After a long absence, the American Revolution Round Table of Richmond was able to return to the University of Richmond for the May 18, 2022 in-person meeting. Those in attendance were happy to be back to the fine meeting facilities offered by the University and the opportunity to socialize over dinner before the meeting and program presentation.
Bill Welsch
reminded attendees that the newly revised "Revolutionary Richmond"
brochure is available for distribution by those wishing to do so. He canvassed
attendees about a possible Fall trip to the Town of Yorktown. Arthur Wm. Ritter
presented the Treasurer’s Report. Mark Lender (head of the Harry M. Ward
American Revolution Round Table of Richmond Book Award Committee) spoke about Westholme
Publishing's new military history series, "Small Battles: Military History
as Local History" being published in collaboration with distinguished
historians. “The series offers a fresh and important new perspective on the
story of America’s early conflicts.” The Dan River Chapter of Virginia Society
Sons of the American Revolution presented the ARRT-R with a commendation
certificate from the Order of the Riverboat Flotilla for its continuing
education programs.
Al Zambone (DPhil)
was the featured speaker. Al is the author of Daniel Morgan, A
Revolutionary Life published by Westholme Publishing, a new biography.
His presentation focused on placing Morgan in the context of his life
experiences, his presence and his ambitions, and how they contributed to his rise
from a young penniless wanderer arriving near Winchester in Virginia, to Brigadier
General, and Virginia politician. Zambone’s presentation evidenced his deep
research into Morgan’s ordinary life, the history of his place in times, and
the experiences his life presented him. Zambone explained how Morgan’s
ambitions constantly lifted him within colonial society from ruffian, to farmer,
to waggoner, to rifleman, to soldier, to military leader, and major general, and
how the rifle influenced his life. Morgan is most known for his tactics used to
engage Lieutenant-colonel Banastre Tarleton, who was leading a mixed force of
cavalry and light infantry known as the British Legion,
in pursuit of American patriots as Morgan retreated to an area between present
day Charlotte, NC and Greenville, SC following the surrender of Charleston. The
retreat was halted near Cowpens, SC because Morgan recognized the battle field
advantages of a cow pasture’s topography and support logistics to stand and
battle Tarleton. Morgan arranged his riflemen skirmishers, militia, and
Continentals into succeeding lines of fire with devastating results. With heavy
losses, Tarleton abandoned the battlefield to rejoin Cornwallis's army near
Wilmington, NC. Morgan was a hard man who learned throughout his life. He was
in his thirties before learning to read and write. His stature and voice enabled
him to lead other men. He listened to the counsel of his subordinate officers
and he was just plain lucky (if you consider his getting shot in the face,
surviving and still being able to lead the many years afterward). Zambone’s
book is not only a biography but a trove of facts concerning life in America’s
colonial times—a good read.
Next meeting is July
20 with presentation by Dr. John L. Seidel, "'In Quarters Comfortable
& Clever': The Continental Artillery in Winter Cantonment, 1778-79"
