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Revolutionary War Veteran: John Hopkins
Introduction
Revolutionary war veterans played a critical role in enabling the country attain liberty and freedom from the colonialists. This was considered fundamental for a country to be able to run its operations independently and make vital social, economic and political decisions without external influence.
Historical studies acknowledge the contributions of numerous soldiers to this important course, the sacrifices they made were very vital and can thus not be overlooked. It is against this background that this paper provides an explicit review of the life and experiences of one of the revolutionary war veteran, John Hopkins. It outlines the important issues related to the revolutionary war and the veteran that would require a more comprehensive evaluation in future.
The insight of the paper is based on the analysis of John Hopkins life, his contribution in the revolutionary war and the overall service he did to the country. This evaluation acknowledges the fact that a veteran’s contribution can not be outlined without the mention of his collaboration with other soldiers in war.
The revolutionary war veteran John Hopkins was born in March 1759 and died in May 1845 at eighty six years of age[1]. His place of birth was Eastham, Barnstable County in Massachusetts. He married Priscilla and they had a daughter named Rebecca. At the time of his death, his wife was sixty eight years old and the daughter forty three. During his stay at this place, it is posited that the veteran was enlisted and he was engaged in service for a period of two months as a private in Higgins Company that was run by Captain Solomon, Colonel Gary, Massachusetts regiment.
In 1776, historical evidence ascertains that he was among those who went on board a marine vessel christened ‘Independence’ which was then under the command of Captain Sampson[2]. However, after a period of six months, there occurred a severe engagement, which led to his being, held in captivity. As such, he was carried to Halifax and held therein for a period of fourteen months. He was later placed on a New York bound British vessel alongside other prisoners of war. In his historical analysis, Karsten speculates that they were three hundred in number[3]. However, the prisoners later captured the material vessel together with its officers and crew. According to Elting, it was directed to Marblehead Port and Hopkins and other prisoners were later discharged[4].
From the preceding narration, it is clear that the contribution of John Hopkins to the revolutionary war can not be underestimated. He was among the three hundred soldiers who demonstrated their power and skills in overcoming the colonial power. This indicates that he was loyal to his country and diligently worked under the guidance of his leaders. Indeed, this is a clear demonstration of vital ideals of a true American veteran soldier.
There were various other issues related to the revolutionary war that would need further analysis in a more comprehensive manner. This is because in essence, they outline the role of John Hopkins in the direct execution of his duties in the war and the life after. These include mobilization, battles, camp experiences, spies and post war experiences. Mobilization was fundamental as it enabled the veterans to pool together their resources and manpower and direct the same in fighting and defense. Effective mobilization was largely defined by the kind of leadership that the soldiers had. Notably, the revolutionary war was comprised of various battles that were fought with the colonialist powers. These were aimed at achieving different goals, occurred and different times and involved various soldiers. Its analysis would underscore successive events that constituted the success of the revolutionary war.
Also, it is worth acknowledging that camp conditions were different from the home environment and affected the soldiers in various ways. In particular, it is indicated that the extreme weather and relative diseases compromised the capability of the soldiers a great deal and culminated in their down fall.
In general, analysis of this would be instrumental in underscoring the various issues that undermined the effectiveness of the soldiers in fighting. Additionally, Geir and Reeves note that spies during the war were important in providing vital intelligence information to the soldiers and their evaluation would enable the reader to understand their contribution to the success of the soldiers[5].
It would be imperative to review various social, physical, emotional, psychological and economic implications of the revolutionary war to John Hopkins as individual, other soldiers and to the society at large. These have had far reaching effects on the veteran soldiers as well as their families. This is particularly so because of the fact that most of them were bread winners and therefore were responsible for providing for the numerous needs of their families.
The revolutionary war exposed the soldiers to different social, physical and emotional experiences. These had far reaching implications on not only their personal wellbeing but also on the lives of their families and friends. Historical evidence shows that the families of most veterans were forced to live separately from their members who participated in the revolution. Indeed, this had massive emotional and psychological effects on respective families, especially considering the fact that the veterans were exposed to life threatening experiences. Different regions had varied specifications for enlistments and these were influenced by different social and economic factors.
Furthermore, the period of service in the military differed considerably amongst different individuals and was also influenced by different factors. John Hopkins biography evaluates particular aspects pertaining to his county of enlistment, the characteristics of the individuals from this region that were enlisted in the war, various factors that contributed to his enlistment as well as the length of time that he provided this invaluable service to the nation.
In their consultative study, Clarence and Reeves indicate that John Hopkins lived in Barnstable County in Massachusetts and therefore offered his services around this region[6]. Barnstable is found in the United States and specifically in the state of Massachusetts. It is comprised of various islands, amongst them being Cape Cod and its area is 3382 square kilometers. The county was created in 1685 and was initially a section of Plymouth colony. It has a total of fifteen coastal towns that are found on Cape Cod. Further, Cape Cod Bay borders it to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Nantucket to the south. Patricia notes that despite its boundaries having been drawn in 1707, they have not been changed to date[7].
Since there was no official military in the United States on the onset of the revolutionary war, most soldiers were enlisted in their local militias. John was no exception and his first enlistment was with the Higgins Company that was headed by Captain Solomon. Normally, the captains carried out recruitments and the number of the enlisted individuals did not matter, only that it needed to be reasonable and manageable. One of the vital conditions of enlistment during this period was related to the fact that one had to enlist in the region that he was born. This was instrumental because the same understood the conditions in the same and his roots could be easily traced in case of an emergency. In addition this was in a bit to ensure that the persons being recruited were actually citizens of the United States. Most importantly, this was considered sustainable as the captains did not have to travel to far places to carry out recruitments.
Generally, Peter indicates that Hopkins together with other the soldiers usually had limited skills in soldiering and only attained more competence with their experience in the same[8]. However, their leaders were skilled and experienced in fighting and therefore provided vita guidance to the same. In addition, John cites that they employed crude weapons as they had limited sophisticated weapons[9]. This was further compounded by their lack of know how in the utilization of the same. Various factors were considered during the enlistment of individual in Barnstable.
Despite the fact that the conditions required numerous soldiers, the age factor played a critical role in determining the persons that joined the militias in Barnstable. Essentially, the minimum age of enlistment was sixteen years. However, it is indicated that this in some instances changed and individuals of as young as fifteen and fourteen years were enlisted. Basically, this was influenced by the urgency of workforce as well as the competence and willingness soft the individuals in joining the militia.
Notably, people enlisted in this region were sourced from a diverse socio economic background. In his review, studies show that the rich, middle class and the poor were all included in the service. In this regard, it is indicated that some of the persons enlisted were beggars and some belonged to the low class. During the enlistment, willingness, competence and health rather that social class provided a benchmark for the process. However, statistical evidence indicates that most of the persons that were recruited came from the low social class segment of the society, as in John Hopkins.
In addition, these individuals were drawn from various types of occupations. These included carpenters, farmer and herders amongst others. The period of service in the militia was influenced by various factors. In some cases, individuals died prematurely while some were injured, disabled and left the service because of the inability to render services. In other instances, Patricia ascertains that some became chronically ill and were released when they did not respond positively to medication[10]. Nevertheless, some were healthy and strong and stayed in the service for a considerable period of time. Notably, John Hopkins rendered this service for a period of fourteen months.
Numerous authors of whom Clarence and Reeves are represented argue that various factors made the soldiers to be recruited[11]. These ranged from a feeling of patriotism and duty to protect the country to peer pressure. However, it is uncertain that material and financial gain influenced this because at the time of recruitment the soldiers were unaware that their services could be rewarded. In this respect, Clarence and Reeves posit that John Hopkins joined the service because of the calls from the local leaders that asked the young men to join the same[12]. Finally, it is indicated that John enlisted in the militia army rather than the continental because he had limited skills in soldiering and was not willing to engage in military operations that were far from his home.
Post war experiences involve claims of pension by war veterans. The general Washington was notably active in lobbying for pensions of veterans after the end of the war. When the Congress admitted that it could not be able to pay pension benefits, he brokered a deal where veterans such as Hopkins received their full pay for five years. This pay was in form of commutation bond which many officers sold. Legislation was later passed in 1818 for indigent veterans and later in 1832, for all veterans.
In pursuant of this act that sought to grant pension to all persons in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war, the pension program was initially paid for and administered by the states. However, in 1789, this took a shift after the creation of a new central government who took the new responsibility. All pension matters were handled by the department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions located in Washington D.C12. It is indicated that John Hopkins as expected by law had sworn a declaration in the Massachusetts District Court which wished to affirm that he together with other soldiers had served in the revolutionary war against the common enemy. John Hopkins was allowed pension on his application executed in June, 1818 while still a resident of Massachusetts. A point to note is that John Hopkins applied for his pension at the age of sixty one years, a clear indication that his service to the American service as invaluable and as an act of nationalism and dedication to the urge for independence for his country. In 1927, he referred to his wife Priscilla aged sixty eight years and his daughter Rebecca aged forty three at the time.
John Hopkins was discharged from service in honorable conditions, a requirement that is vital for any veteran to be termed as eligible for pension. Another rule that has no exceptions that portrays Hopkins as dedicated to the service of the country is that a veteran has to have served in the war for a period more than ninety days. At this point, it is important to acknowledge the gratefulness of the American government who embraced the responsibility paying all revolutionary war veterans by 1832. Further, disabled veterans and families of soldiers slain in the 1812 war were awarded military pensions.
Conclusion
The contribution of John Hopkins to the revolutionary war can not be underestimated. He was among the three hundred soldiers who demonstrated their power and skills in overcoming the colonial power. This indicates that he was loyal to his country and diligently worked under the guidance of his leaders. Indeed, this is a clear demonstration of vital ideals of a true American veteran soldier.
John Hopkins lived in Barnstable County in Massachusetts and therefore offered his services around this region. Barnstable is found in the United States and specifically in the state of Massachusetts Since there was no official military in the United States on the onset of the revolutionary war, most soldiers were enlisted in their local militias. John was no exception and his first enlistment was with the Higgins Company that was headed by Captain Solomon.
Various factors surrounded the enlistment and service of the soldiers in the revolutionary war. Notably, age was considered during the recruitment and persons under sixteen years were denied a chance to offer the service. Also, the occupational background and social status did not determine whether a person could be enlisted or not. The length of service in the militia was influenced by various factors such as the diseases and physical injuries. Finally, the decisions of the soldiers to offer the services were influenced by both internal and external factors.
The revolutionary war had vast implications on the holistic wellbeing of the veterans. The soldiers engaged in various battles that were geared towards attaining independence and liberty. These often culminated in bloody experiences that led to the death of various personalities. Notably, John Hopkins’ experience in the revolutionary war was short-lived. However, his contribution to the same was significant and can be considered to have contributed significantly to the America’s success. More over, it is also clear that most of the battles were fought in water.
A notable indication from this study is that the war was characterized by various factors whose interplay influenced the experience of the war soldiers in various ways. For instance, the harsh physical environment greatly undermined the survival of the soldiers.
This study also indicates that the American government played its rightful role in honoring these veterans of the 1812 revolutionary war by the paying and administration of pension benefits and even military benefits for disabled veterans and slain soldiers’ families. This is especially true gratitude for American citizens who sought to fight for their independence out of a feeling of patriotism and duty to protect the country. In view of seeking proof and clarification on whether material and financial gain influenced the enlistment of John Hopkins and other veterans, one is met by a fact that states that soldiers, at the time of enlistment and recruitment were unaware of any rewards for their service. In fact, not all veterans who qualified for their pensions applied for the same.
Bibliography
Cimbala, Paul, A. Understanding the Revolutionary War. USA: Greenwood, 2008.
Collmeyer, Partricia. Review of Attitudes of American Revolutionary Soldiers. Cumberland County History, 2 (1990): 67-80.
Elting, John. Life of American Armies. USA: Scribner’s, 1982.
Geir, Clarence and Reeves, Mathews. The Archeology of the Revolutionary War. USA: Gainesville, 2006.
Karsten, Peter. Impacts of the Revolutionary on Soldiers. USA: Greenwood, 1978.
[1] Paul Cimbala. Understanding the Revolutionary War (USA: Greenwood, 2008) p. 76
[2] Paul Cimbala. Understanding the Revolutionary War, p. 79
[3] Peter, Karsten. Impacts of the Revolutionary on Soldiers (USA: Greenwood, 1978), p. 59
[4] John Elting. Life of American Armies (USA: Scribner’s, 1982) pp.33-38
[5] Clarence Geir and Mathews Reeves. The Archeology of the Revolutionary War (USA: Gainesville, 2006), pp. 127-34
[6]Geir, Clarence and Reeves, Mathews. The Archeology of the Revolutionary War (USA: Gainesville, 2006), p. 53
[7]Collmeyer, Partricia. Review of Attitudes of American Revolutionary Soldiers. (Cumberland County History, 1990), 2: 67-80.
[8]Karsten, Peter. Impacts of the Revolutionary on Soldiers. USA: Greenwood, 1978
[9]Elting, John. Life of American Armies. USA: Scribner’s, 1982.
[10]Collmeyer, Partricia. Review of Attitudes of American Revolutionary Soldiers, p. 72
[11]Geir, Clarence and Reeves, Mathews. The Archeology of the Revolutionary War, p. 58
[12] Ibid, p. 61
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