solstices, the 'cross-quarter' days (half way between the equinoxes and solstices), while the beam of the sun, shining through carefully aligned oval windows, enables a pool of sunlight to fall exactly on the tomb of one David Miles four times a year, and twice each year the sunbeam advances and retreats across the altar table and cross.” *

Sir Christopher Wren
National Portrait Gallery

            The architect for Christ Church is said to be anonymous. Sir Christopher Wren was an astronomer and geometrician as well as an architect. He was the architect of the Wren building at The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA, St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, The Royal Observatory, and numerous other churches and buildings. Wren died in 1723.

I don’t know if Wren, or a student of Wren’s work, had anything to do with the design of Christ Church, Weems. But I do find it interesting that on Every Easter Sunday, light from the sun if it is shining, shine through an ox-eye window on to the alter. 

Below is a time compresses video showing the sun shining on the alter on Easter of 2012.

http://vimeo.com/47058341

* Horological Journal May 1994 Vol136 No11 Pages 365-400