On Friday 13 April, I received the opportunity to speak
before the Caswell-Nash chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
(DAR) in Raleigh at the chapter’s monthly luncheon. My topic was how so-called
"non-traditional" women of the eighteenth century and Revolutionary
War weren’t so uncommon after all. As a whole, Georgian-era women weren’t
confined to domesticity like their Victorian sisters but mastered many professions
and trades such as astronomy, blacksmithing, brewing, coach making,
gunsmithing, lighthouse management, mathematics, printing, scouting,
shoemaking, tanning, and upholstery. There’s sagacity behind that bumper
sticker that reads, "Well-behaved women seldom make history," so I
postulated that most members of the Caswell-Nash chapter had
not-so-traditional, not-so-well-behaved female ancestors. Otherwise they
wouldn’t be members of the DAR today. Many thanks to the chapter for its
elegant hospitality. I enjoyed the intelligent questions and audience
discussion. Ladies, are you absolutely certain you don’t want me to bring my
redcoat with his musket and bayonet next time?

Ninety Six, SC figured in altercations between settlers and
Cherokee Indians in the 1750s. During the Revolutionary War, two battles were
fought there. The second battle, in June 1781, unfolded when the forces of
Loyalist commander Lt. Colonel John Harris Cruger were besieged by the forces
of Continental General Nathanael Greene at the star-shaped fort and stockade.
While Greene’s engineers attempted to tunnel to the fort, Cruger received
supplies and communications via trenches. The approach of Lord Francis Rawdon’s
reinforcements sent Greene into retreat. Battling beneath a Carolina summer sun
was no one’s idea of fun, and Lord Rawdon had brought British regulars with
him, not just militia.

As usual, Chief Ranger Eric Williams and the rangers at
Ninety Six National Historic Site put on a great show for the annual
Revolutionary War Days living history event the weekend of 14-15 April.
Although no battle reenactment occurs at this event, visitors witness plenty of
weapons and artillery firings from reenactors. Living history-only events tend
to set a less hectic pace for everyone involved, allowing spectators to meander
and learn more and reenactors to relax. So spectators enjoyed an impersonation
of Lt. Colonel Cruger at the Star Fort, learned about the everyday life skills
of early settlers, listened to performers of period music and theatrics, and
watched artisans at work. There were battlefield tours and activities for
children.

I was one of four women authors to give talks and/or
participate in an author forum. Sheila Ingle (Courageous Kate), Leslie
Sackrison (Awesome Women), and Dr. Christine Swager (White Crows and Black
Cockades et al.) also participated. Traditionally, the Revolutionary War has
been chronicled by men. When women talk about this war, however, a different
story emerges. In 2000, only Chris Swager was published. Now there are four of
us, and we’re in the forefront of a huge movement to redefine the roles of
women in history. Very exciting! Thanks to the rangers at Ninety Six for the
opportunity to participate in the event.

Next up: author appearances for National Library Week at the
libraries in Hampstead, NC and Burgaw, NC on 19 April; and a booksigning with
the Carolina Conspiracy at Shakespeare and Company 21 April in Kernersville,
NC.