Sleeping Lofts

Above is a sketch of a Sleeping Loft by Eric Sloane.

Tim and Sam sleep up in the loft of their parents home/tavern in the novel. Colonial homes did not have heating systems and there was very little insulation (if any). Because heat rises many homes used lofts as sleeping spaces during the Winter months.


For more information, analysis and online quizzes:
The My Brother Sam is Dead Study Guide is available via Amazon.com's Kindle edition.

The Complete Guide to the Novel is now available in Word Format: My Brother Sam is Dead Guide 

Or visit my website: http://mybrothersamisdead.historyofredding.com/

Chapter 1: Summary and Analysis w/ Video

Chapter 1: Summary and Analysis

The story begins in April of 1775. Sam Meeker returns home from college in uniform and full of excitement. "We've beaten the British in Massachusetts" are the first words out of his mouth. This comes as a surprise to his father, mother, brother, minister and other locals in the taproom of the Meeker's tavern; they are unaware of the rebellion brewing in Boston.

Timeline of what Sam is so excited about:

February 1, 1775: a provincial congress was held in Cambridge, Massachusetts during which John Hancock and Joseph Warren begin defensive preparations for a state of war.

February 9, 1775: the English Parliament declares Massachusetts to be in a state of rebellion.

March 23, 1775: Patrick Henry delivers a speech in Virginia against British rule, stating, "Give me liberty or give me death!".

March 30, 1775: the New England Restraining Act is endorsed by King George the Third, requiring New England Colonies to trade exclusively with England and bans fishing in the North Atlantic.

April 14, 1775: Massachusetts Governor Thomas Gage is ordered to enforce the Coercive Acts and suppress "open rebellion" among the colonists by all necessary force.

April 18, 1775: Gage orders 700 British soldiers to Concord to destroy the colonists' weapons depot. That night Paul Revere makes his famous ride reaching Lexington around midnight to warn Sam Adams and John Hancock of the British plan.

April 19, 1775: 70 rebels face off against the British on Lexington Green. An unordered shot is fired and results in musket volleys and a bayonet charge which leaves 8 Americans dead and 10 injured. The British proceed to Concord, destroy the colonists' weapon depot, yet are surprised by the rebels on a bridge in Concord and suffer 14 casualties. They are continually attacked on their retreat back to Boston by the rebels and lose over 250 men.


News of these events spread like wildfire through the Colonies. Sam Meeker portrays one example of how this news was delivered and received.

After the initial shock of Sam's report, his father questions him about the specifics of the events in Boston.

Sam: "Well, the beginning was when the Lobsterbacks-"

Life: "By that I suppose you mean the soldiers of your King,"

Life's displeasure with Sam's use of Lobsterbacks to describe the British is our first indication of the Meeker family's allegiance to the King of England: they are Anglican Church members who regularly pray for the health of the King and Parliament.

View a History Channel Video about Lexington and Concord:




For an animated version of this battle, visit:
http://www.revolutionarywaranimated.com/LexingtonAnimation.html



For more information, analysis and online quizzes:
The My Brother Sam is Dead Study Guide is available via Amazon.com's Kindle edition.

Or visit my website: http://mybrothersamisdead.historyofredding.com/

My Brother Sam is Dead Parent Letter

Dear Parents:

We will soon be studying the Revolutionary War in 5th grade. During this time, your child will be reading a novel written by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier called My Brother Sam is Dead. I would like to share some information on this book with you.

Growing up and making sense of who you are and how you fit into the world around you is a big task for any teenager. Getting along with parents, brothers, sisters, and friends, and attempting to assume the responsibilities of adulthood while still obeying your parents are examples of the challenges of being a teenager. Put these familiar “growing pains” into the setting of a family torn by the American Revolution, and you have a firsthand view of Tim Meeker’s very troubled adolescence. It is during this time that Tim tries to understand conflict that raises the issue of loyalty within himself, his family, and his country.

My Brother Sam is Dead is a winner of many literary awards. Among these are: The Newberry Honor Book, Notable Children’s, National Book Award Nominee, and Horn Book Fanfare. This book is often recommended as part of a Social Studies curriculum while studying the American Revolution.

This book is historical fiction in genre, which has distinguishing features including: a setting in a time from the past; a re-creation of the spirit of an historical era; the use of fictional characters and, occasionally, a real historical parsonage; the use of invented dialogue that reflects the way people spoke at the time; and a plot based on the experiences and events of the period.

I have emphasized to my students that the language used by the characters in the book does reflect the era, but does not mean that we are condoning the use of it in our everyday speech. If you have any concerns or would like to read a copy of the book, please feel free to contact me at school at xxx-xxxx or email _____
Sincerely,





Parent Signature_________________________________________________



For more information, analysis and online quizzes:
The My Brother Sam is Dead Study Guide is available via Amazon.com's Kindle edition.

Or visit my website: http://mybrothersamisdead.historyofredding.com/

Love and Marriage During the American Revolution

Farmer's livestock was not the only object of the visiting soldier's desires while they were encamped in Redding CT during the Winter of 1778-79.

Below are some entries in the parish records that prove that "amid the horrors of war sly cupid found a chance to inflict his wounds". They are given as entered by the Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett:

Feb. 7, 1779. I joined together in marriage James Gibbons, a soldier in the army, and Ann Sullivan.

March 18, 1779. I joined together in marriage John Lines, a soldier in the army, and Mary Hendrick.

March 30, 1779. I joined together in marriage Daniel Evarts, a soldier in the army, and Mary Rowland.

April 15, 1779. I joined together in marriage Isaac Olmsted, a soldier in the army, and Mary Parsons.

April 28, 1779. I joined together in marriage Jesse Belknap, an artificer in the army, and Eunice Hall.

May 4, 1779. I joined together in marriage William Little, steward to Gen. Parsons, and Phebe Merchant.

May 23, 1779. I joined together in marriage Giles Gilbert, an artificer in the army, and Deborah Hall.

March 9, 1780. I joined together in marriage William Darrow, a soldier in the army, and Ruth Bartram.

William Heron

General Parsons, in a letter to George Washington, dated April 6, 1782:

"I forgot to mention the name of Mr. William Heron of Redding, who has for several years had opportunities of informing himself of the state of the enemy, their designs and intentions, with more certainty and precision than most men who have been employed.

He is a native of Ireland, a man of very large knowledge and a great share of natural sagacity, united with a sound judgment, but of as unmeaning a countenance as any person in my acquaintance. With this appearance he is as little suspected as any man can be.

An officer in the department of the Adjutant General is a countryman and a very intimate acquaintance of Mr. Heron, through which channel he has been able frequently to obtain important and very interesting intelligence. He has frequently brought me the most accurate descriptions of the posts occupied by the enemy, and more rational accounts of their numbers, strength and design than I have been able to obtain in any other way.

As to his character, I know him to be a consistent national Whig; he is always in the field in any alarm and has in every trial proved himself a man of bravery. He has a family and a considerable interest in the measures of the country. In opposition to this his enemies suggest that he carries on illicit trade with the enemy, but I have lived two years next door to him and am fully convinced he has never had a single article of any kind for sale during that time.

I know many persons of more exalted character are also accused; none more than Governor Trumbull, nor with less reason. I believe the Governor and Mr. Heron as clear of this business as I am, and I know myself to be totally free from every thing which has the least connection with that commerce."

When the army lay in Redding in the winter of 1778-9, General Parsons' headquarters were at Esquire Stephen Betts' tavern, on Redding Ridge, diagonally across the street from William Heron's modest dwelling.

It was then in all probability that the two men first met and formed those intimate relations which led Parsons later to recommend Heron to Washington (see letter above) as one of the most promising of their secret service emissaries.

Together during that winter the two men concocted a plot to outwit the British Commanders. To the Whigs Heron was to remain a Whig. To the Tories, then very numerous on Redding Ridge, he was to go privately and acquaint them with the fact that he was an emissary of the British Commander, and secretly acting as such. An occasion offered he was to slip down to the British camp in New York, see and hear all that Parsons and the patriot chief would wish to know, return and report. When he could not go himself, he was to send, his favorite messenger being it said, the gigantic Mohawk Tom Warrups. The way he gained the British lines was to ride to Fairfield, leave his horse with a Tory there, cross the sound to Huntington on Long Island, or an adjacent part, and thence make his way into the enemy's lines at New York.

For more on William Heron and other real people fictionalized in the historical fiction novel- My Brother Sam is Dead, visit my website: http://mybrothersamisdead.historyofredding.com/

My Brother Sam is Dead Summary

My Brother Sam is Dead Short Summary & Topics

My Brother Sam is Dead is told in the first person by Tim Meeker. When Tim's older brother Sam joins the rebel forces, it impacts the rest of his family who wish to remain neutral and/or avoid war with England. Tim's family is Anglican and thus loyal to the Church of England; as a split with England would greatly affect them.
Tim Meeker is a metaphoric symbol of one third of the American population during the war. He portrays the American that is uncertain which side is right and does not wish to choose a side until forced to, sometimes referred to as a "fence-sitter". Sam and Life are examples of the other two thirds: the Rebel/Patriot and the Tory/Loyalist.

Through Tim Meeker we learn of the issues, the concerns and the conflicts of the rebellion on a personal level. Each chapter touches on a number of topics and issues that provide readers with a better understanding of the affects the American Revolution had on individuals, their families, their churches, their towns, their neighbors...in short, it allows readers to see the war from the position of those that lived through it. This is one of the greatest strengths of the novel; it quietly weaves all of the topics and issues of the early years of the American Revolution into a tragic story of a 10 year old boy’s role in a war he doesn't understand.

My Brother Sam is Dead begins in April 1775 and ends in February 1779...a very volatile period of the American Revolution as it was not clear which side would win the war. Many were either still confused about the issues or unwilling to solidify a position on the issues. As the story unfolds the consequences of the war prove devastating to the Meeker family as the rebelliousness of Tim’s brother, Sam, and the pacifist position taken by Tim’s father, Life, result in the ironic deaths of both, symbolizing the atrocities and unfairness of war.

The novel highlights many of the problems and events that impacted towns like Redding, CT. Several of these topics are:

* Trying to stay neutral while living in a town that everyone assumes is a loyalist settlement. Redding's Anglican Church leader and its members preferred not to rebel from England. This was well known across the State and resulted in Redding Ridge being labeled as an area heavily settled with loyalists/tories.

* Currency Issues-The Meeker's own a tavern/store, and keeping it running is hard work. Even prior to the Revolution, to make money, each year Tim's Father and brother Sam would travel to New York State to sell cattle they received from people who owed them money. During the war it becomes even more difficult as paper money and commissionary notes destroy local economies and businesses.

* Sacrifices- Since Sam has sided with the rebels and wasn't there, Tim's responsibilities have increased ten-fold. Jobs Tim and Sam used to share all now fall on Tim's shoulders. Father (Life) takes Tim on his yearly cattle run to New York. They have to travel without a Brown Bess (musket/gun used for protection), which Sam had recently stolen. Life is captured on their return trip, leaving Tim to take care of his mother and himself for the rest of the novel. Tim is forced to grow up over night seeing he is now the man of the house, with his father in prison and Sam fighting with the patriots.

* Committees of Safety- These committees were formed early in the war to disarm people who could potentially give aid to the British. Life is an Anglican and thus seen as a Loyalist/Tory, by the local Committee of Safety which comes to the Meeker Tavern to disarm him. When Life tells them his son has sided with the Patriots and taken his gun, they initially don't believe him and rough him up.

* Cowboys and Skinners- Life is captured on their way back to Redding on their cattle run by cowboys. Cowboys and skinners were groups of raiders who harassed and plundered the rural districts of the boundary between American and British forces in Westchester County, New York. Westchester County, was the so-called "Neutral Ground" seeing the British were in the Bronx and the Americans in Peekskill, New York.

* The British march though Redding and capture several Patriots there on their way to Danbury, CT to destroy the rebels/Patriot's provisions of war which were being stored there. The Patriot soldiers arrive in Redding in pursuit of the British and Sam is with them so he gets to see his mother and Tim again.

* Winter Encampments- General Israel Putnam's division of the Continental Army encamped at Redding in the winter of 1778-1779 and Sam Meeker is a soldier in one of Putnam’s camps. One evening, Sam slips away from camp and returns home to spend time with his family. While they discuss the war and related topics, Sam hears commotion outside…Patriot soldiers are attempting to steal their cattle! When Sam intervenes he is out numbered and beaten. Back at camp he is falsely accused of and court-martialed for deserting camp and stealing cattle. General Putnam having long dealt with ill-equipped troops, deserters and traitors, feels he needs to set an example in order to maintain discipline amongst his army. Sam, unfortunately, becomes one of the two examples that winter, and is executed.

* Hardships of War- Both Life and Sam Meeker die in the novel. Tim's Mother goes a little crazy due to the stress of losing her husband and son to a war she doesn't support. Tim survives the novel and lives to be very old. He had a wife, children, even grandchildren. But his mother never recovers from Life and Sam's deaths.


For more information, analysis and online quizzes:
The My Brother Sam is Dead Study Guide is available via Amazon.com's Kindle edition.

Or visit my website: http://mybrothersamisdead.historyofredding.com/

George Washington's Concerns in the Winter of 1779

From September 20 to November 28, 1778 George Washington, his generals and army of 13,000 were located in or around Fredericksburg, (the towns of Pawling and Patterson, New York) with the John Kane house serving as headquarters. From here emanated George Washington’s strategy of “observing and containing” the British in New York City.

Washington's plan involved placing troops in somewhat of a crescent formation above the British in New York City from the Hudson River to Redding, Connecticut. From these locations they could support the important fortress of West Point, intimidate the plundering Cowboys and Skinners of Westchester County, and cover the action along the coastal towns on Long Island Sound. It was a sound plan and very well thought out, however, it was what he did not count on that caused him great concern during the Winter of 1779:

The lack of clothing available for his troops and difficulty getting food to the encampments due to poor weather and the resultant roadway conditions.

George Washington to Deputy Clothier Gen. George Measam , January 8, 1779

"It has been represented to me that the troops of Connecticut are in great want of Shirts, Stockings and Shoes. This leads me to inquire of you whether they have not received their proportion of these Articles in common with the rest of the Army. The troops in general have obtained orders for a Shirt and pair of Stockings per man and a pair of Shoes to each that wanted. If the Connecticut Troops have not been furnished … you will on receiving proper Returns for that purpose supply them in conformity to this Rule."


George Washington to the Board of War, January 9, 1779

"Sir: I have the honor. of yours of the 7th. instant. As there is not probably a sufficiency of Mittens for the whole Army, a partial distribution would occasion uneasiness among those who were not supplied. Instead therefore of a general delivery, I should think it better to have them lodged with the Clothiers attending the Army to be delivered out occasionally to detachments going upon a duty that will expose them to the inclemency of the Weather."

Food was also an Issue


The journals of private Joseph Plumb Martin (stationed with the 8th Connecticut in Parsons' middle camp) shows the desperate lack of food and poor weather conditions endured by the troops throughout January:

"We settled in our winter quarters at the commencement of the new year and went on in our old Continental Line of starving and freezing. We now and then got a little bad bread and salt beef (I believe chiefly horse-beef for it was generally thought to be such at the time). The month of January was very stormy, a good deal of snow fell, and in such weather it was mere chance if we got anything at all to eat."

Given the conditions, it is difficult to blame the soldiers that took matters into their own hands and ventured out of camp in search of provisions. The citizens of Redding, did not see things this way, those who initially felt quite honored by the selection of their town for the army's winter quarters, soon grew tired of soldiers looting their livestock. The soldiers position was that they were the one's fighting the country's battles and plundering the neighboring farms was within their rights as men of war. To them a well-stocked poultry yard, a pen of fat porkers or field of healthy heifers offered irresistible cuisine when compared to the horse-beef they were being offered back at camp. After a time, however, the wary farmers foiled the looters by storing their livestock over night in the cellars of their houses and in other secure places.

This was an issue throughout the war and the letter below shows that George Washington was aware of it. It also highlights why looting was difficult to stop, as looters could claim they had confiscated the provisions because they were in danger of being sold to the British.

To Major General Israel Putnam, From George Washington, Philadelphia, December 26, 1778.

"I have not a Copy of your instructions with me, but if my memory serves me, I was as full in my directions respecting the conduct of Officers who shall be sent upon the lines as I possibly can be. The Officer must determine from all circumstances, whether Cattle or any species of provision found near the lines are in danger of falling into the hands of the Enemy, or are carried there with an intent to supply them. If it is thought necessary to bring them off, they must be reported and disposed of as directed by your instructions.

I was very particular upon that Head, because I know that great Acts of Injustice have been committed by Officers, under pretence that provision and other kinds of property were intended for the Use of the Enemy. I would recommend the bringing off as much Forage as possible but I would not advise the destruction of what we cannot remove. I think your plan of sending out a large party under the command of a Field Officer and making detachments from thence, a good one; and if you and General McDougall can agree upon a cooperation of your parties I think many advantages will result from the measure. You may agree upon the mode of effecting this, between yourselves."

Best Education E-books Featuring History

I am very proud and happy to announce that my e-book:

Chapter by Chapter Summary & Analysis of My Brother Sam is Dead (Brent M. Colley's Guide to My Brother Sam is Dead)

Is currently the #4 selling paid e-book on Amazon Kindle's Best Sellers in Education History List.


Thank you to all who have promoted it and helped me get this far. If you have read this e-book and it has been helpful- please consider writing a positive review for me. That would really help my efforts and get these e-books in front of more teachers and parents.

I created these e-books because I have seen children react positively to this novel and learn a great deal from it. I think that it is important that teachers and parents understand the topics that are woven into each chapter so that they can help their students and children get all they can out of it.

The impact of a historical novel on students cannot be minimized. If students respond positively to a good historical novel, they might:

a. be motivated to research the novelist's use of historical data.
b. they might begin to discern the novelist's biases and
c. they might decide to search for historical data to support or contradict the point of view expressed by the author.

or

d. find history interesting.

Why is My Brother Sam is Dead Challenged?

My Brother Sam is Dead is usually challenged by individuals who have not personally read the novel. If they read it, they’d realize that the authors have woven important topics into each of the novels chapters and they’d embrace it as the magnificent teaching tool it truly is.

But that's not the answer you have visited this page for, is it? You want to know how and why the novel earned a top 10 listing on the American Way's most challenged book list in 1996.

The book is challenged because it:

A). Contains profanity: In reaction to being smack in the head by Tim Meeker as she tries to wrestle a letter away from him, Betsy Read shouts "You Little Bastard!"

B). Contains excessive violence: While observing the British army Tim Meeker experiences the horrific beheading of a slave.

C). Mentions alcohol consumption: The Meeker's own a Tavern.

D). Contains unpatriotic views of the American Revolution: The Meeker's are Anglican's.

In response to these challenges let me point out that:

A). The book contains profanity because the authors are trying to provide us with a realistic portrayal of life during the American Revolution. There were conflicting opinions and there were heated discussions, during which, people actually (gasp) swore at each other.

B). The violence Tim experiences is in response to the British troops being fired at. Four individuals take "pot-shots" at the British Troops as they march by. The British respond by rushing the house, subduing the individuals and locking them in the basement. In the process one resists and is decapitated. The British then set the house on fire. This scene is historically correct. It happened; it occurred in Danbury not Redding, but it did happen. The point the authors were making here is that War is Cruel and People Die. While I admit that the beheading is a bit excessive for a children's novel it is not worth censoring the entire novel over it.

C). Mentioning alcohol consumption is no reason to censor a novel as important as My Brother Sam is Dead. The Meeker's own and operate a Tavern. And alcohol consumption by all, young and old, within that time period, is also historically correct.

D). Contains unpatriotic views of the American Revolution. This one is my personal favorite. When Susannah Meeker states: "Bah, patriotism. Your patriotism has got my husband in prison and one of my children out there in the rain and muck shooting people and likely to be dead any minute, and my business is half ruined. Go sell your patriotism elsewhere, I've had enough of it." she has had it. It's a response anyone of us would have if we were placed in the same position.

Susannah Meeker has:

1. lost her husband to the war
2. she's working 24/7 and being paid in currency that is literally worthless unless the Patriot win the war
3. she is Anglican and doesn't want to be in this war to begin with
4. she fears for her eldest son's life and knows that her youngest son is being deprived of his childhood as he tries to help her keep their business afloat.

The topics covered in this book are important and well represented historically speaking. Christopher Collier was Connecticut's State Historian for a very long time; he knew the issues, the localities, the facts. James Lincoln Collier wrote children’s stories; he knew how to write in a way that captivated the attention of young people. Between the two of them they were very talented. What I love most about My Brother Sam is Dead is its realism. I was born and raised in Redding, Connecticut. I know its history well, and can tell you the Collier brothers wove an amazing tale here and it should be embraced not censored.

My Brother Sam is Dead is a winner of many literary awards. Among these are: The Newberry Honor Book, Notable Children’s, National Book Award Nominee, and Horn Book Fanfare. This book is often recommended as part of a Social Studies curriculum while studying the American Revolution.


Have a look at these Banned and Challenged Classics and you'll realize that the censors aren't always correct.

I suggest you read the book and use my online resources to better understand the topics woven into the novel.


For more notes and background information on the historical fiction novel- My Brother Sam is Dead, visit my online resources or purchase an e-book.

What is a Brown Bess?

The musket Sam Meeker takes from his father in my brother Sam is dead, was a Brown Bess "Long Land" musket with a 46" barrel length, .75 barrel caliber, and bayonet length of 16"-17". A skilled soldier could fire three shots per minute with a musket of this type.

Brown Bess is a nickname of unknown origin for the British Army's Land Pattern Musket and its derivatives. This musket was used in the era of the expansion of the British Empire and acquired a symbolic importance which was at least as significant as its physical importance. It was in use for over a hundred years with a good number of incremental changes in its design. The earliest version was the Long Land Pattern of 1722, 62 inches long (without bayonet) with a 46 inch barrel. It was later found that shortening the barrel did not lessen its accuracy and made handling the musket easier. This resulted in the Militia (or Marine) Pattern of 1756 and the Short Land Pattern of 1768, both of which had a 42 inch (1,067 mm) barrel. Other versions included the India Pattern, New Land Pattern Musket, and Sea Service Musket.

As most male citizens of the American Colonies were required by law to own a musket for militia duty, the Long Land Pattern was a common firearm in use by both sides at the commencement of the American Revolution.

Accuracy of the Brown Bess was, as with most other muskets, poor. The effective range is often quoted as 80-100 yards but it was more likely about 50 yards. The combination of the large diameter of the bullet, the heavy weight of its lead construction and its unstable aerodynamic shape (a round ball marred by hand casting) contributed to its low effective range. Though the large projectile could inflict a great deal of damage when it did hit its target, military tactics of the period stressed mass volleys and bayonet charges, instead of individual sniping due to the inaccuracy of these muskets. The great length of the weapon, 62 inches long, with a bayonet of 16 to 17 inches, was advantageous because it allowed longer reach in bayonet engagements, especially against horsemen. By forming a rectangle or square with men facing outward with their bayonets, horsemen could not ride through them.

Why call it a Brown Bess?

Early usage of the term "Brown Bess" appears in an April 1771 issue of the Connecticut Courant, which noted "...but if you are afraid of the sea, take Brown Bess on your shoulder and march." This familiar use must indicate widespread use of the term by that time. The 1785 Dictionary of Vulgar Tongue, a contemporary work which defined vernacular and slang terms, contained this entry: "Brown Bess: A soldier's firelock. To hug Brown Bess; to carry a firelock, or serve as a private soldier."

Popular explanations of the use of the word "Brown" include that it was a reference to either the color of the walnut stocks or to the characteristic brown color that was produced by russeting, an early form of metal treatment. Others argue that mass-produced weapons of the time were coated in brown varnish on metal parts as a rust preventative and on wood as a sealer (or in the case of unscrupulous contractors, to disguise inferior or non-regulation types of wood). However, the Oxford English Dictionary notes that "browning" was only introduced in the early 19th century, well after the term had come into general ushttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gife.

Similarly, the word "Bess" is commonly held to either derive from the word arquebus or blunderbuss (predecessors of the musket) or to be a refhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giference to Elizabeth I of England, considered unlikely as she died more than a century before the introduction of the weapon. More plausible is that the term Brown Bess could have been derived from the German words "brawn buss" or "braun buss", meaning "strong gun" or "brown gun"; King George I who commissioned its use was from Germany.

See how it worked...

This is a great photo exhibit of how these guns worked. Be sure to check out the videos at the bottom of the page: http://science.howstuffworks.com/flintlock2.htm

For more notes and background information on the historical fiction novel- My Brother Sam is Dead, visit my online resources or purchase an e-book.

My Brother Sam is Dead Chapter 14: Summary and Analysis

Below is an example of the type of summary and analysis you will find in my e-books.


Chapter 14: Summary and Analysis

On Saturday, February 13th, Colonel Read came up from the encampment to let Tim and Susannah know that General Putnam had refused their plea for clemency. The unfairness of war is voiced by both Tim and Colonel Read as it is a very important theme in the novel.

Tim is too emotional to sit through the church service for Sam and the others, his Mother is too depressed to even attend.

Susannah: "I'm not going, they can murder who they like, church who they like, but I'm not going. For me the war is over."

The tavern is closed and as far as Susannah is concerned it can remain that way. Tim, feeling angry and bitter, sharpens his father's bayonet with the intention of heading to the encampment to free Sam.

Susannah: "Going to get yourself killed, son?"

Tim: "I'm going to save my brother"

Susannah: "No, you're going to get yourself killed. Well you might as well. Let's have it all done with at once. How does that old line go? Men must fight and women must weep, but you'll get no more tears from me. I've done my weeping for this war."

As they have done in Chapter 13, the Collier brothers paint a picture of the encampment at Redding via Tim's narrative. Tim's comments about the lack of trees, the lines of huts, the muddy road, the corrals, etc… are written for more than dramatic effect. In real-life there were not many trees left in the encampments of Redding during the winter of 1778-79, there were lines of huts, muddy roads, wagons and cannons, officer's quarters. They even place the prisoners in the correct location. The 1778-79 guardhouse was not located within the encampment, but on a road in close proximity to General Putnam's headquarters. So we are given a glimpse of the winter encampment through Tim's eyes and entertained by the well orchestrated climatic representation of Tim sneaking around the encampment, stalking guards and dodging bullets as a bonus really.


Tim narrating: "I began to slip down the steep hillside from stump to boulder…I stopped and I stared. I couldn't see anybody moving around…I glanced at the guard…he didn't move for several moments…and I suddenly realized that he was asleep. I took the bayonet out of my belt and clutched it tight in my hand. If Sam could killed people, so could I…I stood up and charged…the guard stirred. I drove my feet faster…"Halt." He shouted. He swept the musket up, the bayonet pointing straight at me, twenty feet away…"Sam" I shouted, and "Sam" again as loud as I could. The guard lunged at me. I lifted the bayonet and threw it in the air. It flashed in the moonlight, spinning lazily over and over and fell into the stockade. Then I turned and began racing as fast as I could across the snow for the safety of the boulders on the hillside. I had gone only three paces when the musket went off with a terrific roar…I dashed onto the slope, and then began staggering upward, zigzagging from boulder to boulder to keep protection at my back. Behind me there was shouting and running and the sound of a horse being wheeled around…I reached the trees at the top of the ridge and flung myself flat. They'd never get me now…I rolled over and looked down…I stared into the stockade. There was no action there, no people moving at all. Lying in the center of that square of snow, something shiny glistened in the moonlight. And I knew it had all been a waste. The prisoners weren't in the stockade anymore."

Tim has a bullet wound to show for his efforts at the encampment, but nothing severe. The following day is Sam's execution and Tim attends knowing Sam would want somebody there, Susannah refuses to go. Tim's narration of the executions is straight forward; he simply tells us what happened. A sad, abrupt ending; a fate many soldiers suffered during the War of Independence.

Sam's execution at the hands of his own troops is symbolic of the atrocities of war, it is also an accurate portrayal of actions that needed to be taken by Generals like Israel Putnam in the early stages of the American Revolution. The more horrific these executions were, the less likely the soldiers who viewed them would be to disobey their Generals orders later.

What do we learn about in Chapter 14?

In Chapter 14 we get a sense of the frustration and anger Susannah has at this point in the war:

A. She has lost her husband, who passively resisted the rebellion
B. She’s about to lose her eldest son, who has actively participated in the rebellion.
C. She’s watching her youngest son sharpen his father's bayonet with the intention of heading to the encampment to likely get his self killed.

But the truly important content in Chapter 14 is Tim’s first person account of the executions. Sam's character takes the place of John Smith’s execution in the novel. Which are very close to the real-life events that occurred that day:


“The soldier that was to be shot for desertion was but a youth of sixteen or seventeen years of age. The Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett, who was pastor of the Congregational Church in Redding for a period of fifty years, officiated as chaplain to the encampment during that winter, and was present at the execution. He interceded with General Putnam to defer the execution of Smith until Washington could be consulted- for reason the offender was a youth; but the commander assured him that a reprieve could not be granted.

John Smith was described as "extremely weak and fainting" as he was led by Poor's Brigade Chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Evans, approximately 200 yards from the gallows to the place he was to be shot.

Putnam gave the order and three balls were shot through his breast: he fell on his face, but immediately turned over on his back; a soldier then advanced, and putting the muzzle of his gun near the convulsive body of the youth, discharged its contents into his forehead. The body was then placed in a coffin; the final discharge had been fired so near to the body that it had set the boy's clothing on fire, and continued burning while each and every soldier present was ordered to march past the coffin and observe Smith's mangled remains; an officer with a drawn sword stood by to ensure they complied.”

Classroom Conversations:

1. It is important to help the students understand why Sam was killed. There was disaffection and insubordination in the army in 1777 & 1778. Desertions were frequent, and spying was almost openly practiced. To put a stop to these practices it was vitally necessary to the safety of the army, to see that these sentences were carried into effect. These executions were a warning to the other soldiers; it showed them what would happen if they disobeyed orders and it was very effective.

Sam's death is another ironic twist in the story: A father and son's loyalty to their beliefs results in death at the hands of their own troops. Life died on a British ship and Sam is executed by American soldiers.


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Fact vs. Fiction in My Brother Sam is Dead

Executions at Gallows Hill
(John Smith is the real life example Sam Meeker's death portrays)

Putnam was no stranger to deserters and spies. Nothing had so much annoyed Putnam and his officers during the campaigns of the preceding summer on the Hudson than the desertions which had thinned his ranks, and the Tory spies, who frequented his camps, and forthwith conveyed the information thus gathered to the enemy. To put a stop to this it had been determined that the next offender of either sort (deserter or spy) captured should suffer death as an example.

The opportunity to implement this determination soon arrived. Scouts from Putnam's outposts in Westchester County captured a man lurking within their lines, and as he could give no satisfactory account of himself, he was at once hauled over the borders and into the presence of the Commander-in-Chief. In answer to the commanders queries, the prisoner said that his name was Jones, that he was a Welshman by birth, and had settled in Ridgefield a few years before the war commenced; that he had never faltered in his allegiance to the King, and that at the outbreak of the hostilities he had fled to the British army, and had been made a butcher in the camp; a few weeks before, he had been sent into Westchester County to buy beef for the army, and was in the process of carrying out those orders at the present. He was remanded to the guard house, court-martialed and at once ordered for trial. Putnam had his first example.

On Feb. 4, 1779, Edward Jones was tried at a General Court Martial for going to and serving the enemy, and coming out as a spy. He was found guilty of each and every charge exhibited against him, and according to Law and the Usage's of Nations was sentenced to suffer Death: "The General approves the sentence and orders it to be put in execution between the hours of ten and eleven A.M. by hanging him by the neck till he be dead."

Two days after another General Court Martial was held for a similar offense: on Feb. 6, 1779, John Smith of the 1st Connecticut Regiment was tried at a General Court Martial for desertion and attempting to go to the enemy, found guilty, and further persisting in saying that he will go to the enemy if ever he has an opportunity. "The General approves the sentence and orders that it be put in execution between the hours of ten and twelve A.M. for him to be shot to death"

General Putnam having two prisoners under the sentence of death determined to execute them both at once, or as he expressed it, "to make a double job of it," and at the same time make the spectacle as terrible and impressive as the circumstances demanded.

The scene which took place at the execution of these men on February 16 was described as shocking and bloody, it occurred on a lofty hill (known to this day as Gallows Hill) dominating the valley between the three camps. The instrument of Edward Jones' death was erected approximately twenty feet from the ground atop the hill's highest pinnacle. Jones was ordered to ascend the ladder, with the rope around his neck and attached to the cross beam of the gallows. When he had reached the top rung General Putnam ordered him to jump from the ladder.

'No General Putnam,' said Jones, 'I am innocent of the crime laid to my charge; I shall not do it.'

Putnam drawing his sword, compelled the hangmen at sword's point, that his orders be obeyed and if Jones would not jump, that the ladder be over-turned to complete the act. It was and he perished.

The soldier that was to be shot for desertion was but a youth of sixteen or seventeen years of age. The Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett, who was pastor of the Congregational Church in Redding for a period of fifty years, officiated as chaplain to the encampment during that winter, and was present at the execution. He interceded with General Putnam to defer the execution of Smith until Washington could be consulted- for reason the offender was a youth; but the commander assured him that a reprieve could not be granted.

John Smith was described as "extremely weak and fainting" as he was led by Poor's Brigade Chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Evans, approximately 200 yards from the gallows to the place he was to be shot. Putnam gave the order and three balls were shot through his breast: he fell on his face, but immediately turned over on his back; a soldier then advanced, and putting the muzzle of his gun near the convulsive body of the youth, discharged its contents into his forehead. The body was then placed in a coffin; the final discharge had been fired so near to the body that it had set the boy's clothing on fire, and continued burning while each and every soldier present was ordered to march past the coffin and observe Smith's mangled remains; an officer with a drawn sword stood by to ensure they complied.

It was indeed a grisly scene, and many have questioned the accuracy of the accounts published about it because it seems almost too ghastly. But it should be said that: boldness, firmness, promptness, decisiveness- were the chief elements of General Israel Putnam's character, and at this particular crisis all were needed. There was disaffection and insubordination in the army, as has been noted. Desertions were frequent, and spying by the Tories was almost openly practiced. To put a stop to these practices it was vitally necessary to the safety of the army, to see that these sentences were carried into effect.


From more examples of factual events that take place in the novel, visit:
http://mybrothersamisdead.historyofredding.com/my-brother-sam-is-dead_notes.htm

or download my Everything You Wanted to Know about My Brother Sam is Dead e-book at Amazon.com.

My Brother Sam is Dead Social Media Links

In an effort to highlight the resources now available for My Brother Sam is Dead, I've opened up accounts at Facebook and Twitter.


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Both these accounts were opened for interaction and questions. Look forward to meeting the fans of this amazing historical fiction novel.