Willard Sterne Randall's new biography, Ethan Allen: His Life and Times, is fascinating not only for the connections that the author brings forward, the background information on the effect of various religious movements, the insights into the Revolution itself, but most of all for telling the story of a most interesting American icon.   Read the rest of this entry »

The country was deeply divided about the prudence of declaring war on Britain in 1812. Alexander Contee Hanson published some articles in his newspaper, The Federal Republican, that were severely critical of President Madison and sharply questioned the wisdom of declaring war on the world's most powerful nation.   Read the rest of this entry »

The War of 1812 was not kind to William Hull's reputation. He like many other Americans, including Thomas Jefferson, mistakenly supposed that the Canadians would welcome the invading Americans with open arms. Whoops! This proclamation issued by Hull in July of 1812, documents the scope of his miscalculation.   Read the rest of this entry »

In Federalist 23, Hamilton turns his focus to the extent of the power to be delegated to the federal government by the new Constitution. He points out that the federal government is the obvious place for "NATIONAL INTERESTS" to be looked after. He argues that the authority wielded by the federal government has to match the responsibility it undertakes and that the Articles of Confederation, provide an excellent example of what happens when they don't.   Read the rest of this entry »

PBS produced and excellent documentary on the War of 1812 last month. This companion book adds interest and provides still more color on this oft-forgotten war.   Read the rest of this entry »

Some words from Founding Father Fisher Ames on the dangers of the mob.   Read the rest of this entry »

Murder at Thumb Butte is another great western by James Best. This one takes place right here in Arizona. Best weaves historic people and places seamlessly into his story and leaves you waiting eagerly for the next installment.   Read the rest of this entry »

Today is John Adams' birthday. I stumbled upon this blogger's tribute and wished I'd written it.   Read the rest of this entry »

The following excerpt of a letter from retired President John Adams, a confirmed Federalist, whose predisposition against the French and for the British, shows how politics, takes a back seat to his advocacy for the American cause.   Read the rest of this entry »

If you find yourself stuck on an airplane, Jim's book Leadville will make time "fly" too! Leadville is a fast-paced, straight-at-you yarn, packed with great dialog, interesting characters and fun plot twists.   Read the rest of this entry »