Commitment and Valor
by Donald R. "Doc" McWilliams

CHAPTER 1: A NATION IN TURMOIL

Young Jonathan Sulivane rolled and tossed in his bed as lightning flickered and thunder rolled in the skies over Crossroads, the town some called "New Market" on Maryland's Eastern Shore.  The Sulivane Plantation was called Friendship Hall, located near Crossroads, and even earlier known by others as Bartertown, where an active trading post allowed for trading between the Choptank Indians and the white settlers. Most of the settlers were of English, Welsh, Irish and Scottish decent. The town laid at the intersection of two well-worn Indian paths, hence its local name Crossroads; one trail blazed north and south, the other east to west. The north path connected the Algonquin Nation with the Susquehanna’s, farther northward with the Iroquois Nation. The east paths connected them with the Nanticoke’s, and even further the Delaware’s. Past tales told of the Indian tribes ancestors having descended from the Lenni-Lenapes’, which comprised the Algonquin Nation, which included the Choptank, Nanticoke, Susquehanna and Delaware Indians. The Iroquois tribes were their northern cousins.

Sleep was elusive. The thunderstorms ended making the air oppressive, thick, and uncomfortably humid. The weather and the weighty thoughts occupying Jonathan's mind kept sleep at bay.

The year was 1777, and the Colonies were engaged in a war for independence against the strong forces of the British Army. On July 3, 1775, George Washington only forty three years of age, had assumed the command of the Continental Army whose troops numbered about 17,000 men at Cambridge, Massachusetts. Earlier in the year, General Washington had visited the Sulivane Plantation, staying over night at Edmondson's Tavern. Since Crossroads had become New Market, known for its commercial trading for horses, farm crops and supplies, and since the British had not yet invaded the peninsula, the young community was an ideal location to purchase necessary supplies for the Army.

The General, to assume the responsibility for local procurement, had recruited Jonathan’s older brother, James, during the visit. Once procured, the supplies were shipped by boat and wagonload northward to Colonel Henry Hollingsworth at the Head- of-Elk, another community located at the Northern End of the Chesapeake Bay. It was the main supply depot for the Continentals. The depot was an excellent site as its harbor readied shipments for overland or waterway into Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and into New York areas. Hollingsworth Tavern, built by the Colonel in 1730, was located in Head-of-Elk and the center for operations.

James Sulivane purchased food supplies from Dorchester and Somerset Counties, the outlying areas of New Market, due to abundant farmland and crops. The War of Independence essentially ended the peacetime tobacco economy on the Eastern Shore, with local farmers switching their crops to edible products in order to feed both the Continental Army as well as colonists. They provided wheat, corn, bacon, salted pork and beef. Bread was made with the wheat flour and shipped in barrels along with bacon, salted pork and beef.  The families stayed busy making woven cloth goods for uniforms and blankets. The Colonists were paid by the "Procurers" in paper money, tobacco, or State issued certificates with six-percent interest. The local colonists were not immune to risk and danger as they supported the young nation's war effort, since it is estimated that as many as 30,000 "Tory's" also lived on the Peninsula who were just as devoted to the Crown.

The local patriots formed Militia's, which were active in most of the established townships, however, they were poorly supplied with arms, and consequently, although deeply committed to the cause of freedom, ill-prepared to resist the frequent raids of the "Tory Picaroon Pirates". The Tory Pirates led small British raids upon the plantations, ships, and small townships located on the shore. The British commanders allowed the pirates to keep whatever plunder they seized from attacking or raiding Colonial ships and villages. The Tory pirates and British troops under command of Lord Dunmore controlled the Bloodsworth Islands, South Marsh, Smith, and Tangier Islands. The Islands, which lay below Dorchester and Somerset Counties, gave the enemy an effective stronghold over shipping in the Honga River, Fishing Bay, Nanticoke River, Wicomico River, and in Tangier Sound.  Control of the islands allowed for easy access by the British and Tory raiding parties along the tributaries.

The most infamous Tory pirate, Joseph Whaland, Jr., was a tall, wiry, cunning man with the sunburned weather-beaten face of a waterman. He knew the creeks and tributaries as though they were the veins on the back of his hands. He could navigate any waterway on the Eastern Shore, and was a favored Tory among the British commanders. His name caused fear in the hearts of dedicated Patriots. Although captured on several occasions by local militia, Captain Whaland had talked his way out of sentencing, only to escape and to pillage once again.

Jonathan Sulivane, brother of James, the Procurer, was of both Irish and English decent.  He was almost six feet tall with youthful ruddy complexion, broad forehead, high cheekbones and hazel eyes. His towering height commanded certain respect since the average colonist was a meager five feet and two inches. He was broad in shoulder and handsome in appearance. Often, obligations required formal dress code, which depicted him as the son of a prominent Maryland plantation owner. He, however, preferred the buckskin clothing of the outdoors, and the canvas britches of the common man. Early education was provided at the plantation school with later studies in liberal arts, French and law in Somerset County at the famous Washington Academy in Princess Anne where noted Luther Martin was a teacher. Jonathan delighted in sharing his education with half-breed friend Billy "Cacao" Logan. Logan had a quick wit and easily picked up much of his knowledge from their shared efforts. As such friends, they were inseparable.

Jonathan's grandfather, Major James Sulivane had distinguished himself in 1690 as a soldier when William III defeated James II at the village of Old-Bridge in the Battle of Boyne, along the River Boyne in northeast Ireland. Shortly thereafter he arrived in the New World and procured the land at Crossroads to build his manor and enjoy his favorite past time, horse racing. The family continued alliances with politicians and the military.

The thunderstorm broke suddenly, raining in downpour, and then suddenly ceased with dissipating clouds revealing a three-quarter moon. It cast an eerie illumination over the Sulivane Plantation while Jonathan dreamed of impending adventure. Billy, usually called "Cacao" by Jonathan would accompany him on his travels. At sixteen, the boys were bonded as though twins, both excellent horsemen, and athletic. They were experienced outdoorsmen and astute shots with both musket and "dagg" or "pistio" otherwise known as pistols.  

Billy' father, Edward Logan, was a trapper, fisherman and hunter before joining the New Market Blues militia. He taught Billy the way of life that only one outdoorsman could teach another, and while Jonathan shared academics with him, Billy returned the favor by imparting his father's knowledge to his friend.  Billy was an expert with throwing knives and axes, as well as striking any mark with bow and arrow. He had worked on the Sulivane Plantation as a stable-hand since a lad, and could handle a horse comparable to few. Billy's linage was "Royal", considering that his grandfather named "Wilnaco" and also known as Onackatoon, was Chief of the Choptank Indian Tribe. His Aunt Betty Cacco, as eldest daughter of the tribe became Queen of the Choptanks at the death of her father. Billy's mother was Mary Cacco, Betty's younger sister, who had married his father when Betty sold the last large portion of their lands just west of the Sulivane Plantation. Most of the tribe moved northward to the Susquehanna area, others moving farther to join the Iroquois Nation.

Edward Logan, along with his brother Thomas, had immigrated to the shore as young men seeking their fortunes. In England, as children, they had milked cows and developed "Cowpox", and surviving the illness made, them immune to dreaded small pox.

Upon arrival in New Market, James Sulivane befriended Thomas, and both later became active in the "Freedom Movement" of the local colonists. Together, they were the initiators of the New Market Blues militia. Edward followed the call of the outdoors, and fell in love with Princess Mary Cacco and married her.

Billy "Cacao", their son, was tall and handsome with coal-black hair worn in a queue (pigtail), tied with a leather thong. He inherited the ice-blue eyes of his father, and his vision was described by his mother as "that of an eagle". With a keen mind and quick instinctive responses, his peers instantly respected him. He exhibited the sixth sense and uncanny trait of seeming to sense what was going to happen before it did - a gift invaluable on many occasions.

Mary was not happy without her family and left his father to join her native people in the Land of Six Nations, led by the Iroquois. Billy stayed behind with his father.

A race track was erected on the Plantation and weekend races drew other plantation owners, watermen, farmers, tradesmen, trappers and commoners from all over the peninsula to game and bet on their favorite race horse. An ante could be quite small, or very large, depending on the social status of the citizen involved. The weekend outings were enjoyed by all, with the ladies socializing with tea and quilting bees while the children played games on the spacious lawn.

The English Parliament had passed the Stamp Act in 1765, which fueled the fire of desire for independence of the American Colonies. The Stamp Act, among others, decreed taxes to force the Colonists to reimburse the crown for the financial losses during the French and Indian War. Jonathan's father, Daniel Sulivane, a local patriot, helped to instill the desire for independence into sons, James and Jonathan

The Sulivane's belief in independence was fueled by Thomas Paine, who met Benjamin Franklin in London prior to sailing for America to seek his own independence. Paine arrived in Philadelphia in late November 1774, and then in January 1776, published an "anonymous" 47-page pamphlet called "Common Sense", which cost 2 shillings. This pamphlet was rapidly distributed throughout the Colonies, including the Sulivane Plantation, which received one of the 100,000 copies. The publication "denounced all Kings and called for immediate Independence." They agreed with its message that intensified the desire for freedom deep within the hearts of the American Colonists.

Jonathan was in agreement with his father and brother, having read the document when it arrived at the plantation. The fire of freedom blazed within his young soul, and in discussing the pamphlet with his friend Billy, both committed to the cause.

By 1774, the progressive ill feeling toward the English Crown and the increasing demands of the proprietary Government with added taxation, had increased the mood of the Colonists, thus the movement for independence intensified.  The weekend festivities on plantations like the Sulivane's Friendship Hall became an ideal location for men to discuss the politics of the time and they began to form Committees and Councils to promote American Independence at other levels.  Jonathan's brother James, along with Captain Henry Travers, and Colonel Henry Hooper, were the Dorchester Delegates to the "Convention" otherwise known as the Federal Assembly at Annapolis in 1775.

Afterward, militia companies were organized in Dorchester County consisting of the "Bucks Company", the "Friends to America", the "Plymouth Greens", the "Transquaking Company", the "Cambridge Blues", and the "New Market Blues." It was on January 5, 1776 that the Sixth Company of Regulars was formed, consisting of one hundred and six privates led by Captain Thomas Woolford and his three Lieutenants. The Regulars and many men of the militia, including the New Market Blues were sent to join the Maryland Line of the Continental Army of General George Washington.

Henry Hooper of Dorchester was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General of the Militia Forces for the Lower District of the Eastern Shore. In this position, he was responsible for overseeing the many local militia groups on the lower Eastern Shore and had the authority and the responsibility of replacing men from this district who were killed, wounded or deserted from the Continental Army of General Washington. On numerous occasions, he found it necessary to organize new companies by taking men from various militia units and sending them to the front to join the Maryland Line as replacements. The Minute Men of the militia had agreed "to march to any place ordered in any of the colonies and fight for the preservation of American Liberty with their whole power."

The Battle of Long Island in August 1776 depleted the Maryland Macaroni Troops with Colonel William Smallwood in command and led by Major Mordecai Gist. The Maryland Macaroni troops had uniforms of buff and scarlet with the scarlet hidden by brown smocks. The entire Continental Army of raw troops consisted of 9,500 men against 20,000 crack, well-trained British troops commanded by General William Howe and his brother, Vice-Admiral Richard "Black Dick" Howe. On August 27, the determined Maryland Line held the crack, expert British Left Flank to allow the rest of the Continental Army, under General George Washington, to retreat across a river, thus saving the Army of Independence from near total Defeat. The battle was ill fated for the Continentals however, the Maryland Line fought near the end with bayonets in close man-to-man combat. Washington remarked, "My, what brave men these be. Would that all men should fight with such valor!" Thereafter, he referred to the Maryland Line as his "Old-Line", thus the state of Maryland became known as the "Old-Line" State." The Maryland Line lost almost one-half of their men in the one battle. Some time later, at the Battle of Eutaw Springs, they earned the soubriquet of "The Bayonets of the Revolution", a fitting name for such men of valor!

Henry Hooper inherited My Lady Sewall's Manor on Secretary Creek from his father. Lord Henry Sewall of London who served as Secretary to the Province of Maryland built the manor house. It was constructed in 1662, but the secretary hardly ever occupied the home, dying in London in 1665. His widow, Jane Sewall, returned to America to live in the manor. On the trip across the Atlantic, she met Charles Calvert (later the third Lord of Baltimore) and they married in 1666. Her son, Major Nicholas Sewell, later sold the estate to Henry Hooper's father, also known as Colonel Henry Hooper. He thus added 1,243 acres to his Warwick Fort manor estate to combined acreage of 2,342 areas, encompassing much of the former Eastern portion of the old Choptank Indian Reservation, which lay about two miles west of the Sulivane Plantation. The social ties between the two families existed for several years hence, each mutually enjoying the weekend social events and horse racing provided by the Sulivane family. Henry and James were political allies and dedicated themselves to the Patriot plan for Independence.

In the summer of 1777, newly appointed Brigadier General Henry Hooper and his trusted valet slave, 'Ol Joshua, visited the Sulivane family.  Joshua was delighted to see his old friend, Samuel, the blacksmith for the Sulivane family. General Hooper informed James Sulivane of a meeting of the Council of Safety in Annapolis to be held in mid-August, and stated he would attend.  They discussed the problem of Tory raids and the increased demands for men and supplies for the Continental Army.  General Washington had sent word of a possible British invasion of the Delmarva Peninsula. General Howe's troops were in New York constructing large flat bottom boats and barges capable of maneuvering the Eastern Shore tributaries; and it was rumored that he would soon be sending 15,000 troops to the Chesapeake.  These were grave times for the Maryland patriots.

Shipment of supplies by a land route was a slow process, and shipments via waterways had to be protected at all costs. Consequently a new plan for procurement and shipping was needed. James would busy himself throughout the local area acquiring supplies, and needed Jonathan and Billy Cacao's help.

The young men eagerly agreed to undertake the perilous journey, and Jonathan's excitement, mixed with fear of the unknown, occupied his thoughts and dreams the night before his departure. Billy Cacao would accompany Jonathan to deliver a map of a new plan for transport of the supplies to the Continental Army.

As the supply needs increased with winter encampment only a few months ahead, Colonel Hollingsworth needed to be advised of the new routes, the provisions secured, and the assistance of the Council of Safety headed by Matthew Tilghman.

Billy would ride his beautiful horse "Paint". Paint was special for many reasons. Early in 1750, it was told, the Spanish ship the Galga, believed to be carrying moor horses, struggled through a terrible storm near the beach of Assateague Island, south of the plantations and eastward on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The ship crashed on the outer shoal and the cargo of frightened animals swam to safety. They found adequate grazing in the salt marshes of the Island and water in its rain ponds, roaming wildly and breeding and multiplying in the natural elements. They were shorter in stature than the thoroughbred, standard bred and even the English quarter-bred horses.

Jonathan's father Daniel Sulivane had purchased one from traders who had captured some along the way. He gave one to Billy who promptly named the spotted brown and white animal with the tan mane, "Paint". He’d spend many hours gently talking to, and training, the steed. Those observing had the pleasure of watching an obvious soul and physical union between the man and horse. The creature responded without hesitation to every verbal command, as well as following guidance with simple pressure of knee against flank, thus freeing both of Billy's hands for more important things, such as shooting his bow and arrow while riding at full speed.

A prolific archer, even while Paint galloped and turned at dizzying speed, with every command, Billy thrilled crowds at the plantation with his expertise in horsemanship and weaponry. Both were celebrities of great repute.

Jonathan's horse was a roan he called "Roanhound". The beast had a spotted grayish-white belly and rusty-red head, chest and hips. He was a powerful steed with an innate desire to succeed, having won many races at the plantation events. 'Ol Samuel, the blacksmith, kept him well-shoed with lightweight iron horseshoes, and marveled at his endurance on race days, frequently winning several "heats" in a single day. Off the racetrack, he was as gentle as a lamb.

'Ol Samuel was a behemoth of a man, big chested and with massive arms developed over years of heavy work at his forge. He could move the heavy anvil around like a child playing with a small toy. Few feared him though, for he had a gentle nature, and as a craftsman made ornate hinges and fixtures for the Sulivane household. In addition, he crafted leather into many useful purposes and was a carpenter equally skilled in wood.

Jonathan loved 'Ol Samuel and the feeling was mutual, so it was easy for Jonathan to teach him to read basic English as well to do simple calculations.  'Ol Samuel's favorite book was his Bible, presented to him by the Sulivane family. There was a strong bond between the gentle giant and the son. Ol' Samuel created large hunting knives for Jonathan and Billy, burnished to a fine sheen, with leather sheaves of cowhide to hold them. He also made sharp, thin tips for Billy's arrows whereby venison was a regular dish on the Sulivane plantation table.

Ol' Samuel married the young cook and maidservant in the Sulivane house, Rachel. She learned to use the loom and spinning wheel, weaving cloth for clothing necessary for use by the many residents of the plantation.  Along with Ol’ Samuel she assisted the Sullivan's with the tanning of leather from the hides of pigs, calves and deer. Ol' Samuel and Rachael were a loving couple and that care spilled over into a unique relationship. Although the law considered them slaves, the Sulivane's thought of them as hired hands and graciously provided the best living possible. In general, the climate around the Sulivane Plantation was that of a happy place with genuine concern for others.

The residents of the plantation worked long hard hours, constantly striving to improve their existence, and then enjoyed the weekend activities together as one big family. The neighboring Hooper plantation at Warwick Fort Manor was a similar operation. Ol' Joshua, the slave, but now companion and valet of Brigadier General Henry Hooper, enjoyed his frequent association with Ol' Samuel because their personalities blended well.

Jonathan knew all of these people as close friends. Ol' Joshua was slight of build with narrow shoulders and stood 5 feet 4 inches in height. He dressed in plantation finery, which depicted an educated house valet of the day.  Completely trustworthy, he respected his owner and was proud to serve him.

James Sulivane took his quill in hand, and using the inkpot from his writing desk, sketched a rough map of the Eastern Shore on a thin layer of pigskin taken from the tanning room.  He was particularly careful to include the main rivers and locations of various existing ferry services. The north Dorchester area was noted simply as "Indian towns". Dover Ferry over the Choptank River connecting Dorchester and Talbot County was established by the General Assembly as a Public Ferry in an Act of 1671. The Act of 1671 also authorized the Nanticoke Ferry at Vienna connecting Dorchester with Somerset County (Wicomico County did not exist until 1867). James added the towns of "Talbot Court House", "Oxford" on the Tred Avon River, "Cambridge" on the Choptank River, "Federalsburg" along the north fork of the Nanticoke River and "Rock Hall" on the Chesapeake Bay. Further north, he listed "Bohemia Manor", near the Sassafras River. At the northernmost extent of the Chesapeake Bay, James showed the Susquehanna River coming in from a northwestern direction, and carefully indicated the Elk River northward to "Head-of-Elk".

Having fully discussed the map with General Hooper, James indicated the location of the Susquehanna Indian Region, and finally added an arrow pointing northward to the Iroquois Nation, which he underlined and noted the region was within the New York colony. The two older patriots realized that if the map fell into British hands, Jonathan and Billy could conceivably be tried as spies and executed.  The plan required a convincing explanation for the two young men to deter suspicion.

If captured, they would explain to the British that Billy's mother had moved northward to join the Iroquois and he was traveling to join her since his father had "died"! Billy was to play the part of the dumb Indian, dependent upon Jonathan to act as his mentor with white men. Jonathan's promise to Billy to safely deliver him to his mother would protect them, as they would pretend to be ignorant of politics, coming from the marshlands of the Eastern Shore without contact with many people.

As part of the plan, Joshua would meet the boys at the dock in Secretary, and assist them aboard the mail packet ship. Then he would accompany them to Cambridge, and afterward lead them to the Council on Safety meeting place in Annapolis.  

James discussed the plan with his aging father, who at first was not too receptive to his youngest son being assigned such a dangerous venture; staring through the upstairs window watching Jonathan and Billy, he agonized over the venture.

Daniel also realized that the boys related well together, and felt strongly about the cause for Independence. After all, he himself was partially responsible for their intense patriotism, so he had agreed to their participation and wished them "Godspeed".

The senior Sulivane had asked Jonathan to retrieve a wooden case from his closet, and when he returned, Daniel withdrew two dueling pistols from the case. One was presented to Jonathan, the other to Billy with companion small powder cases and lead slug pouches. It was important to him to feel a part of securing their safety for the risky journey. He knew the young gentlemen were well versed in handling a pistol, and these were the best.

The boys descended the stairs of Friendship Hall in complete silence, each in his own state of momentary entrancement and thoughts of their immediate future.  They paused briefly on the front steps, then walked slowly to the barn, their favorite place on the plantation. Billy finally broke the silence saying, “Jonathan, we must make ready for our trip."

"You are quite right, my friend," was the somber reply. "We'll use Apple Blossom to carry our supplies; let's check her out."

The young men walked to the last stall in the stable and greeted Apple Blossom. As always, she was glad to see them, expecting the usual carrot or apple as a treat. She bleated a soft hee-haw, then turned her head as though in disgust when offered their empty hands.

Apple Blossom was a well-built, strong six-year old mule, gray colored with keen ears and a spry in her step.  She was a surefooted animal and would be a valuable asset for the venture. In the past, when she sensed danger, she moved her ears rapidly back and forth while she bellowed "hee-haw, hee-haw, hee-haw" in rapid succession. Checking her over carefully, the boys determined she would make a reliable companion. They also inspected Paint and Roanhound with the same attention for detail and were satisfied.

      With Ol' Samuel's assistance they gathered the necessary supplies for their trip. Consideration was given to items used to convince the enemy of their innocent travels through some of the most dangerous regions in conflict. Ol' Samuel knew the details of their journey, and had discussed the "pirate" problems with Joshua. They realized that contact with the pirates would result in confiscation of the boy’s supplies.

Rachel had overheard conversations between James and General Hooper, as well as James and his father Daniel, so she had pieced together the true nature of the assignment. It was near impossible to have secrets in this close-knit plantation family.

Ol' Samuel found a large sail left over from a sailing ship that had run aground in Secretary River. With Rachel's assistance, he fashioned canvas saddlebags for each young man. Rachel constructed secret pockets deep in the folds of their waistcoats to carry monies and the map James had drawn.  She had also made several canvas bags for supplies.   Ol’ Samuel crafted two long scabbards from sturdy cowhide to hold the snaphance muskets, to be strapped to the horses and Apple Blossom.

On the rough trails they would wear buckskin jackets, long canvas britches, and high top moccasin boots with "side-lacings" to the knee. The waistcoats would be carried in the saddlebags.

The mule would be loaded with flint for starting fires and firearms. Animal skins of beaver, raccoon, rabbit, and muskrat from the tanning house were placed in the cache to suggest they trapped along the way to the Iroquois nation. Their concession to luxury were the pewter mugs and eating utensils from the plantation instead of the wooden utensils used by the common man.

Provisions from the kitchen included hard bread, cheese, salted beef, pone, oatmeal cake and for the first day, fried capon from Rachel. Goat skins carried water and cider brewed from apples grown on the plantation orchards.

A large remnant of the sail was stitched for use to cover the pack mule supplies by day and double duty as a tent or lean-to for night. All was made ready and the young men were anxious to get started. Awake before sun-up, Billy stretched and jumped up to dress quickly. Then headed to the plantation kitchen.

Jonathan, awake after his restless night, retrieved a sliver of wood from his bedroom fireplace and lit a tallow on the dresser. Water in pitcher and bowl served his morning ablutions, and then he dressed in buckskins and headed for the kitchen below.

A hearty breakfast was waiting for them, ham, eggs, bread, milk, and grits. The kitchen help hastened to serve them and help them on their way.

The horses were saddled and waiting. Samuel had already been hard at work. Apple Blossom's cargo was being tightened with the last cinch on the gear rig. Final preparations involved loading the weapons and all was ready.

Ol' Samuel's arms were wide open and the young men smiled as they received his gentlemen's hug. There were tears in his eyes as he bade them good-bye, "Ye Gen'men be careful, an' God Bless Ye'." The boys swallowed hard to remove the choking feeling in their throats to bid him and their family farewell.

The sun was just peeking over the horizon as they approached the plantation gates. James was waiting for them, dressed for his own journey to Somerset County. "Godspeed and good luck" he said. "Send us messages of your progress and well-being as you are able, but take no risky chances," he warned them.

They clasped arms and eyes met; the concern evident in James wrinkled brow. "We'll be very careful and return soon," Jonathan promised.

As they rode through the gates, neither horseman realized how long it would be before they would return to Friendship Hall. It was probably best that Billy's foretelling gift was absent that morning.