National Society Sons of the American Revolution

Soldier to Know ⸻ Meriwether Lewis, a son of a Patriot and the Secretary of President Thomas Jefferson, who, with William Clark, would lead a military group, the Corps of Discovery, across the continent to the Pacific Ocean, discovering what was to behold in the Louisiana Purchase and beyond, was born on August 18, 1774. Meriwether Lewis would mysteriously die, probably murdered, while serving as the Upper Louisiana Territory Governor, capital in St. Louis, on a trip back to Washington D.C. Following is a short biography:

Following the defeat of the Americans at the Battle of Camden, on August 18, 1780, Banastre Tarleton, mopping up the remnants of the American forces, destroyed much of General Thomas Sumter’s South Carolina militia and continentals.

An American Moment, 250 years ago, August 18, 1776. George Morgan, Indian agent at Fort Pitt, Morgan to the Committee of Congress on Indian Affairs:

An American Moment, 250 years ago, August 18, 1776. George Morgan, Indian agent at Fort Pitt, Morgan to the Committee of Congress on Indian Affairs:

Detroit Lt. Governor, “Hairbuyer” Henry Hamilton is said to have stirred up Indian’s most brutal instincts. As he delivered to them the tomahawk, bullets and powder, having previously taken part as usual with his officers in the war-song, he declared:

"That he wonder'd to see them so foolish as not to observe that the Big Knife was come up very near to them, & claimed one half the water in the Ohio, & that if any of the Indians cross'd over to their side of the River they immediately took him, laid his head on a Big Log & chopp'd it off—that he had now put them in a way to prevent such Usage, & that if they met any of them they should strike their Tomahawks into their heads, cutt off some of the hair & bring it to him."

At the time, the frontier defense was entrusted to one hundred men at Fort Pitt, one hundred at Big Kanawha, and twenty-five at Wheeling, all in the pay of Virginia. These numbers were far too meager for the purpose, much less were they suitable for any offensive warfare.

The county lieutenants of Hampshire, Dunmore, Frederick and Berkeley were directed to collect provisions and hold their militia in readiness to march to Fort Pitt for immediate service.

Morgan, Letter Book, II, George Rogers Clark Papers 1771- 1781, edited James Alton James, 1912

© 2026 Clifford Olsen/1776 American Moments

Who kept General Knox organized with ordnance? He was a civilian! He was an inductee into the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame. General George Washington, the commander of the Continental Army, appointed Ezekiel Cheever, a civilian, to the Commissary of Military Stores on August 17, 1775.

Who kept General Knox organized with ordnance? He was a civilian! He was an inductee into the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame. General George Washington, the commander of the Continental Army, appointed Ezekiel Cheever, a civilian, to the Commissary of Military Stores on August 17, 1775.

The American Revolution established the general outlines of the future Ordnance Department which was established May 14, 1812. General George Washington, the commander of the Continental Army, appointed Ezekiel Cheever, a civilian, to the Commissary of Military Stores on August 17, 1775, to provide Ordnance support to his army in the field in July 1775. By mid-1779, all the field armies had Ordnance personnel traveling with them. These men, civilians and soldiers, served as conductors of a traveling forge for maintenance, ammunition wagon, and an arms chest. Each conductor led a section of 5-6 armorers to repair small arms. The Continental Congress’ Board for War and Ordnance created the Commissary General for Military Stores to establish and operate Ordnance facilities in an effort to alleviate the dependence on foreign arms purchases. Colonel Benjamin Flower led the Commissary from his appointment in January 1777 until his death in May 1781. Ordnance facilities were established at Springfield, MA, and Carlisle, PA, for the production of arms, powder, and shot. After the war, the sustainment elements were disbanded and the authority for procurement and provision of all things military was transferred to the Office of the Purveyor of Public Supplies located within the Treasury Department.
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General Orders

Head Quarters, Cambridge August 17th 1775…

Mr Ezekiel Cheever is appointed Commissary of Artillery stores—The Qr Mr General, Commissary General and Commissary of Artillery; are to make exact Returns of all the Stores, Provisions and Necessaries of every kind, within their several departments: and they are to lose no time, in collecting the several Articles, which may be in the hands of Committees, or other persons, into their immediate care; and they are to be answerable for the disposal of them.

The Commanding Officer of Artillery is to see that all the Ordnance Stores, are faithfully collected, and put under the Care of the Commissary of the Artillery; and the Commissary of Artillery, is to see that all the Powder, Lead and Flints, are placed in the Magazine appointed to receive them…

https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-01-02-0216

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Mr. Ezekiel Cheever was born in Charleston, Massachusetts in 1720. He received his basic primary education in his hometown, and became a professional sugar baker. For three years in the 1750s, Mr. Cheever served his community as a town selectman. In the events leading up to the Revolutionary War, he was a member of the Sons of Liberty in Dorchester, Massachusetts, and played an active role in the public meetings opposing the landing of East India Company Tea in Boston.

He was appointed Captain of the Watch to observe and protect participants in the Boston Tea Party, who dumped 342 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor in protest against the British Parliamentary Tea Act in December 1773. This action brought on passage of the series of so-called Intolerable Acts by the British Parliament, which led directly to the Revolution.

Mr. Cheever was named Commissary of Artillery Stores in August 1775, his title being changed to Commissary of Military Stores four months later. In that capacity, he was the senior American civilian responsible for Ordnance equipment for the next six years. He worked closely with COL (later Major General) Henry Knox, the Army's artillery chief and de facto Master General of Ordnance, in receiving, inventorying, issuing, and frequently moving Ordnance stores about for the Continental Army. His operations were placed at Springfield, Massachusetts during part of the war, and the facilities he helped set up and utilize on that site later became the forerunner of the national armory placed there in 1794. As effective head of the civil branch of the Ordnance Department (the term which was used by GEN Washington, MG Knox, and the Continental Congress in referring to our vital, but then unofficial, branch of the Army), Mr. Cheever cooperated with MG Knox and the Congressional Board of War during its several reorganizations until his retirement.

Mr. Cheever died in Boston in 1793 at the age of 73. His standing as an exemplar to the many Ordnance civilians who have followed him over 220 years was recognized several years ago with the creation of the Ezekiel Cheever Award for contributions to Army Ordnance.

U.S. Army, U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame.

Image: Henry Knox, by Gilbert Stuart, 1806.

© 2019-2026 Clifford Olsen/250YearsofLiberty

August 17, 1775. When women want:

August 17, 1775. When women want:

At East Hartford sallied from the Lyon Tavern and its dependancies, a corps of female infantry, of twenty rank and file, with a flank guard of three chozen spirits of the male line; and marching westward about one mile in martial array and excellent order, saving stride and gabble. These attacked and carried without opposition from powder, law or conscience, Mr. Pitkin's store, in which was lodged a quantity of sugar designed for the army, of which they plundered and bore away in triumph 218 lbs. A travelling gentleman falling in with their rear, who they mistook for the owner of the spoils, was attacked and drove with great fury; but being well mounted made his escape. The whole was completed in two hours, and without loss of blood, except from a few accidental scratches of side arms underslung without scabbards.

That so unexampled a spirit of heroism may not want due notice and encouragement, it is proposed that this corps be augmented by voluntary enlistment to a battalion, for the ranging service in the northern department.

Connecticut Courant, Sept. 10th, 1777, No 518, in the Connecticut Historical Collections, by John Warner Barber, 1836, p. 75.
Image: WWII We Can Do It Poster, by J. Howard Miller, 1943.

© 2025-2026 Clifford Olsen/1775 American Moments

An American Moment, 250 years ago, August 17, 1776. By His Excellency George Washington, Esquire, General, and Commander in Chief of the Army of the United States of North-America, a proclamation for evacuating women, children and the infirmed:

An American Moment, 250 years ago, August 17, 1776. By His Excellency George Washington, Esquire, General, and Commander in Chief of the Army of the United States of North-America, a proclamation for evacuating women, children and the infirmed:

Whereas a Bombardment and Attack upon the City of New-York, by our cruel, and inveterate Enemy, may be hourly expected: And as there are great Numbers of Women, Children, and infirm Persons, yet remaining in the City, whose Continuance will rather be prejudicial than advantageous to the Army, and their Persons exposed to great Danger and Hazard: I Do therefore recommend it to all such Persons, as they value their own Safety and Preservation, to remove with all Expedition, out of the said Town, at this critical Period,—trusting, that with the Blessing of Heaven, upon the American Arms, they may soon return to it in perfect Security. And I do enjoin and require, all the Officers and Soldiers in the Army, under my Command, to forward and assist such Persons in their Compliance with this Recommendation. Given, under my Hand, at Head-Quarters, New-York.

George Washington

Proclamation for the Evacuation of New York, 17 August 1776, Founders Online.

© 2026 Clifford Olsen/1776 American Moments

Major General Horatio Gates, the recognized victor of Saratoga in 1777 learns the agony of defeat at Camden, South Carolina, August 16, 1780.

The Americans led by General John Stark beat the British at the Battle of Bennington, Americans had 70 killed or wounded, the British, 207 killed and 700 captured. Big win for New England, and America, on August 16, 1777. General Stark gives us the story:

The Americans led by General John Stark beat the British at the Battle of Bennington, Americans had 70 killed or wounded, the British, 207 killed and 700 captured. Big win for New England, and America, on August 16, 1777. General Stark gives us the story:
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GENERAL STARK S DISPATCH TO GEN. GATES.

Bennington, August 22, 1777.

Dear General:—I received yours of the 19th instant, which gave me great pleasure: I beg to be excused for not answering it sooner, I have been so sick ever since that I could not write, neither am I well yet. But General Lincoln has written, and I joined with him in opinion on the subject of his letter. I shall now give your honor a short account of the action on the 16th instant.

I was informed there was a party of Indians in Cambridge, on their march to this place: I sent Colonel Gregg, of my brigade, to stop them, with two hundred men: In the night I was informed, by express, that there was a large body of the enemy on their march in the rear of the Indians: I rallied all my brigade, and what militia- was at this place, in order to stop their proceedings; I likewise sent to Manchester,- to Colonel Warner's regiment, that was stationed there; also sent expresses for the militia to come in with all speed to our assistance, which was punctually obeyed ; I then marched in company with Colonels Warner, Williams, Herrick, and Brush, with all the men that were present.

About five miles from this place I met Colonel Gregg on his retreat, and the enemy in close pursuit after him: I drew up my little army in order of battle; but when the enemy hove in sight, they halted on a very advantageous hill or piece of ground. I sent out small parties in their front, to skirmish with them, which scheme had a good effect; they killed and wounded thirty of the enemy, without any loss on our side; but the ground that I was on did not suit for a general action. I marched back about one mile and encamped, called a council, and it was agreed that we should send two detachments in their rear, while the other attacked them in front; but the 15th it rained all day, therefore had to lay by, could do nothing but skirmish with them.

On the 16th, in the morning, was joined by Colonel Simmons, with some militia from Berkshire county: I pursued my plan, detached Colonel Nichols, with two hundred men, to attack them in the rear; I also sent Colonel Herrick, with three hundred men, in the rear of their right, both to join, and when joined, to attack their rear: I also sent Colonels Hubbard and Stickney, with two hundred men, in their right, and sent one hundred men in their front, to draw away their attention that way; and about three o'clock we got all ready for the attack.

Colonel Nichols began the same, which was followed by all the rest. The remainder of my little army I pushed up in the front, and in a few minutes the action began in general: it lasted two hours, the hottest I ever saw in my life—it represented one continued clap of thunder; however, the enemy was obliged to give way, and leave their field-pieces and all their baggage behind them; they were all environed within two breastworks with their artillery, but our martial courage proved too hard for them.

I then gave orders to rally again, in order to secure the victory, but in a few minutes was informed that there was a large reinforcement, on their march, within two miles. Lucky for us, that moment Colonel Warner's regiment came up fresh, who marched on and began the attack afresh. I pushed forward as many of the men as I could to their assistance: the battle continued obstinate on both sides till sunset; the enemy was obliged to retreat; we pursued them till dark; but had day lasted an hour longer, we should have taken the whole body of them.

We recovered four pieces of brass cannon, some hundred stands of arms, and brass-barreled drums, several Hessian swords, about seven hundred prisoners: two hundred and seven dead on the spot; the number of wounded is as yet unknown; that part of the enemy that made their escape marched all night, and we returned to our camp.

Too much honor cannot be given to the brave officers and soldiers for gallant behavior; they fought through the midst of fire and smoke, mounted two breast works that were well fortified, and supported with cannon. I cannot particularize any officer, as they all behaved with the greatest spirit and bravery. Colonel Warner's superior skill in the action was of extraordinary service to me; I would be glad he and his men could be recommended to Congress. As I promised in my order that the soldiers should have all the plunder taken in the enemy's camp, would be glad your honor would send me word what the value of the cannon and other artillery stores above described may be. Our loss was inconsiderable; about forty wounded and thirty killed. I lost my horse, bridle, and saddle in the action.

I am, sir, your most devoted and most obedient humble servant,

John Stark.

Major-general Gates, Albany.

Henry B. Dawson’s Battles of the United States, Volume I, New York, 1858. (Paragraphing added for ease of reading.)

Image: Battle of Bennington, by Frederick Coffay Yohn, 1902.

© 2020-2026 Clifford Olsen/250Years America’s Founding

An American Moment, 250 years ago, August 16, 1776. Two Friends, opposite sides, Lord Howe, Rear Admiral to Benjamin Franklin:

An American Moment, 250 years ago, August 16, 1776. Two Friends, opposite sides, Lord Howe, Rear Admiral to Benjamin Franklin:

Eagle off Staten Island

I am sorry my worthy friend, that it is only on the assurances you give me of my having still preserved a place in your esteem, that I can now found a pretension to trouble you…

I can have no difficulty to acknowledge that the powers I am invested with, were never calculated to negociate a reunion with America, under any other description than as subject to the crown of Great Britain. But I do esteem those powers competent, not only to confer and negotiate with any gentlemen of influence in the Colonies upon the terms, but also to effect a lasting peace and reunion between the two countries; were the temper of the Colonies such as professed in the last petition of the Congress to the King. America would have judged in the discussion how far the means were adequate to the end; both for engaging her confidence and proving our integrity. Nor did I think it necessary to say more in my public declaration; not conceiving it could be understood to refer to peace, on any other conditions but those of mutual interest to both countries, which could alone render it permanent.

But as I perceive from the tenor of your letter, how little I am to reckon upon the advantage of your assistance for restoring that permanent union which has long been the object of my endeavours, and which I flattered myself when I left England would be in the compass of my power; I will only add, that as the dishonour to which you deem me exposed by my military situation in this country, has effected no change in your sentiments of personal regard towards me; so shall no difference in political points alter my desire of proving how much I am your sincere and obedient humble Servant

HOWE

Lord Howe to Benjamin Franklin, 16 August 1776, Founders Online.

© 2026 Clifford Olsen/1776 American Moments

There are spies among us, on both sides! Men such as Abraham Woodhull with a code book and ladies like Miss. Jenny. As we have learned, General Washington was big on spies.