This week in Revolutionary War history, let’s check up on what was going on 250 years ago in and around the colonial Province of Massachusetts Bay. Last week, General Washington received various anxieties originating from Boston by Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin. Baldwin stated there were large deliveries of ammunitions from Britain arriving in the harbor. He also expressed great concern over refugees fleeing the city, highlighting poor conditions and lack of food for the city’s populous, with some dying on the beach as they leave. Colonel Henry Knox is still on the way to Ticonderoga, but informed Washington of his convincing New York to send 12 additional cannons east. Finally, issues of pay and a lack of discipline had resulted in various mutinies for both the army and navy.

            On December 4, 1775, Colonel Henry Knox writes from Fort George, at Lake George. He reports of the dire conditions the area is in. “The garrison at Ticonderoga is so weak,” he says, while also referring to the terrible road conditions making it difficult to even approach. The “precarious” crossing of the lake is compounding by the muddy and “gullied” roads leading up to the fort. He says it will take him possibly ten days to make the short but grueling trek. He has received an inventory of the fort’s armaments, which he forwards to Washington: twelve 18-pounders, eleven 4-pounder brass field pieces, and twenty-five boxes of lead ammunition.

            On December 6, Washington sends an angered letter to James Otis Sr. of Barnstable. Otis is a prominent lawyer and lawmaker for Massachusetts, and Washington has recently received word that Massachusetts militia men are being paid more than those of other state’s regiments. That is all well and good, however, Washington fears jealousy and resentment. He says, “jealously, & discord – But sir, if the Gen[eral] Court of this Colony have resolved on the latter, you must give me leave to add, that it aims the most fatal stab to the peace of this army that ever was given; & that Lord North himself, could not have devised a more effectual blow to the recruiting service.” A precautionary measure, as the other states would struggle to up their pay to match and recruitment numbers are dwindling.

            On December 7, the Continental Congress commissioned 28-year-old John Paul Jones of Scotland as a First Lieutenant of the Continental Navy. Jones will soon become a dreaded privateer, made famous by numerous engagements across the Northern Atlantic.

            On December 9, Phillip Schuyler in Albany writes to request from the general 3,000 troops so Schuyler can head north and assist Arnold in Canada. He says he can get the men there by the middle of January. Even if Washington agreed, the middle of January would prove to be too late. That’s a story for the next few weeks though.

            That same day, the Battle of Great Bridge is fought in southern Virginia. Over 800 Virginia militia, led by Colonel William Woodford faced a little over 400 British infantry. Lord Dunmore tried to break out of their fortified positions in Norfolk and halt a build-up of local forces. By the end, one patriot was wounded, with anywhere between 62 and 102 British killed. Dunmore’s defeat was catastrophic for the British. He and the remainder of British forces would board ships and anchor off the coast for the following months. Norfolk, now captured, would soon be razed to the ground by patriots.

This Week in Revolutionary War History

By Sam Bishop

 Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to share that Old Rochester Regional High School hosted its second annual Community Service Learning (CSL) Day on Wednesday, November 26.

            More than 600 ORRHS students and staff members spent the half-day before Thanksgiving break engaging in hands-on service projects benefiting local schools, nonprofit organizations, community groups, senior residents, Veterans and public spaces throughout Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester.

            Designed to connect learning with civic engagement, CSL Day allows students to explore community needs, understand the importance of volunteerism, and develop a sense of stewardship for the place they call home.

            This year’s projects included campus beautification and gardening; environmental clean-ups at Silvershell Beach, the Mattapoisett Land Trust, and local disc golf areas; along with service at the Mattapoisett Museum and Library; classroom support and programming at Sippican School, Rochester Memorial School, Center School, and other early-childhood centers. Other CSL Day projects involved yard work for veterans; baking and crafting projects; mural work; letter-writing campaigns for Girls Love Mail; card-making for seniors and hospitalized children; CPR and Narcan education; and volunteer contributions to nonprofits like Friends of Jack, Marion Buoys of Hope; Gifts to Give, an organization that provides children’s items and presents to local kids in need.

            More than 70 faculty and staff members supervised and collaborated on these projects, guiding students in meaningful CSL experiences across dozens of locations throughout the Tri-Town area. Funding for transportation to the off-campus activities as part of CSL Day was provided by MassHire, the state’s workforce development network.

            “Our students’ buoy-painting for Marion Buoys of Hope was a beautiful reminder of what we can accomplish when creativity meets service,” said Assistant Principal Lauren Millette. “Our students showed that service is more than volunteering – it’s using your talents to lift others.”

            “This being my first year participating in CSL Day, I was truly inspired by our students as they gave back and worked together, reflecting the relationships that make the tri-town community so special,” said Director of Guidance Christina Cioffi. “Overseeing our Community Collection project as part of CSL Day, you could see students realize how even small individual contributions can add up to a major impact. Students were thoughtful, enthusiastic, and eager to help their neighbors. It was a privilege to guide them.”

            “Community Service Learning Day is becoming one of my favorite traditions at ORR because it shows the best of who our students are,” said Principal Michael Devoll. “Seeing hundreds of young people step forward to give back – through physical work, creativity, compassion, and collaboration – reminds us why service is such an important part of education. I’m incredibly proud of the effort our students and staff put into this day. We hope students walk away learning that service is not just a one-day activity, but a lifelong mindset of connection to the community.”

            “The entire Tri-Town community benefits when students learn the value of connection, contribution, and civic responsibility,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “We’re grateful to the nonprofit organizations, schools, and other local partners who welcomed our students, and to all of our faculty whose leadership made this day possible. CSL Day continues to grow as a signature example of what makes Old Rochester Regional such an awesome place to live and go to school.”