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| Trey took careful aim at the British Dragoon as the mass of cavalry bore down upon them. When his target was just less than ten yards distant, he fired, noting with brief satisfaction that the horseman jerked back in his saddle as a crimson fountain of blood erupted from the center of his chest... Trey himself was nearly killed but for a lucky stumble that tripped him as he ran. As he lay in the tall grass, the British failed to see him as they methodically cut down the rebel forces. Most of the Americans were laying down their arms, offering surrender. Indeed, commander Colonel Buford raised a white flag, which the British refused. They continued with their butchery, even stabbing the wounded where they lay, regardless of their surrender... ~~~ |
Little quarter was given to the Patriots. Of the 400 or so Continentals, 113 were killed with sabres, 150 so badly injured they could not be moved, and only 53 prisoners taken by the British and Loyalists. "Tarleton's quarter" thereafter became a common expression for refusing to take prisoners, and in some subsequent battles in the Carolinas few of the defeated were taken alive by either side.--Wikipedia
Patriot's Point
By Douglas Boren
Lieutenant Snow added, "It's more than that, really. The rattlesnake is found nowhere in the world except
in America. It has sharp eyes and may therefore be esteemed the emblem of vigilance. Furthermore,
the snake never begins an attack, nor, once engaged ever surrenders; it is therefore the emblem of
magnanimity and courage. It never wounds 'till it has generously given notice, even to its enemies,
and cautioned them against the danger of treading on it. And finally there are the rattles. There are thirteen
the exact number of the colonies. They are distinct and independent and yet united together. One singly
cannot produce a sound, but thirteen together is sufficient to alarm the boldest man living. Gentlemen,
this represents the fact that they would rather die than surrender."
~~~
in America. It has sharp eyes and may therefore be esteemed the emblem of vigilance. Furthermore,
the snake never begins an attack, nor, once engaged ever surrenders; it is therefore the emblem of
magnanimity and courage. It never wounds 'till it has generously given notice, even to its enemies,
and cautioned them against the danger of treading on it. And finally there are the rattles. There are thirteen
the exact number of the colonies. They are distinct and independent and yet united together. One singly
cannot produce a sound, but thirteen together is sufficient to alarm the boldest man living. Gentlemen,
this represents the fact that they would rather die than surrender."
~~~
There is no doubt in my mind, based upon my somewhat limited experience in reading American historical novels, that Doug Boren has a unique expertise in researching, studying, and creating stories that ring not only with authenticity but reveal his own patriotic love for his country. He doesn't hedge on the brutality of those who are involved with wars, but he also includes the very emotional and sexual tension of those families who are caught and either wait at home alone or sometimes go with their husbands into war zones...
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| "This is why I'm here. To gather as many men as I possibly can to enlist in the militia in order to stop Cornwallis before he ever leaves South Carolina. My counterparts are doing the same, traveling the land, raising hope and raising armies. Together we can defeat the Redcoats. ~~~ |
Trey Alexander is just one of the Alexander family which Boren has been writing about for years. I think Trey might be one of my favorites characters in the books I've read. Trey had been at the Waxhaw Massacre and barely escaped with the few others by, when the opportunity arose, running-- he ran fast and without stopping--he needed to run to get back to his family... On his way out, he came across a wounded patriot, Jody, who he immediately stopped to help with his wound as well as leaving the terrible place behind...
In Patriot's Point, Boren starts with an actual blood battle with the British - I included a brief paragraph to document what occurred. When Trey and Jody reached Trey's home, they had every intention not to fight anymore. They had seen the unbelievable murders by British soldiers, rather than accepting surrender. It was too much to consider going back. Jody stayed there with them until he was able to move into The Fox and Hound, which was already holding many patriots... But they soon got word that General Nathaniel Rutledge, who they previously had known was on his way to see them.
He had already known they'd been at Waxhaw, so while
he was out recruiting, he had a specific request for Trey and Jody...To guide volunteers into the discipline and work needed for the military service... They would both be given the Colonel rank. They would move to the western frontier of North Carolina to an abandoned mission at Pinecliff, which was even now being updated for their use. He told them that Melanie and the kids could go with them, that they would be out of harm's way... On those terms, they didn't see why they should refuse...
Of course, even the best plans may not actually come about. By the time Trey and his group arrived at the Mission, Now called Patriot's Point, with those who had also volunteered that day, they discovered that no others had joined the troops who were already assigned there. They did discovere that they knew the commanding officer--happy to share command with a good friend with whom they grew up.
As they continued to work on the mission to make it a fortress, a three-some from the backwoods people came to volunteer. Unfortunately they were the only ones, but their contribution alone was well worth a whole group of officers. With their skill in hunting and tracking, they were sent out to scout out where and who was in relation to the Point. It was not good.
The majority of the book, therefore, is what takes place as less than 200 men attempt to stop or slow down Cornwallis' movement toward where Washington was located. Before that was to even begin Cornwallis was leading an army of 5000 soldiers toward the Point! He had been commanded to take the Point because of the high volume of weapons and big guns that were located there.
As the time grew close, a representative from the British came and offered a chance for all civilians to leave. All chose to leave except Trey's family and Jody's new wife, who he had met when she worked at an Inn and had a wonderful back story, which brought forth one of the heartwarming side-stories provided!
And to best give you the flavor of the patriot characters and what happened thereafter, I offer the flag that flew on the Point and what Cornwallis first saw of his enemy...
Most of you know from reading my blog that I am not somebody who supports wars, especially for wars sake. But I have to say that if I ever met soldiers like Colonel Tarleton who headed the Waxhall Massacre, I have no doubt, I would have been involved in some way to protect America from the British...
This book makes you proud to be American. That's the best recommendation I can make...
GABixlerReviews
Douglas Boren has lived a full and exciting life. A retired Physician Assistant, he has lived from Alaska to Florida, from New York to New Mexico, and many places in between. An avid Master scuba diver, he divides his time between the Caribbean and his home in North Carolina. He has always had a profound fondness for history, believing that rather than just a series of dates and events, it is a living record of real people, much like ourselves, how they live, and their impact on those around them and their role in the unfolding story of life.
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