The World Turned Upside Down

The World Turned Upside Down: Volume 6

Book Series: Prelude to Glory
Author:         Ron Carter
Publisher:     Bookcraft
Publishing date: 2002
Pages:           514
Number of Chapters: 32

Volume 6 spans three years: May 1778-October 1781

Chapter 1
May 1778

The Dunson family gets a letter from Matthew. The Weems family gets a letter from Billy. Dorothy Weems sends a message to get together the next day and share. Saturday is soap making day to support the Dunson's laundry business. Everyone helps and in the late evening, Dorothy Weems and daughter Trudy (now age eleven) arrive.
Billy's letter has the news that he found Caleb Dunson and Margaret is is shocked since she's received no letters from her son since he ran away to join the army almost one year ago. Dorothy reassures her friend and neighbor that Caleb just needs time. They remember Matthew's lost love, Kathleen, still in England with no word.

Chapter 2
Over in British-occupied Philadelphia, big plans are underway for an extravagant carnival to say farewell to General Howe who is resigning after his and Great Britain's failure to take the Hudson River corridor. The British officer serving under Howe, John André is using his artistic talents to supervise the entire "Meschianza" and the expense is outrageous. Only the wealthiest American sympathizers/Torries are participating. John, and the rest of his committee, stop at the stately mansion of Edward Shippen. John has his eye on the beautiful eighteen year old daughter, Margaret "Peggy" Shippen. (Sorry, no Schuyler sisters in this series)

Chapter 3
Peggy knows who is downstairs talking to her father right at this very minute and she's almost certain it's about the carnival and all the festivities, including a grand ball, and she'll just DIE if Daddy won't let her be a part of it. The visitors leave and she rushes downstairs to talk to her father. Yes, the men bring an invitation to her and her best girlfriends to attend the ball and all the parties including a rather scandalous reenactment of knights jousting for the hands of Turkish Harem girls with Peggy and her friends dressing in costumes to be designed by John André. Daddy has reluctantly given his permission. Peggy squeals and runs right over to her best friend's family mansion to learn her parents have also given their consent. The two girls squeal some more in anticipation.
Four days pass. On the day of the big event, Daddy (with a little prodding from his religious elders) withdraws his permission. His daughter will not be exposed to such bacchanalia. 
Peggy is DEVASTATED.

Chapter 4
Flashbacks to October 1777 to May 1778 and the battle of Saratoga (see Vol 4 The Hand of Providence, chapter 31) when General Benedict Arnold defied his superior officer, General Gates, and raced off to join the battle, lead troops to victory but also get his horse shot out from under him while taking a second shot in the left femur. Arnold's long, hard, excruciatingly painful recovery and convalescence is detailed here. Months in bed. Bitter, frustrated. Arnold is a widower. His three young children visit him and lift his spirits. Washington has also been a visitor to this brave warrior. Washington is sympathetic to his situation and suggests Arnold request a position as military governor over Philadelphia, since the British are following Howe and dispersing to other areas. Arnold accepts. He's also doing some money making investments on the side with the British for personal gain. Washington hopes he's doing it for the right reasons.

Chapter 5
May 1778, London

Still reeling over Burgoyne's numerous defeats along the Hudson River corridor and Saratoga, military and political leaders are desperate to find a new offensive in their war to control America. They decide to focus on the American South where the slave, cotton, sugar and rum trade will help turn the tide in their favor, if they can seize control.

Chapter 6
June 1778

Conditions are much better at Valley Forge with warm weather and better food rations. Billy and Eli are called to General George Washington's headquarters where Alexander Hamilton (average height, slender, boyish in appearance, aide-de-camp to Washington) shows them in and once again mentally ponders the white man dressed like an Indian who never salutes anyone.
Washington needs all the info he can get for the best place to take his army for the summer offensive. He must know where the British are moving and their numbers.
Billy and Eli leave for a daring adventure of espionage. With the help of fellow spy "Isaiah," they sneak into Philly using the code names Washington gave them, "Daniel and Richard" so if anyone is captured or killed nobody gets in trouble. Billy and Eli pose as Torries and help load oats for the British army, thus learning where the army is headed but the British officer they chat with is suspicious and sends men to follow them.
Billy and Eli hide in a tavern but two more Redcoats recognize the fugitives (thanks to an APB!) and give chase to the river where Billy and Eli escape in a rowboat, cross the river and decide to do some damage in a British camp. They knock out the pickets, set off the gunpowder magazine and set the horses loose. They do a quick count while running to the other side of the camp to find more gunpowder and set it off too. They return to where they hid their weapons and take a few British prisoners in order to confiscate their horses and ride back to report to General Washington without a scratch on 'em. Washington (and Colonel Hamilton) is happy to hear that by June 18th the British will be moving North.

Chapter 7
June 1778

Benedict Arnold has arrived in Philadelphia and he's ready to live like a king with only the finest furnishings, food and wine in his grand new mansion recently abandoned by British sympathizers. As his caravan passes the home of Peggy Shippen, she just happens to be standing out on the steps when he sees her and is immediately smitten. He tells his aide to find out everything he can about her.

Chapter 8
July 1778

Another flashback (rewind), see Vol 4, The Hand of Providence, chapter 33 as we re-visit the wedding of Eli and Mary. Standing just off to the side of the happy couple, Billy is thinking about Bridgette (and hopes she's satisfied!). Turlock tells him to send those letters.
Narration jumps to the British ships in New York Harbor, looking for the best way to enter because French ships are patrolling the water in support of America. Neither side is successful in outmaneuvering the other.
Suddenly, we're in White Plains, NY. Washington's winter camp and it's now November, 1778. Billy and Turlock are talking of recent events and speculating where Eli and his new bride are right now. They also speak of Caleb Dunson.

Chapter 9
December 1778

Fifty miles north of NYC in the same winter camp, Caleb Dunson is remembering the past year: joining the army, getting beat up by that Irishman, Murphy, and defeating him in a second fight. Word in camp is Caleb better watch his back because Murphy is out to get him, even kill him. 
One day, it finally happens. Caleb is attacked while on his way to a meeting with his superior officer to make another entry in the regimental orderly book. He's stabbed in the back by a bayonet. He defends himself against the two men, one is Murphy and he's DEAD as is the other. Wow. Caleb doesn't know his own strength.
Another man suddenly jumps out of the bushes to accuse Caleb of attacking Murphy. Murderer! A hearing is convened but the stories don't match. The plea is self defense and Caleb has a wound to prove he was attacked and provoked. In the end, Caleb is found not guilty but rumors are flying all over his camp division. Caleb is being treated by everyone as an outcast, "watch your step or he'll kill you," is the word around camp. This makes Caleb angry. He lashes out at an innocent man, making his own situation worse. Caleb's superior officer is sympathetic to Caleb but there's not much he can do except suggest the best thing might be for Caleb to request a transfer. Caleb decides to go South.

Chapter 10
In Philadelphia, tensions are high between Patriots and Tories. Nobody is certain which side General Benedict Arnold is on (hence the linkage of his name with "traitor"). The latest gossip is that Arnold is engaged to Peggy Shippen. She's only 19, he's 38! He's using his position as military governor to get money to throw lavish parties and banquets and make lots of under-the-table dealings with local city merchants who sell only to the British and give Arnold his share of the profits. He's going to get caught soon and it won't end well.

Chapter 11
December 1778

Brigitte Dunson teaches school now and still lives at home. She has an awful feeling that something's wrong. After dismissing school for the day, she arrives home to find a package waiting for her. (See Volume 1, chapter 27, Our Sacred Honor) Now we get the rest of the story as Brigitte mourns for her lost love with Margaret there providing a Mother's shoulder for her daughter to cry on before tucking her into bed. It is long past midnight.

Chapter 12
June 1779

Peggy Shippen is now married to Benedict Arnold and loves being mistress of such a grand estate but she is troubled to learn of the inquiries being made into her husband's business dealings. Also, he's losing money, bad investments, while a British contact is pressuring him to give up information on Fort West Point on the Hudson River that the British have their eye on. Arnold says unless he's given a huge bribe, he will not cooperate. He'd also like command of that fort and is of a mind to ask General Washington for it. Peggy tells him to go for it.

Chapter 13
October 1779

The army is camped somewhere in Connecticut when Billy gets a letter from his Mom informing him Matthew, his best friend from childhood, is coming to Boston on shore leave. Everyone hopes Billy might obtain a furlough and join them for a big reunion. Billy does and it's a joyful homecoming with tears, laughter and Billy brought presents for his mother and sister. He settles back into Boston home life: chopping wood, eating supper with his family and learning Brigitte is still single. Her British captian was killed in some battle last year. 
Two days later, word is sent that Matthew has arrived in Boston and everyone is invited over for breakfast tomorrow morning.
Brigitte rushes to hug Billy like a brother. Matthew is equally glad to see him. Billy tells them all about his eccentric Indian friend, Eli. Matthew also brought Tom Sievers body. He will bury this great friend of the family tonight and he'll do it alone. All agree that would be best.

Chapter 14
Matthew returns from burying Tom in a small village north of Bostontown. He eats food Margaret kept warm for him and goes to bed, wondering where Kathleen is and how she's doing.
The next day is Sunday (compare with Vol 1 Our Sacred Honor chapter 29). After church services, Reverend Silas Olmsted finds the family, takes Matthew aside and tells him he just received a letter from Kathleen, shown in it's entirety here but not in Our Sacred Honor. Slight changes in dialogue and description but very much the same as the version in Volume 1 as Matthew and Kathleen reunite, throwing themselves into each other's arms. Volume 1 ended here but now we get the rest of the story!
Witnessing the tender scene on the boat dock, everyone cries and thinks of their own loved ones. Even the ship's crew don't mind this traffic jam of family and friends witnessing the lovebird's reunion while they have cargo to unload.
They collect Kathleen's luggage and her two siblings, Charles and Faith, and everyone reconvenes at the Weems home. Kathleen will stay the night with the Dunsons and tomorrow, everyone will help open up the old Thorpe home for a thorough airing and cleaning.
Eight days later, Matthew officially proposes marriage to Kathleen who accepts. It is now early November. Reverend Olmsted marries them and, once again, Billy gives away the bride. He even jokes to himself, "Three time a bridesmaid, never a groom. When's it gonna be MY turn?" (Um, maybe when you actually propose to a woman, you dope!)
The newlyweds spend their wedding night in the Thorpe home. They pray as a couple and go to bed. (The kids are spending the night elsewhere, obviously!)

Chapter 15
January 1780

Here in Morristown, New Jersey, Washington's winter quarters are, once again, very poor with bad rations and no supplies. In conference with Alexander Hamilton, Washington is troubled to learn that Benedict Arnold has been found not guilty in his monetary transactions with local merchants who support the British. 
As if anything could top the horrors of Valley Forge, this winter camp is coming awfully close. England has found victory in the Deep South while Congress has no money to give him so he can pay his army for all these years of service. France is more interested in their West Indies holdings than in helping America obtain freedom. Hamilton regrets to inform the General, if conditions don't improve, they may have no choice but to dissolve the Continental Army while the British plan on taking Charleston next. He promises to keep Washington advised on everything and is dismissed. Chapter Notes state Hamilton served as personal aide to Washington for an extended period of time.

Chapter 16
February, 1780

Caleb Dunson is a prisoner of war somewhere in Savannah, Georgia, being held with rednecks and other low life he can barely understand in barns on a plantation now occupied by the British. They are treated much like the Japanese POWs in World War II camps which makes Caleb's blood boil. He wants to escape. Fight back. He doesn't care if it means the entire camp is punished if one rebels. He sees his chance and makes a break for it anyway, attacking one British guard, firing a cannon with the help of another man who followed Caleb's lead-a black man! 
Now that the're safely away from the enemy, this escaped slave, known only as Primus, tells Caleb they must travel "Nawth...find Massa Marion, the 'ol Swamp Fox! He'll know what to do."

Chapter 17
May 1780

A brief history of the area of South Carolina is given here with details pertaining to both the geographic and sociological events. The Blue Ridge mountains were formed, Indians came to live here, then white men who brought captured African slaves. Now the British are here to wage war with these white settlers.
General Clinton meets with his fellow British officers for a report on the victory numbers of the recent battle. He also wants to offer a reward and promise of protection to all the locals in the area, rich or poor (but mostly rich) with all their slaves who will join their side in the fight against Washington's army.

Chapter 18
Caleb and Primus travel farther North, searching for the Swamp Fox and his band of merry men who are rumored to be somewhere in South Carolina. They run into a group of American soldiers and join up with them, just before discovering a small regiment of British on whom they decide mount an attack but lose. The Americans begin screaming for surrender but these British are ruthless. Caleb and Primus survive the holocaust and escape. Once again, they are on their own.
Days pass. One night, after making camp in the woods, the two friends talk. Primus was born to a life of slavery on a plantation. His mother died giving birth to him. Put to work at age seven, he was taught to read a little including the Gullah Bible (written phonetically by slaves as their own underground version of the white man's scripture). Life was so miserable, he was whipped the first time he tried to escape but succeeded the second time where he found and joined up with the Swamp Fox and his band in their rebellion against the British. Caleb asks if Primus ever married while he was a slave? Primus says white owners don't allow or recognize black marriages but he did "make promises" with a young girl named Callie. They had a child together but Callie and baby were sold off and he never saw them again. Caleb is horrifed.
The next day, the two silently witness one group of poor white southern farmers raid and burn the home of a more prosperous white family who own a modest farm and just a few slaves. Primus explains to Caleb the 'po white "have nots" is jealous of the "haves" and ready to take what they believe is rightfully theirs. 

Chapter 19
Six armed men suddenly surround Caleb and Primus. Caleb says they're looking for Francis Marion. Well, they found him. 
They are wearily accepted. Caleb helps move the camp and does a little Indian fighting on a small group of British to earn the camp's respect and trust. Caleb can attack and disappear into the woods and swamps with the best of them. Like Robin Hood, they return to the secret camp with their newest British acquisitions of gold and food. Marion is surprised to find a New Englander so far south but both Caleb and the black man are welcome.

Chapter 20
June 1780

Somewhere in Connecticut, Billy and Turlock are just as restless as the rest of the army. Eight months of waiting to engage the British and nothing. Word comes of British movements in the South. Many Northern militia are being sent down as reinforcements. Looks like the Boston Regiment is getting called up too. Both wonder where Eli is. It's been over a year now since he got married and whisked his bride away.

Chapter 21
Way up north, in Vermont, Mary is about to give birth! Sister-in-law, Lydia, is close by while Eli paces outside the cabin with Lydia's husband, Ben. Eli just returned with the local midwife but the birth is not looking good. Mary has a fever. Her health was always poor since everything she went through in Volume III nearly killed her. She is weak and knows she's going to die but happy for her allotted time with Eli. She will leave all in the hands of God.
With her last strength, she gives birth to a baby girl. Eli is quickly called in. He cradles Mary in his arms as she whispers her last words. After holding her baby for the first and last time, she dies. Eli tells his sister Mary's last words were to name the baby Laura.
For the next several days, Eli is withdrawn, quiet. A wetnurse is brought in for the baby but Eli is restless. Lydia and Ben suggest maybe it's time for Eli to return to fighting in the war. Don't worry about the baby, we'll raise her as our own, or until you want to return and reclaim custody of her. Eli agrees and sets out the very next day.

Chapter 22
August 1780
South Carolina
That pompous ass General Gates has arrived to lead American troops to victory in the South the way he did with Benedict Arnold in New York State and the Hudson River Corridor battles. Once again, Gates will remain safely behind the lines while his leaderless men go to their deaths because Gates is not open to suggestions from anyone, including Francis Marion.
The British force is led by the formidable General Cornwallis. The two armies, by pure accident, meet at a place called Saunder's Creek. Gates hastily spreads his forces but it's weak, showing poor planning and communication. The American forces retreat with Gates the Coward leading the way on the fastest horse he could commandeer from a lower ranking officer.
Billy is also here. In disgust, he observes Gates, takes command of the few men still left and leads a charge. Turlock does the same. Another brave man, General de Kalb, has his horse shot out from under him and is hit multiple times all over his body by bullets yet he continues to fight with almost superhuman strength until he topples over and dies. Even the British remove their tricorn hats in respect and order a litter brought to carry away the body of their enemy. 
Billy and Turlock escape with a small group of men. General Horatio Gates is stripped of command. He is never given another post again.

Chapter 23
In New York City, a British general receives word of a prominent American willing to sell information that would give England control of an important fort on the Hudson. The correspondent on the British side is none other than John André from Chapter 2 who supervised the entire Meschianza. He is now a major general here in NYC and, for the last ten months, has been secretly corresponding by code names with one B. Arnold in Philadelphia. Terms and price have been agreed upon. General Benedict Arnold is currently residing in a fine Manhattan mansion with a nice view of the fort, just across the Hudson. He just sent for Peggy from Philly to join him and she is happy at the news of selling out to the British to bring an end to the war. She and her husband will be famous, enjoying wealth and glory for the rest of their days.
This will not end well.

Chapter 24
September 1780

A humble farmer is shocked when Benedict Arnold shows up at his house late in the afternoon asking for his help. Arnold needs a rowboat to attend a secret meeting along with two men to manage the heavy physical labor of rowing. Arnold lies about the details of this meeting. When he produces a large jug of rum, these two greedy men are happy to row the famous General anywhere he wants!
John André is waiting on the Jersey shore and several hours pass in careful negotiations as Arnold doesn't want Washington involved when the British "attack" the fort and Arnold hands it over. They must wait until after General Washington has finished his inspection of the fort and leaves. These plans take all night.
Daylight comes. Arnold goes home while André will have to hide somewhere for the day. Another problem arises when the British ship out on the water that was to be his transport, is attacked. There goes his ride back to headquarters in NYC. Then, André is captured and the suspicious papers he's carrying are forwarded to George Washington himself. 
Washington is just pulling up at Arnold's residence (Lafayette is also among the party) when word reaches Arnold of his British cohort's capture. The entire household panics. Arnold bolts, leaving Peggy all alone to come up with her own alibi. She feigns insanity. Even Washington is sympathetic, believing Peggy to be suffering from female hysteria, even lunacy, as she raves about her husband who was carried away by evil spirits. The papers catch up to Washington at Arnold's mansion (delivered by Alexander Hamilton) and the evil plot is revealed. Washington is sick at heart over the betrayal. Even Hamilton is alarmed at the shocked state of his commander in chief.
Hamilton rides hard and fast after the traitor but it is too late, Benedict Arnold managed to escape into NYC taking refuge at British headquarters. The only guilty person left is John André who writes to General Washington requesting he be allowed to die by firing squad instead of hanged like a common criminal. Washington remembers the brave Nathan Hale and refuses.

Chapter 25
Over in the Swamp Fox camp in South Carolina, a messenger arrives saying British are camped over yonder mountain; an easy target. These mountain men know how to survive on very little. They strike fast and hard, then disappear into the woods to preach strong Bible thumping sermons to each other. They are all good, God-fearing men (women too). Caleb will join this last fight, then he'd like permission to join a command that plans to move north so he can work his way closer to home. Primus will come too and become a free black man. Marion wishes them both luck.
The attack commences the next day. The British have positioned themselves at a vulnerable spot on the flat top of King's Mountain, approximately 1007 ft above sea level. (In Utah, we call that a speed bump!) An easy hike to the top and the British are no match against these backwoodsmen. The Swamp Fox scores another victory and Caleb and Primus say goodbye.

Chapter 26
December 1780
Caleb and Primus arrive outside an American camp near Charlotte, South Carolina but the picket doesn't believe they are friendly. Caleb gives the names of those he recently fought with who died at King's Mountain and the picket believes them. They can stay but tension is evident because of Primus who is advised to go join the segregated black camp down the road. (Say hi to John Laurens for us!) Caleb is angry and offended. Black lives matter, people! Primus calms Caleb down. We don't want no trouble, he says. Caleb walks his friend over and is a little disturbed to find some kind of voodoo ceremony going on with dancing, wailing and dead chickens. Primus explains and Celeb makes a hasty exit back to the white man's camp.
In the morning, they all march off to fight.

Chapter 27
January 1781

In Boston, Kathleen is great with child and very emotional with her two younger siblings still dependent on her and Matthew off on a warship in the Atlantic where he could die at any time. Reverend Silas Olmsted comes calling. He has a letter to lift Kathleen spirits and she weeps as she reads Matthew's letter assuring her he is well and safe. He hopes to be there for the baby's birth. Reverend Olmsted is more like LDS Bishop Olmsted as he promises Kathleen her trials of pregnancy and duties to Charles and Faith shall only be but a short moment compared to the eternal blessings of heaven.

Chapter 28
The Battle of Cowpens in South Carolina is a great success with the British defeated. Caleb and Primus contributed and both fought bravely. The tide of this long war is finally turning.

Chapter 29
March 1781

Washington's main camp is still in Morristown, New Jersey. Eli arrives and reports. He was sent nine weeks ago to cover many states, join a battle in which American forces beat the British in North Carolina and he now returns with a written message from General Nathanael Greene declaring victory and his intentions to carry the war deeper into South Carolina and stop the British once and for all. Washington is pleased.

Chapter 30
May 1781

In Boston, Matthew arrives just in time to welcome his new son into the world. They name him John Matthew, after his father and dead grandfather. (You will come of age with our young nation.) Margaret is overcome with emotion. Brigitte was also present, helping with the birth and Dorothy Weems is also here with Doctor Soderquist. Mom and baby are fine.

Chapter 31
July 1781

The time has come. With French ships and extra troops outnumbering the British, Washington FINALLY has the resources he needs to attack Yorktown, Virginia while French ships attack the British on Chesapeake Bay. Eli helps deliver the messages so everyone will be in their places, ready to begin their coordinated attack at the appointed times.

Chapter 32
October 1781

Matthew is on one of these French ships, a valuable asset as an American navigator in these tricky waters with only one narrow Bay passage. They are waiting to engage the British who retreated out to open water and are shocked the British sea captain followed the rule book and set up his fleet in a battle line when he could easily have picked all these huge enemy warships off, one by one, while they were exiting the bay in pursuit, Matthew's ship in the lead. Since they didn't, they are soundly defeated by French and American ships. The French then leave to meet General Washington who is rowed to the lead ship where he immediately convenes a war council. These ships will return, up the Bay to the river that empties into it, to attack Cornwallis in Yorktown.
Billy and Turlock help dig trenches and wonder where Eli is.
In a different camp, Eli is thinking the same thing while missing his dead wife and new daughter.
In yet ANOTHER camp, Caleb and Primus are here too. Caleb wonders if Billy and Matthew are close by.
Next day, it's siege time and for several days the British are pounded. Then the order comes for Billy and Turlock's regiment to storm the redoubts.The British give a good fight. Billy screams as his good friend through thick and thin (and the last five books!) Sergeant Alvin Turlock is knocked down by a cannon blast that hit too close.
And just like that, it's over. The next day, Cornwallis asks to negotiate the terms of surrender. Washington (who does not smile) solemnly declares them all prisoners of war. Conwallis agrees to these terms and on October 19, 1781 the defeated British lay down their arms to the colonists who fought so hard for their independence. Cornwallis sends another of his Generals in his place with his sword. The General mistakenly hands French General Rochambeau the sword. Rochambeau gestures to Washington and the mistake is rectified.
We tend our wounded. We count our dead. Caleb, Eli, Matthew, Billy and Turlock, who did NOT die, (whew!) all watch from separate places (Black and white soldiers wonder alike if this really means freedom. Not yet, says Washington) hoping to find each other on the other side of the war, now that it's all over. After six long years, they are finally free.
Or are they?

THE END