The "War against Mad King George" was a conflict that began in 1789 and ended in 1793 on March 4. The war sparked because of the large amounts of tyranny put on my king George Washington .
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Start: June 8, 1785
End: (Current)
Faction(s): United States Loyalists vs. United States Colonial Rebels (Rebellion)
Results:
Leader(s):
Loyalist Leaders:
- George Washington
- Benedict Arnold (1785 - )
- Alexander Hamilton (1785 - )
- Thomas Dunkin (1785)
- Benjamin Franklin (1785 - )
- John Adams (1785 - )
- Israel Putnam (1785 - )
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Rebel Leader(s):
- Samuel Adams
- Thomas Dunkin (1785 - )
- Paul Revere (1785 - )
Battle for Fort Compton: (June 8, 1785):[]
On June 8, 1785, in revenge for the "Massacre of Philadelphia", Samuel Adams and 600 other angry Americans had gathered outside of the large fort in New Hampshire. Adams fired the first shots with artillery cannons then proceeded by putting his units forward. He was usually beside them.
The advancing force had been shot at by both musket fire and by cannons, more and more as they progressed forward. By the time they reached the walls of the fort, they had lost 120 men. The units then broke past the fort's main entrance where they almost immediately engaged in hand to hand combat where more rebels died than soldiers. However, eventually, the rebels moved forward, taking the fort. In total, 231 rebels died, and 103 loyalist died as well.
Many believed that had it not been thanks to Paul Revere and his artillery pieces and craftsmanship, there would've been far more casualties. Some even go further to believing that Adam's militiamen wouldn't have won the battle at all.
Battle for Highland, NH: (June 9, 1785):[]
After Samuel Adam's victory, his men were to burn the fort to the ground - which they later did. However, once they were leaving the area, they were ambushed by Washington's units personally sent and accompanied by Washington.
The battle was fought in the highlands - where "bodies littered the ground" Samuel Adams said recollecting the events. Despite the battle being quick and a rebel defeat, Washington's army lost more men, as Adams remained on the defensive. In total, 230 rebels were killed while 342 loyalists were killed. Most of the injured rebels were killed and slaughtered by Washington's soldiers. However, Paul Revere and Samuel Adams survived, retreating from an embarrassing defeat. His militia split up into multiple locations across Massachusetts, where Washington chose not to chase down the remaining units, believing the rebellion to be crushed and done with. However, wanted posters for treason were put out for anyone who knew the whereabouts of Paul Revere and Samuel Adams.
Secretly, however, John Adams knew where Sam was. He was in downtown Boston, spending most of his time underground planning out his next assault with his remaining militia. Paul Revere promised to make arms and munitions for Adams, but wouldn't again serve in the front lines.
Dunkin Resigns: (June 15, 1785):[]
After the battle for highland on the 9th, Dunkin resigned from Washington's cabinet feeling Washington to be "too unjust to lead the nation" leaving only a note to Washington stating: "I'm leaving ..." This greatly angered Washington. However, he "didn't go after him". He simply ignored Dunkin until he met with Samuel Adams and Paul Revere in the outskirts of Boston, ironically, meeting in John Adam's house (although Adams wasn't present - only his other family members).
Dunkin promised to help train and lead an army against Washington. Samuel Adams "splits his army in half" where Dunkin had 300 soldiers and Adams had 300 troops. Paul Revere would supply ammunition and help get supplies for the soldiers.
Battle for Secession: (June 31, 1785):[]
After multiple votes, Massachusetts and 80% of its population wanted secession. However, Washington's soldiers had remained in Boston and several other surrounding cities. The people of Massachusetts looked towards Dunkin, a skilled military leader and tactician to "liberate them". Dunkin didn't support secession, but only agreed to get rid of Washington's forces if the people wouldn't secede. They reluctantly agreed.
By nightfall, Boston was liberated, most of the US loyalist forces were killed, injured or missing. With King Washington furious by the loss, he ordered Benedict Arnold to make an effort to "retake Boston, back into the fold".
Battle for New York City: (September 12, 1785 - September 15, 1785):[]
Dunkin was sent south with his army in an effort to liberate New York City. By now, his men were tired and morale was getting lower. He needed a final victory to change the tide of the conflict. He figured that New York would be an ideal location to start.
In the battle, while Dunkin's men advanced, they became more and more bombarded by loyalist cannon fire. Eventually, however, after three days of constant slow approach, they took the cannons and annihilated Washington's loyalist forces stationed outside of New York City. Washington now sees this rebellion both dangerous to his kingship and administration - along with it having the potential of winning the war. Over 400 of Washington's forces were killed in the battle and over 200 of Dunkin's men died.
Re - enactment of the Battle for New York City
Now, the men's morale was high as more and more join the rebellion.
Battle for the Fold: (September 18, 1785):[]
Samuel Adams is finally encountered by Benedict Arnold inside of Boston. In an effort to retake the city, Arnold outnumbers Adam's men: three to one. However, he calls for the people of Boston to rise up against Arnold. Many do so and now Arnold is outnumbered: two to one.
Adam's men were defeated in the battle although Adams managed to escape the battlefield, one of only 25. Arnold managed to retake Boston only hours later. An easy victory for Washington's side, until the people of Boston, revolt heavily.
Native American Intervention: (October 1, 1785):[]
On October 1st, Washington's forces were told to head west, after the expectation that the rebellion would soon be defeated. Led by Israel Putnam, Washington's forces mercilessly slaughtered Native American tribes. Despite the rebel forces having little issue of this, also believing that native tribes were: "uneducated savages". Connor fled on his own accord to defend his tribe. Thomas Dunkin voluntarily follows quickly to support Connor. As hundreds of his people were dying. Dunkin not only wished to support Connor, but also, as a chance for native intervention into the war, on the rebels side.
Despite Dunkin's dispatched unit of two platoons, they were unable to stop the slaughter, including the death of Connor. However, they managed to kill over 56 of Putnam's soldiers.
Boston Burning: (October 4, 1785):[]
On October 4th, in response, Washington ordered Benedict Arnold to "burn the great city of Boston and turn it into ashes". Arnold abided his orders and burned the city. Washington most likely sent this order in response to the varied uneasy protests/riots.
Over 4000 Bostonians died from the burning along with two-thirds of Boston's infrastructure. The burning occurred at night as thousands of onlookers entered the city during the fires to try to help others.
The burning of Boston as depicted by an artist in 1809.
Samuel Adams was a member who attempted to help others within the city. Stating in his journal: "I couldn't yet again describe the terror and horror that occurred on that night".