Who Really Won the American Revolutionary War?

To commemorate the 4th of July ....

Two hundred and fifty thousand Irish immigrants came to America before the Revolutionary War. Along with other immigrants from Scotland, Irish-Americans distinguished themselves in battle against the England, the most advanced and world power at that time. An estimate of the Continental Army stated that more than half the soldiers in action were of Irish decent. Many of these Irish soldiers, besides having a good healthy hate for British and their ways, had been veterans of Indian (or Native-American) battles with guerilla fighting. Long rifles, strong backwoods lifestyles where they could blend with their surroundings, made them amazingly adept at winning an upper hand. Plus, when British Major Patrick Ferguson of the 71st issued an ultimatum to these "simple" backwoodsmen "to lay down their arms or suffer the consequences," it was a challenge that the Irish and Scots-Irish took up with relish! British Major Patrick Ferguson of the 71st is still up on King's Mountain, South Carolina today. His ghost on the hill is probably still kicking himself for that statement! Nine of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were Irish-born or of Irish parentage; Irish captains of American ships, such as John Paul Jones, rose victorious over the British navy. In fact, in a speech by the late President John F. Kennedy in Dublin, Ireland on June 28, 1963: "Our interest have been joined ever since. Franklin sent leaflets to Irish freedom fighters. O'Connell was influenced by Washington, and Emmet influenced Lincoln. Irish volunteers played so predominant a role in the American army that Lord Mountjoy lamented in the British Parliament that 'we have lost America through the Irish.'" Never underestimate the influence of the Irish in our country! So much so that every March 17th, EVERYONE in the entire United States of America celebrates the Irish in commemoration of St. Patrick's Day!

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Over the next several weeks, I will be publishing, with the aid of my daughter, Bettse Folsom, a series of answer & questions & snippets about Ireland that many people have asked me during events where I have attended. If you have a question, please contact me by email and I will be happy to address it.

Thank you for reading my blog!