#2nd Continental Light Dragoons

[tallmadgeandtea]

Turnsgiving 2022: Day 4

What If?

After doing more research for both SS&SP and my own college project, I definitely think Turn should’ve included more or Benjamin Tallmadge’s military escapades, which were with his regiment, the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons. They were active in the important battles of the Philadelphia Campaign and then there were raids led by Tallmadge in New York throughout the rest of the war against the British for their supplies and territory. They also served as part of General Washington’s life guard. Turn showed a couple these at The Battle of Stony Point and the Battle of Fort St. George, but on a lesser scale. I could say a lot more, but I’ll refrain from going full military history nerd at the moment. In my opinion, it wouldn’t have derived too much of the “spying” from the show’s plot because one of the Dragoon’s jobs was reconnaissance- patrols to get enemy troop numbers, camp locations, and amount of weapons and supplies they had. Cavalrymen were respected because of the ability they had to have as horsemen, shooters, messengers, and scouts. One of their other key roles? Filling space in General Washington’s guard. Showing more of Benjamin’s cavalry duties would’ve shown how intelligent he was and why he was capable of being Washington’s spymaster.

[little-desi-historian]

The world turned upside down

On this day in history: October 19th, 1781. Charles Cornwallis surrendered to the combined troops of George Washington and the patriots French allies. Symbolically raising a white handkerchief and giving up a sword to Washington as a sign of civil surrender. Famously when the sword was offered to the French, they refused saying, “we are subordinate to the Americans now.” Famously, Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens had stormed the the English silently by force the previous night. Amongst other heroes, holding position in case Laurens and Hamilton need retreat, was the 2nd continental light dragoons, better known to some as “Sheldon’s horse” or “Benjamin Tallmadge’s unit.” Famously, ill or humiliated, all the English showed up to formally surrender, expect Banastre Tarelton and Cornwallis himself. Legend has it, though the historical records never say, the English played the famous folk song (dating about to 1646) titled “When the King enjoys his own” perhaps more aptly titled in this scenario “the world turned upside down.”

Yorktown: PBS.

Mount Vernon: Yorktown.

Siege of Yorktown by Henry Freeman.

Hamil-film: Yorktown.

[meerawrites]

Oops?

I had a lot of spare birthday money and the seller also conveniently had a sale, so, I got a continental army lapel coat. I also found a mini ish 2nd continental light dragoon flag on sale for $30 so. *eyes emoji*

So what the hell is a 2nd Continental light dragoon? (By @jackyfalahees / @tallmadgeandtea )

Re: the flag of the second continental light dragoons.

[melpomeneprose]

CHARACTER QUESTIONNAIRE !!

Tagged by: myself.

Tagging: @withinycu, @adrienne-lafayette-official, @johngravessimcoe, @cavalrylad, @musenssang, @philip-hamilton-official, @sharp-teeth-and-wide-grins, @virgosjukebox. 💙

✧･ﾟ   𝐃𝐀𝐒𝐇 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄.

► BENJAMIN TALLMADGE.

Name: Benjamin Tallmadge.

Alias(es): Ben, Major Tallmadge, 2nd Continental Light Dragoon, Tall-boy, & Captain Tallmadge. “Beagle tilting his head.” (Creator of Washington’s spies tv).

“Beagle” “Washington’s hunting dog” (affectionate & derogatory, from both sides)

Gender: male (he/him).

Orientation: not your business.

(Bi, repressed and ashamed about it, but bi, in my personal portrayal and reading/headcanons, having read his memoirs & letters, but the truth is… as with Alexander Hamilton, we’ll never know). Age: 22-24.

Date of birth: February 25, 1754

Place of birth: Setauket or Brookhaven, Long Island, NYC.

For simplicity he’ll say, New York, sometimes.

Spoken language(s): English, Latin, trying really hard for French thus far not succeeding. Do code books count?

Occupation(s): soldier, spymaster, congressman, statesman. (au: lawyer) (modern verse: law student).

★  ⸻   APPEARANCE

Eye colour: blue, the kind you can drown in, it’s his most attractive feature, according to popular opinion.

Hair colour: dirty blonde.

Height: 6’0” (tall by 18th century standards).

Other: rarely ever seen out of uniform.

Has anxiety & PTSD, should probably touch grass. Deserves a hug and deserves better.

★  ⸻   FAVORITE

Colour: red, white, gold and blue, neutral black that suits everything or gray works to.

Song: Benjamin’s playlist.

Food: bread, salt, cheese, or fish.

Drink: brandy or wine.

★  ⸻   HAVE THEY...

Passed university: Yale college, top of his class!

Had sex: not your business.

Had sex in public: no.

Gotten pregnant/someone else pregnant: wants kids, but not that way, and not at this exact moment. Given the war.

Kissed a boy: no. (Yes) Nathan Hale.

Kissed a girl: yes.

Gotten tattoos: no.

Gotten piercings: no.

Been in love: he’s not sure if it counts, to be blunt, but for reason of answering, yes.

Stayed up 24+ hours: for the cause, yes.

★  ⸻   ARE THEY...

A virgin: not your business, also a construct society cruelly and hypocritically only applies to the fairer sex. (No).

A cuddler: yes.

A kisser: circumstantially.

Scared easily: most certainly not!

Jealous easily: yes!

Submissive: switch.

Dominant: none of your business.

In love: verse/thread dependant.

Relationship status: I am married to honour and the revolution until this is over. (Single).

★  ⸻   RANDOM QUESTIONS

TW for self-harm/suicide mention.

Have they harmed themselves: not unless you count accidentally falling in the Delaware river.

Thought of suicide/ideated: under the pressure of war, atrocities, violence and bloodshed. Yes. But rarely.

Attempted suicide: only if you count a Protestant martyr complex, as the son of a preacher it runs in the family.

Wanted to kill someone: side eyes Simcoe.

But he didn’t enjoy the killing in question.

Have/had a job: Washington’s staff.

Fears: death, abandonment, losing control, not being enough, losing the war, tyranny, his own capacity to help vs harm and the moral dilemma of mundane human existence and soldiering.

Sibling(s):

Samuel Tallmadge.

William Tallmadge.

John Tallmadge.

Isaac Tallmadge.

Parent(s): Susannah Tallmadge (née Smith)(deceased)/Rev. Samuel Tallmadge sr.

Children: verse/thread dependant.

Children In history:

Frederick A. Tallmadge

Maria Jones Tallmadge

William Smith Tallmadge

Harriet Tallmadge Delafield

Benjamin Tallmadge Jr.

Henry Tallmadge.

Significant other(s): Nathan Hale (deceased), Sarah Livingston (ex lover, kinda, sorta, it’s complicated & traumatizing).

Significant other(s) in history:

Mary Floyd (1784 to 1805).

Maria Hallet (1808 til death in 1835).

Pet(s): he should like to have a beagle, or grey hound, but, none presently.

Benjamin’s Wikipedia.

Benjamin’s memoir.

In canon: TURN.

Culper ring.

[brassandblue]

MAJOR BENJAMIN TALLMADGE // INTEREST TRACKER

MUSE STATUS: SECONDARY

(By liking this post, you are indicating interest in plotting with this character, and are OK with me sending memes/prompts to your inbox!)

NAME: Benjamin Tallmadge

ALT NAMES: Major (Benjamin) Tallmadge, Major, Tallboy, Bennyboy, John Bolton

SEX/GENDER/PRONOUNS: Male, he/him

SEXUALITY: Bisexual

FACECLAIM: Seth Numrich

AGE: Late 20′s

NATIONALITY/ETHNICITY: American / caucasian, white

HEIGHT: 6′0″

BUILD/BODY TYPE: He’s a fit, fuzzy twink with a cavalryman booty.

HAIR: Dark honey blonde

EYES: Blue

PINTEREST BOARD

ALL ABOUT BEN:

Per the Turn Wiki here,

Major Benjamin Tallmadge (born February 25, 1754) is an officer for the Continental Army and the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons that went on to become a spy for them during the American Revolutionary War. Joining together with childhood friends Caleb Brewster and Abraham Woodhull, the three formed what would later become the Culper Ring.

The organization received the aid and assistance of various others, including Abe's former lover, Anna Strong. The organization would report to Commander-in-Chief, George Washington. Tallmadge was a Captain until the official founding of the Culper Ring in 1777 and was promoted to Major soon after.

It's clear through his actions that Benjamin Tallmadge is a strong, loyal soldier and a leader with honorable intentions... most of the time. He isn't afraid to bend rules when absolutely necessary, but can sometimes be led too far by his emotions and his own personal sense of justice. Duty and honor are extremely important to him, as are loyalty and trust and the value of his friends; those things he places above all else. He takes his duties very seriously, and there are times he might come off as just an innocent preacher’s son from a backwater fishing village... but he is so much more.

Underneath the pomp and attempts at restraint is a young man who can be hot-headed and stubborn, mischievous, even playful. There are a lot of emotions pent up behind his officer's restraint--a boy trying to become a man, to live up to the image of a gentleman and an officer who carries the burden of command and of the guilt of fallen friends, comrades, and family. All of those ideals and baggage and the burden of caring about so many things and so many people can really weigh on him, can cause him to be short-sighted, restless, irrational. He’s trying--he’s trying to keep himself together, trying to keep the Culper Ring together, trying to run a spy network, trying not to get his friends killed, his dragoons killed, himself killed. As he goes through the war, he grows and becomes disillusioned in some things--namely, Washington himself--but despite everything, he continues to push ever onward for the cause and most importantly, for his loved ones.

WARNINGS: RPing with this character will involve sensitive topics such as mental illness/depression/PTSD, violence/gore/injuries, crude/early surgical and medical topics, amputation, racism/colonialism/imperialism/nationalism, slavery, socio-economic issues past & present, homophobia past & present, possible discussions of cannibalism & definite discussions of war & murder.

By liking this post and indicating your interest to engage in RP with this character, you are accepting the above warnings and have read the rules posted here on this blog.

[battlefield-melodies]

✧˖°.　𝑴𝑼𝑺𝑬 𝑰𝑵𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑫𝑼𝑪𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵 .°˖✧

───────────────────────────────

✧˖°. Muse Status: Open for interaction

✧˖°. Historical setting: 18th Century

✧˖°. Faceclaim: (in process)

✧˖°. AUs: (in process)

───────────────────────────────

𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒕𝒂

✧˖°. Name: William Dalton

✧˖°. Nicknames: Will, Dalton, Bill,

✧˖°. Birth: July 13th 1758

✧˖°. Gender: Male

✧˖°. Pronouns: he/him (usually)

✧˖°. Sexuality: Bisexual

✧˖°. Nationality: Irish-American

✧˖°. Mother Tongue: English & Irish

───────────────────────────────

𝑷𝒉𝒚𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

✧˖°. Height: 5'11

✧˖°. Eye colour: Greyish blue

✧˖°. Hair: Curly Blonde

✧˖°. Ethnicity(?: Caucassian

✧˖°. Body type: Slim, slightly muscled.

───────────────────────────────

𝑨𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑰𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

- Family:

Parents:

Ryan Dalton (Father; 1730) & Adara Hayes (Mother; 1736)

Siblings:

Caroline Dalton (Sister; 1762 - 1768 in most AUs)

Extended Family

Cillian (Dalton) Smith (Cousin; 1752 - ?)

Cora Smith (Aunt; 1732 - 1758)

-Occupation/Studies:

AmRev Verse

Lieutenant in the Continental 2nd Light Dragoons Regiment (1778-1781)

Graduated in Law from King's College

-About his life:

(To be edited)

───────────────────────────────

[honorhearted]

“Use you? You’re not a pawn, sir. You’re a partner.”

"A partner," Benjamin echoed, a hint of skepticism needling into his expression. "Forgive me, I just...I can't say I'm used to that level of discretion."

Undeterred, Phoebe promised, “And you’ll function just as you do with your spy ring, except you’ll have mine at your disposal, whether you need intel from here in New York or anywhere else the British Royal Army has commandeered.” 

"And just who is in your group?" he pressed. "If you don't mind, I would like written reports on each member. The more well-versed we are with one another, the more likely we are to succeed...so naturally, I'll offer my own information, should it be requested. I'm from Setauket, Long Island; a Yale graduate of 1773; and a major in the 2nd Light Continental Dragoons. If more is needed...well..." Here, he offered a feeble smile. "I suppose I'd be willing to talk about myself, if only for the Cause. Though you might rue such a venture. I'm not terribly interesting."

A sternness overcame Phoebe's eyes, and then she passed him an ale, which Benjamin grudgingly sat up to nurse. Every motion he took made his limbs feel as if they were on fire, and after swallowing a few mouthfuls, he set the glass down with a fumbling clunk.

Unceremonious, Phoebe was quick to drop a stack of papers into his lap. “You’ve been smart to keep your group cautiously small, however, mine operates a little more vastly. These are extensive files on my agents, which you can browse more thoroughly in the morning, but they consist of what society would consider to be the less reputable sort. Harlots, homeless, servants, and slaves –those who empathize with the fight against subjugation. They’re the eyes and ears of every city and could tell you much in great detail."

Stunned, Benjamin lifted his eyes to her in amazement. "I stand corrected," he said. "It seems you don't need to gather any reports for me at all...you've done good work here, madam." Lifting the first page, he huffed and allowed an incredulous smile to fill his face. "Arguably, you've done a far better job than any of my field agents. If you're expecting something quite this extensive on my own team, I'm afraid you won't find anything beyond code names and letters. We're...understandably concerned about association."

Phoebe went on to explain, "While they understand that their safety cannot be guaranteed in this line of work, I’ve ensured the protection of their anonymity post-war, should they survive. They will go anywhere they're assigned and their traveling expenses are covered by me."

"And you can ensure their loyalty?" Benjamin asked, looking to her with a frown. "It sounds to me like these men and women might be willing to be sold to the highest bidder. The reason I chose friends -- childhood friends -- is because I know our love will keep us from betraying one another. Loyalty can never be bought...what makes you so certain your price will sustain them?"

"How do you mean to use me? For your plans?"

“Use you? You’re not a pawn, sir. You’re a partner,” she insisted, “And you’ll function just as you do with your spy ring, except you’ll have mine at your disposal, whether you need intel from here in New York or anywhere else the British Royal Army has commandeered.” 

Wanting to ensure he at least drank something, she poured him a glass of ale and glanced at him expectantly, unwilling to take no for an answer. Then she reached for the nightstand, gathering a sizeable stack of papers and plopping them into Benjamin's lap.

“You’ve been smart to keep your group cautiously small, however, mine operates a little more vastly. These are extensive files on my agents, which you can browse more thoroughly in the morning, but they consist of what society would consider to be the less reputable sort. Harlots, homeless, servants, and slaves –those who empathize with the fight against subjugation. They’re the eyes and ears of every city and could tell you much in great detail."

Phoebe paused a moment, letting him sift through the paperwork.

"While my agents are under contract and steadily financially compensated for their contributions. While they understand that their safety cannot be guaranteed in this line of work, I’ve ensured the protection of their anonymity post-war, should they survive. They will go anywhere they're assigned and their traveling expenses are covered by me."

[tallmadgeandtea]

Turn Week 2023:

History Nerdery!

Hello, and Happy Fourth of July! For today's Turn Week, I wanted to talk about Benjamin's regiment in the Continental Army. We all know he's a Connecticut Dragoon, but what does that mean and what did they do, exactly? I'm going to let you know! The Continental Cavalry is my favorite unit in the army, and I actually did an Honors Research Project on them last year for my college. WARNING: this is going to be LONG. I'm sorry. Kind of.

What is the Continental Cavalry?

The cavalry is the mounted troops in a military force, meaning they fight on horseback. At the time of the Revolution, the cavalry was considered an elite and necessary force for a proper military. Combat on horseback was dangerous- you not only had to avoid cannon and gunfire, but you had to attack other mounted troops with lances and sabers of their own.

There are two types of cavalry: light cavalry and heavy cavalry. The light cavalry had three primary duties. Scouting, which was to patrol enemy forces, movements, and the terrain surrounding camps and battlefields, which also played into reconnaissance. They also served as messengers to officers on and off the battlefield. On the other hand, heavy cavalry was troops used in action. Their objective was to lead charges and weaken the enemy’s unmounted troops, like going after their flanks. They also performed raids/ambushes or small skirmishes against the enemy. Their combat was on and off the battlefield.

Due to the near constant lack of funds for the Continentals, their Dragoons performed both light and heavy cavalry roles. A dragoon/trooper is a soldier who fights either on horseback or on foot, depending on the amount of horse available. They used weapons such as: a cavalry saber, a shortgun, and a musket.

Unlike the British army, which brought over cavalry forces, at the beginning of the war, there was not an official cavalry for the Continentals. Some state and organized militias had mounted troops- such as the Philadelphia Light Horse- but professional, commissioned troops had not seen action.

After seeing the performance of the British cavalry during the New York Campaign, General George Washington realized his army needed horses of their own. Writing to Congress in late 1776, “From the Experience I have had in this Campaign… I am Convinced there is no carrying on the War without them.”

What made up the Continental Cavalry?

In 1777, the cavalry's first year in action, there were four regiments of Light Dragoons.

The 1st Regiment of Dragoons- from Virginia, also known as Bland's Light Horse. Their uniforms were originally the "classic" Continental coat: blue with red facings, but they then changed the standard to brown with green facings.

The 2nd Regiment, also known as the Connecticut Light Dragoons, Colonel Elisha Sheldon and Benjamin Tallmadge's force, mustered from Connecticut, hence the name. Their uniform was blue with buff facings.

The 3rd Regiment, aka Colonel Baylor's or Lady Washington's Light Horse, in honor of Martha Washington. Their uniform was white with blue facings (one of my favorite uniforms in the army.)

And the 4th Regiment, led by Colonel Stephen Moylan. His troops originally wore red! coats, and this lead to some incidents of friendly fire. At Washington's order, the regiment changed to green with red facings.

How does this relate to Turn: Benjamin Tallmadge and His Dragoons.

Although the show does not get into heavy detail about Benjamin Tallmadge's battle experience, we know what battles he was present at with his regiment.

1777 the cavalry's first years as professional troops in battle. Both had very... different outcomes, let's say. Both were also mentioned or briefly shown in season 2 of Turn, and my research focused on this.

During the Campaigns, a set of troops from each regiment of Dragoons was stationed with General Washington in Pennsylvania, led by Bland, Moylan, Baylor, Sheldon, and Tallmadge.

Benjamin Tallmadge and his soldiers were present at both the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown.

At Brandywine, Washington first used the dragoons for only scouting, not combat. But as the British went after his insecure right flank, he frantically sent units of soldiers and cavalry to prevent the British from getting to the road along and to Brandywine Creek. The cavalry also acted as messengers to officers during this battle, but insufficient preparation and speed led to delayed reports. The cavalry did lead a charge that allowed Washington to retreat, but the day was lost. Afterwards, the British marched into the Continental capital of Philadelphia.

After Brandywine, Washington needed another battle to try and take back Philadelphia. With a night march, he decided to attack the British near their camp in Germantown, Pennsylvania, a small village outside the city.

Washington had four columns, 2 made up of Continental forces and two of state militias. Just as at Brandywine, his right wing was commanded by Sullivan, and his left by Greene. The Dragoons were now under their newly commissioned commander, General Pulaski. Tallmadge stated in his memoirs that, “if every division of the army had performed its allotted part, it seems as if we must have succeeded.”

Unfortunately, this would not be the outcome at Germantown. At the beginning of the battle, the Continentals were winning. Part of the camp was captured. A heavy fog and rain set over the battlefield, and the British used this fog to their advantage. They retreated into a local country house and created a stalemate.

Benjamin Tallmadge and his dragoons were first stationed with Sullivan’s division, close upon “the scene of the action.” As the battle turned against the Continental forces and the troops became victim to enemy and friendly fire, Washington ordered him to use his 2nd Dragoons to block any further retreat, to no avail. Germantown was lost.

Germantown was the last official engagement of the Philadelphia campaign. But on June 28, 1778, the Continental Army and the Cavalry engaged the forces at the Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey. Due to proper military training thanks to the Inspector General Baron von Steuben and six months of waiting at Valley Forge, the army emerged as a proper fighting force and prevailed against the British. The victory allowed the Continentals to take back their capital and keep Washington in as Commander in Chief.

Monmouth is the shown in the finale of season 2- Gunpowder, Treason, and Plot- with Benjamin leading his dragoons into the battle.

After the 1777 campaigns, Tallmadge and his dragoons would stay up north, particularly New York, to patrol and engage the enemy in raids. They also participated in the Battles of Stony Point and Fort St. George, which were shown in seasons 3 and 4 of Turn.

Sources (and further reading):

Memoir of Col. Benjamin Tallmadge : Tallmadge, Benjamin, 1754-1835 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Brandywine: A Military History of the Battle that Lost Philadelphia but Saved America, September 11, 1777 by Michael C. Harris, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Germantown: A Military History of the Battle for Philadelphia, October 4, 1777 by Michael C. Harris, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Cavalry of the American Revolution - Jim Piecuch - Westholme Publishing

[ladywashingtonslightdragoons]

Benjamin Tallmadge walked so I could RUN

[cabbxges-and-kings]

The Abe sassy hand on hip stanceTM

[honorhearted]

18 January 1779

My Dearest Gen,

I apologize for taking so much longer than my usual fare. Nearly an entire month has passed, and although I wish I could blame it on the defeat at Saratoga, my mind has been preoccupied with your letter...your words both astonished and upended me in ways I cannot express. For the sake of not completely glossing over your words, I will still at the very least try and answer your questions.

I did remain in camp, yes. Despite not getting to write home, I sent Father a letter and a book of poetry. Books, no matter how rare, are quite the commodity in this camp. Despite the high illiteracy rate, the men here often like to listen to stories, and thus, I've spent my holiday reading books to those who wish it. Liberty, too, has joined us for these little read-throughs. We just finished Robinson Crusoe last week, which was one of my favorites as a boy.

I come before you humbled and afraid, because I've reached the part of your letter that's left me dumbfounded. As you're well aware, I've never felt safe enough to tell you my true surname -- not because I don't trust you, but because I fear for you and your safety. But Gen, I must relay that there is no Taylor nor Taggart in my close circle -- only a Tallmadge. And that man is myself. I am Major Benjamin Tallmadge of Connecticut, formerly Long Island, and I oversee the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons. So as you can imagine, I've wrestled with myself over just how I should proceed... Should I confess that I am likely the man you met beneath the mistletoe that night, and thus potentially sever the fondness and friendship we've spent all these weeks cultivating, or should I pretend I've never once felt a stirring for you and leave this as my greatest kept secret?

Clearly, I opted for the former. My heart races just from putting such words from quill to paper, but I don't believe in lies -- not when it comes to you. I've spent my entire stint in this army lying for the sake of the greater good, but nothing, nothing good could come from deceiving you. I am terrified and ensnared all at once. Could it truly be you? Was it your lips that haunted me all those hours, days and weeks? Was it you I've been longing for, dreaming of, with every waking and slumbering moment of my life?

If it wasn't your hand on mine, nor your shy flirtations that bewitched me, then please forgive my misstep and pretend I've never breathed life into such assumptions. All I want is you -- your friendship, your affection -- and I won't allow any potential mistake to drive you away.

Devotedly Yours,

Ben

P.S. I've been far too unnerved to ask about the registry. Perhaps in my own wrong, misguided way, I'm hoping she is you, after all...

5 January 1779

Dearest Benjamin,

While resources are scarce during these hard times, if you have honey, licorice root, ginger, and/or thyme, throwing these things into a makeshift liberty tea would do wonders for those with that terrible cough. Christmas was lovely, per the norm, but I have my own tradition of reading about the birth of our Savior before bed. As many times as I read it, there is always a renewed joy to be found in those few pages.

You say you spent your holiday in camp? Did you and your men partake in any games? What about Liberty? This is her first Christmas spent in camp, so I hope it was a lively one!

I assure you, if I consider running, I will let you know far ahead of time. I highly doubt I would do so prior to the end of this war. You have enough to worry about without me adding to your full plate.

What an incredible coincidence! Stunningly so in fact, as I was also at Mr. Finnegan's party! He was once an associate of Mr. Lantsov's until they learned he was a Patriot supporter. This, however, is exactly why I chose to attend, so that I could experience the comradery of like-minded individuals. There were several women there, both wives and those looking to nab the single soldiers, but I wonder if I ever spoke to your sweetheart that night? Though I don't recall a woman with the sort of auburn hair you described.

It certainly sounds like that mistletoe was put to good use that night! "All the world"? My dearest Benjamin, that couldn't possibly be true now that you've met the woman who made off with your heart! He was an officer, yes, but worry not, seeing as my current circumstances are far too complicated to thrust upon a poor unsuspecting man, I've no intention of looking for him. He deserves better than to find himself entangled in my mess. I can only pray my soldier finds true happiness, whoever he is...Taggart...Taylor...Tallmadge?

The shawl is absolutely lovely! From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much! I adore it and will wear it every morning when I'm out doing chores on the property. With you in my life, Benjamin, how could this new year not be a delightful one? I pray that you'll manage to find your mystery girl, and with her unlimited happiness.

I encourage you to look at the registry. There's no reason for you to allow a chance at love slip through your fingers!

Yours in friendship,

Genya S.

[ladytp-annex]

LOL - this was inspired by @flowerrights‘s great photomanip of Caleb in a blue uniform! So here’s Captain Caleb Brewster from the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons - all official and splendid in blue and gold (and yet retaining a touch of ‘Calebness’...) 😁

[majorxbennyxboy]

SamDown got his own post so now it’s time for some deets about Washington’s favorite drummer boy, Alexander Milliner!

He never knew his father; Milliner Sr. was an English goldsmith who came to Quebec as an artificer with James Wolfe’s army. He was assigned to special detail and, in September of 1759, he died of possible heatstroke after The Battle of the Plains of Abraham.

Almost six months to the day after Milliner Sr.’s death, in March of 1760, Alexander was born in Quebec. While he was a small child, his mother moved with him to New York. There, she met and married one Mr. Maloney, a wealthy mason.

Around 1776, Alexander was enlisted by his step-father. He was considered too young to serve in the ranks, and so was recruited as a drummer instead. He served in that capacity for four years in Washington’s Life Guard.

He became a favorite of Washington’s - according to Milliner, Washington would frequently come to him 'after the beating of reveille’ and ‘pat him on the head, and call him his boy’. He also states that on one cold day, he was personally offered a drink from Washington’s own flask. If Washington was fond of Alexander, Alexander certainly reciprocated in his recollections, describing Washington as, “ a good man, a beautiful man. He was always pleasant; never changed countenance, but wore the same in defeat and retreat as in victory.”

These sentiments extended to Mrs. Washington as well, calling her kind-hearted and motherly. Milliner had the following to say of Martha and George,

“ One day the General had been out some time. When he came in, his wife asked him where he had been. He answered, laughing, 'To look at my boys.' 'Well,' said she, 'I will go and see my children.' When she returned, the General inquired, 'What do you think of them?' 'I think,' answered she, 'that there are a good many.'  “

He also tells a story of being summoned by Washington and, after a parade and roll-call of the Life Guard, being instructed to play a tune on the drum, for which Washington paid him three dollars. Others paid him as well, and he ended up with fifteen dollars in total.

He used at least some of the money to obtain tea for his mother, who followed the army as a washerwoman in order to be near her son.

Speaking of Mrs. Milliner, Alexander described her as “English, high-learnt, understood  every language, having been a teacher”

In yet another George Washington anecdote, Milliner says,

"We were going. along one day, slow march, and came to where the boys were jerking stones. 'Halt' came the command. 'Now, boys,' said the General, 'I will show you how to jerk a stone.' He beat 'em all. He smiled, but didn't laugh out."

Alexander Milliner was present for the battles of White Plains, Brandywine, Saratoga, Monmouth, Yorktown, and others. During The Battle of Monmouth, he was shot in the thigh and nearly died of blood loss. By his description of the incident, he didn’t realize what had happened until an Officer called his attention to the wound.

He served the American Revolution for six years all in all, and then five or six and a half  years in the navy during The War of 1812, three of them aboard The Constitution. At one point, he was severely wounded and captured by the French, after being held prisoner in Guadalupe, where he was reportedly harshly treated.

Milliner was eventually married and remained so for 62 years, having nine children. Once retired from military life, he became a farmer. By 104 years old, he could still play his drum, and was described as being a master of the instrument. He could also sing quite well.

Other bits:

He was described as ‘quite small, more-so than his picture would indicate’

At one point a bullet passed through the head of his drum, a close call.

He said that Charles Lee had an enormous nose and even told a story, “One day a man met him and turned his nose away. Lee exclaimed, “What do you do that for, you damned rascal?” the man, who also had a large nose, replied, “I was afraid our noses would meet.” Lee laughed and gave him a dollar.”

[majorxmaggiexboy]

i have so many headcanons about Ben’s dragoon troop that i keep catching myself forgetting they aren’t actually canon and the amount of Feelings i have about them is completely unreasonable.

[im-an-elf99]

"Not all men!" You shout.

You're right. Major Benjamin Tallmadge of the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons, would never.

[brassandblue]

♔ major benjamin tallmadge, 2nd continental light dragoons ♔

♔ based off his portrayal in AMC’s turn: washington’s spies & on the historical figure of spymaster & statesman Col. Tallmadge ♔

♔ multimuse, historical & modern ♔

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