Between 1819 and 1845, as veterans of the Revolutionary War were filing applications to receive pensions for their service, the government was surprised to learn that many of the soldiers were not men, but boys, many of whom were under the age of sixteen, and some even as young as nine. In Boy Soldiers of the American Revolution, Caroline Cox reconstructs the lives and stories of this young subset of early American soldiers, focusing on how these boys came to join the army and what they actually did in service. Giving us a rich and unique glimpse into colonial childhood, Cox traces the evolution of youth in American culture in the late eighteenth century, as the accepted age for children to participate meaningfully in society--not only in the military--was rising dramatically. Drawing creatively on sources, such as diaries, letters, and memoirs, Caroline Cox offers a vivid account of what life was like for these boys both on and off the battlefield, telling the story of a generation of soldiers caught between old and new notions of boyhood.

Joseph Plumb Martin (1760 – 1850) was a soldier in the Continental Army and Connecticut Militia during the American Revolutionary War, holding the rank of private for most of the war. His published narrative of his experiences has become a valuable resource for historians in understanding the conditions of a common soldier of that era, as well as the battles in which Martin participated. "My intention is to give a succinct account of some of my adventures, dangers and sufferings during my several campaigns in the revolutionary army." Contents: Campaign of 1776. Campaign of 1777. Campaign of 1778. Campaign of 1779. Campaign of 1780. Campaign of 1781. Campaign of 1782. Campaign of 1783.

In 'The Adventures of a Revolutionary Soldier' by Joseph Plumb Martin, readers are taken on a unique journey through the American Revolutionary War. Written in a straightforward and sincere style, the book recounts the author's personal experiences as a soldier, providing insights into the daily struggles and triumphs of the American troops. Martin's narrative is a valuable firsthand account that offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of war and the sacrifices made by those who fought for independence. The book's vivid descriptions and Martin's candid voice make it a compelling and enlightening read for those interested in history and military narratives. Joseph Plumb Martin, a veteran of the American Revolutionary War, drew upon his own experiences to create this insightful memoir. His firsthand knowledge and personal perspective bring a sense of authenticity and depth to the book, making it a valuable historical document. Martin's dedication to documenting the events of the war and honoring the bravery of his fellow soldiers is evident throughout the narrative. I highly recommend 'The Adventures of a Revolutionary Soldier' to readers who are interested in firsthand accounts of the American Revolutionary War. Martin's memoir provides a unique and important perspective on this pivotal period in history, offering a valuable insight into the experiences of those who fought for American independence.

Young Continental soldiers carried a heavy burden in the American Revolution. Their experiences of coming of age during the upheavals of war provide a novel perspective on the Revolutionary era, eliciting questions of gender, family life, economic goals, and politics. "Going for a soldier" forced young men to confront profound uncertainty, and even coercion, but also offered them novel opportunities. Although the war imposed obligations on youths, military service promised young men in their teens and early twenties alternate paths forward in life. Continental soldiers’ own youthful expectations about respectable manhood and their goals of economic competence and marriage not only ordered their experience of military service; they also shaped the fighting capacities of George Washington’s army and the course of the war. Becoming Men of Some Consequence examines how young soldiers and officers joined the army, their experiences in the ranks, their relationships with civilians, their choices about quitting long-term military service, and their attempts to rejoin the flow of civilian life after the war. The book recovers young soldiers’ perspectives and stories from military records, wartime letters and journals, and postwar memoirs and pension applications, revealing how revolutionary political ideology intertwined with rational calculations and youthful ambitions. Its focus on soldiers as young men offers a new understanding of the Revolutionary War, showing how these soldiers’ generational struggle for their own independence was a profound force within America’s struggle for its independence.

DIVA wide-eyed teenager during much of the Revolutionary War, Martin recounts in grim detail his harrowing confrontations with gnawing hunger, bitter cold, and the fear of battle. /div

Presents an account of the crucial episodes and dramatic events associated with the Revolutionary War, and reveals the reasons and the methods that resulted in the victory of the underdog.