LITMIR.BIZ

      General George Washington leads the Continental Army to Valley Forge in this 1883 painting by William B. T. Trego. Their survival through the winter of 1777–1778 was a true test of the determination of Washington’s troops.

      Who was appointed the first surgeon general of the Continental Army?

      Dr. Benjamin Church (1734–1788) was appointed the first surgeon general of the Continental Army in July 1775. Church had been active in the Sons of Liberty movement and resistance in Boston. However, Church was court-martialed in October 1775 for “criminal correspondence with the enemy.” Church had sent a letter to one Major Cane of the British forces, which did not disclose military secrets, but did declare his allegiance to the British crown. He remained imprisoned until 1778.

      What American diplomat sought aid for the Revolutionary cause from France and was later branded a traitor?

      Silas Deane (1737–1789) served as an American diplomat to France when the Continental Congress appointed him to serve as a colonial representative to try to secure military and financial aid from France in March 1776. Deane, however, later revealed his Loyalist ties and support of the British government. Many branded him a traitor. After the war, when he traveled back to the United States, he died under suspicious circumstances.

      Who was Thomas Hickey?

      Thomas Hickey (d. 1776) was a soldier who originally came to North America as part of a British force to fight the colonial Revolutionary War forces. However, Hickey deserted to the colonial side, managing to serve as part of General George Washington’s Life Guard, or Commander in Chief Guard, a special unit tasked with the purpose of protecting Washington.

      Hickey was later charged with treason for allegedly conspiring to turn over Washington to the British. He was hanged in public on June 27, 1776—the first person executed for treason in the United States.

      Who was Henry Knox?

      Henry Knox (1755–1806) was George Washington’s chief artillery officer during the Revolutionary War. Knox owned a bookstore in Boston at the beginning of the conflict. He directed colonial cannon fire at the Battle of Bunker Hill. While not a soldier by trade, Knox acquired a deep interest in artillery. George Washington was impressed with Knox’s bravery and mental acumen in artillery matters. When Washington became president, he named Knox his secretary of war.

      Who was Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben?

      Baron von Steuben (1730–1794) was a Prussian military leader who served as George Washington’s chief of staff during the last years of the American Revolutionary War. A military expert, von Steuben is credited with increasing the discipline of the American forces at Valley Forge. He also taught the men the art of fighting with bayonets. He authored the Revolutionary War Drill Manual and became a major general for his efforts. Washington learned of von Steuben from Benjamin Franklin, who met von Steuben in France. Paul Lockhart authored an aptly named biography of von Steuben The Drillmaster of Valley Forge.

      What was the significance of the Battles of Saratoga?

      The Battles of Saratoga are viewed as the key turning point in the Revolutionary War. There were two battles fought on September 19 and October 7, 1777, near Saratoga, New York. British General John Burgoyne (1722–1792) attacked American forces led by General Horatio Gates (1727–1806) and won the battle despite enduring heavy casualties. However, Burgoyne pressed his luck on the second battle, suffering an ignominious defeat. Historians consider the second Battle of Saratoga as the key event that caused France officially to support the colonial cause. France’s foreign minister Charles Gravier believed the colonists’ victory showed they could win the war.

      General Gates claimed credit for the victory, but General Benedict Arnold (before he defected to the British) may have been more instrumental for the American victory.

      What other American military leader participated in the Battle of Saratoga and later became the country’s secretary of war?

      General Benjamin Lincoln (1733–1810) played a significant role in the Battle of Saratoga in addition to other major battles in the Revolutionary War. He also participated in the Battle of Charleston in 1780, losing many casualties to British forces. Lincoln had to surrender to British forces after this battle. Lincoln earned a measure of redemption later in the war, as he was one of the American leaders who surrounded British commander Lord Cornwallis (1738–1805) at Yorktown.

      Who was John Paul Jones?

      John Paul Jones (1747–1792) was the fiery naval war hero for the colonies during the Revolutionary War. Born in Scotland, Jones entered the British maritime service at age twelve. He served on numerous ships through the years, rising through the ranks. For his exploits, he earned the moniker “Father of the U.S. Navy.” He served as lieutenant, commanding the ship Alfred for the Continental Navy. He later commanded the ship U.S.S. Ranger into battle with British naval forces. During a naval battle, Jones and the Ranger captured the British ship HMS Drake. He then commanded the ship Bonhomme Richard as its captain. He famously proclaimed, “I have not yet begun to fight” during the Battle of Flamborough Head, a naval battle during the Revolutionary War. He earned a Congressional gold medal in 1787.