Busy week ahead will carry us quickly to our second
July 4th serving here in New England.
A nasty threat may make us feel bound. Not a bad time to
remember the valiant men and women who felt strongly
and withstood their challenges, as we endeavor to endure.
Certainly there are many
patriots to learn about, salute and commemorate from
among the states that were colonies in 1776.
For New Hampshire, the most notable is General John Stark
whose independent American spirit was a force in
the revolutionary events from START to FINISH.
As this post reports his legacy (prompted by our late-March
visit to Manchester's Stark Park where the family burial plot is),
consider the lessons that might be learned from him.
One online source claims he is virtually "unknown" today.
An intentionally-humorous mini article published "in these parts"
suggests that Gen. Stark is perhaps even less renown
than his wife Molly Stark!
* * * * *
But before that report, a nod to three young men who are filling
our lamps with oil as they work hard to perform mission
office functions (instead of the finding and teaching they
would more normally be doing), and who share office space
with us. Once we established a pact of trust that THEY
and WE are taking care to minimize our individual exposures,
we are working at our jobs in community association.
Here they are, above, (Elders T. Smith, Allison and Wells)
allowing us to buy them Friday Dominoes pizza for lunch,
helping us "catch up" on our "feeding the Elders and Sisters"
quota that has slacked off since mid March restrictions began.
Below, Vince plus the three Elders are sharing an exercise
hour-plus on P-Day at Greenview Apts. tennis courts.
And one more humorous strike against
feeling trapped and unempowered: young Elder's Sears
effort to "sock it to 'em" as we pass 100 days of isolation.
Now I return to John Stark, a patriot who is worth remembering,
for the pivotal role he played in the American revolution,
and also because he embodied the spirit of American independence.
He was born "at just the right time"
in Londonderry, New Hampshire in 1728 to Scottish and English
parents. When 8 years old, his family moved to Derryfield
(now Manchester) where he lived the rest of his life,
apart from his many military and other excursions.
This is the home commemorated as the place he and Molly
raised their family, located in a lovely and historic part of the city
with beautiful, large and well kept homes.
Currently, it houses a museum.
Early in life he mastered knowledge and skills that would allow
him to survive in the harsh conditions of frontier wilderness.
He gained confidence that he could take care of himself
in any situation or environment. The story is told of an episode
at 24 years when he was pursued by Native Americans
while trapping, and led them away from other members of
his party, allowing his brother to escape, though he remained
a prisoner. Later, he went on the offensive and was able to
fight off their threatening treatment with courage and ingenuity,
eventually being ransomed and released.
A few years later, he joined the militia of Rogers' Rangers.
Knowledge gained from being among the 'Indians'
became an asset. "His excellent marksmanship,
keen judgement, and composure under pressure
earned him the office of Captain."
Spurned by military politics and passed over for well-earned
promotion more than once, he tried to stay away from that intrigue.
But as the British increased controls over the American colonies,
his passion for independence overcame those feelings, and 1774
found him attending local meetings of the Committee of Safety.
When he heard about the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Stark
immediately closed his sawmill, grabbed his gun and headed for
Massachusetts -- still wearing the clothes he had worked in that day.
With his Colonel's commission, he quickly recruited
fourteen regiments, including the surprise enlistment of
fifteen-year-old son Caleb.
Important action began within days. Following Paul Revere's
intelligence, colonial militias knew where and when the British
planned to move their colossal navy. Stark was ordered with
his regiments to move downriver across a narrow neck of land
where the British had floating batteries on each side. Stark moved
his force "at a deliberate pace" and when questioned why he
didn't hurry faster to where the need was great, responded
"one fresh man in action is worth ten fatigued ones".
The fellow officer in charge knew Stark from the French
and Indian War, and left it up to him to position himself best.
On the north side of Bunker Hill was a thinly guarded rail fence
that Stark knew would be viewed by the enemy as opportunistic.
He ordered his men to "stuff the fence with straw" to present
at least the impression of a barrier. Then he rode about 80 yards
in front of it and planted a stick marker into the ground, warning
his troops not to fire until British infantry passed the stick.
In the battle that ensued, three-fourths of British soldiers were
struck down, "all betwixt the line and the stick".
His men obeyed his order.
Eventually, Stark and his troops would cover a retreating
fellow American regiment. Then they -- the last to remain --
began a slow, fighting retreat. Though the effort was not
a victory, the damage inflicted over a better equipped and
trained British contingent was almost as good as one
Stark was passed over for promotion again, and most of
his protests and explanations went unheeded. But his zeal
for independence kept him involved. As the the War for
Independence dragged on late into 1776, the Continental
Army was losing heart, without a victory, on the run,
enlistments ending. Gen. George Washington called
a council of war, and asked Stark's opinion going forward.
With strong words about relying on their courage and fire arms,
Stark proved the expectation of his leadership and devotion.
Washington assigned Stark and his militia to cross the river
and engage at Trenton at Christmas 1776, where
his valor helped win the battle as hoped for. Encouraged,
Stark and Washington proposed using their own funds to
muster re-enlistments, and with momentum gained they
battled successfully for Princeton as well.
These victories together are considered a turning point
in the War for Independence.
The War continued, and once again Stark's military
prescience told him to watch out for trouble, this time
toward the Canadian border and Gen. Burgoyne who he
anticipated would set his sights on Fort Ticonderoga (1777)
The inept military figurehead leadership there crumbled and fled
as British soldiers approached, and they conquered it easily.
Vermont officials recognized the perilous threat, pleaded
with neighboring New Hampshire for aid. NH legislative leader
John Langdon pledged his own funds to mount a force to
retake the Fort, and called on John Stark to lead it.
Stark agreed, but only if he was responsible only to
legislators, and NOT the fickle Continental Army.
(Above, view of Fort Ticonderoga)
With clever and inspired action, Brig. Gen. Stark led
his soldiers toward the battle near Bennington, Vermont,
in divided attacks to feint, draw the enemy in,
then surround and cut off their retreat in a pincer move.
It was at this point, as he prepared to lead troops up
the center for the final blow, that he rousingly spurred his men
with the quote: "There are the Red Coats and they are ours,
or else this night Molly Stark sleeps a widow."
The battle commenced and the British lines were broken.
(This traditional patchwork quilt pattern, below, is titled
"Burgoyne Surrounded" to celebrate these events.)
Two surprising things happened next. First, a 500-man contingent
of German mercenaries appeared to resist. Then, as
Stark's men regrouped for a second attack, a regiment of
fresh Americans that Stark had sent for arrived.
The battle raged fiercely, but after five hours, these fresh recruits
who had been untrained and inexperienced had made
an improbable stand "for their homes, their families,
and for their freedom."
This description reminds me strongly of the words of
Captain Moroni in the Book of Alma from
Book of Mormon scriptures. ". . . he took a piece of [his torn coat]
and wrote upon it -- In memory of our God, our religion, and
freedom, and our peace, our wives and our children. (Alma 46:12)
(Artwork below by Brent Borup)
These courageous and effective actions shattered the plans
and determination of British John Burgoyne, leading to
full surrender at Saratoga, the beginning of the end of the War,
and persuasive evidence prompting France's support.
In very real ways, Gen. John Stark was on the scene
at the BEGINNING battles for Independence,
and then also AT PIVOTAL MOMENTS near the end.
Here in New Hampshire, the Stark name lives on,
in road signs, bridges and town names, as a Spanish American
war fort, as a picturesque loop connecting historic sites, and more.
war fort, as a picturesque loop connecting historic sites, and more.
Hopefully, the spirit of independence, self reliance,
preparation, foresight, leadership and determination
will also live on, even without attribution to this quiet hero.
There is one more place we see Gen. John Stark's words
every day here.
Shortly before he died, in 1809 a commemoration
of the Battle of Bennington was planned, and he was
invited to travel there to speak. Poor health did not allow it.
Instead, he prepared and sent a very quotable letter. Among his
strong words were an allusion to the threat of subversion from
within at the beginning of the movement for independence.
He cautioned all who then had the responsibility of
safeguarding liberty to maintain vigilance, to stay alert,
and "to look to their sentries."
He concluded with a tribute to all who would continue to stand
against erosion of liberties. He said,
"Live free or die -- Death is not the worst of evils."
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,
we believe we are following leadership of God's modern-day
prophets on the earth. I believe with my heart that they are
acting as our "sentries" and will help us keep living strong.
Happy Independence Day 2020!
"I lift my lamp beside the Golden Door"
--Emma Lazarus at Statue of Liberty
