A little more info on old Sam
http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/MAMIDDLE/2005-06/1120054337
Good stuff, especially the early history of Whittemore.
Helps to frame the man for Apr. 19, 1775. There is a similar bit in Tourtellot's book on Whittemore's near fatal incident right near Cooper's Tavern.
Reading further about this interesting incident from other sources, with slightly different takes, we find that inside the Tavern were two "drunken lingerers" or "topers" who refused to heed the call. Whittemore sure could have used some help, even their help, assuming they could actually shoot in their condition. These two were killed, actually mutilated by the Regulars who stormed the Tavern shortly after their bloody encounter with Whittemore. Anyone who "looked like they could have fired" was shot on the spot by the Regulars.
Lot's of lessons and analogies here.
I see many "drunken lingerers" today among our ranks on other forums and in everyday life. Drunk on collecting, hobby shooting, not fighting the soft war and simply whining about how bad our situation is. That is not eternal vigillance.
I plan to reach as many as possible with the AS message.
Thanx Cal762
I sure enjoyed reading this . ;D
Further Im really pleased to have you onboard.
Looking forward to working a shoot with you.
My best regards
JA (Richard)
Ps SS told me you did a great job ;)