05 Tuesday Jun 2012
Posted in PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE
Tags
Confederate, Confederate POW, Family, Paul Hamilton Hayne, Poetry, POW, Prisoner of War, The Substitute
The tale of “The Substitute” begins on page 75 which can be seen using the above link.
14 Monday May 2012
Posted in John Bessac
Tags
American Patriot, Anah Nichols, Colonel Nicholls, Cornwallis, Dutchess County, Fishkill, Jersy City, Prisoner of War, The Committee of Safety
John Bessac was released by the British within a few weeks after he, once again, became a prisoner of war. His fortune was depleted and his self-confidence was a waning. He returned to Jersey City to determine if he could salvage his business. Once again he dredged up the courage and buoyancy that had, to date, carried him through life.
His father and mother sent him several letters that wished him well. They expressed their deep affection for him and ensured that he knew he was welcome home. Not only welcome but also that their lives were not full without him being there.
John Bessac was elated that his father would still welcome him home.
John decided that when the American War for Independence was over he would sail back to Montvalant.
John often, in the line of business, visited the residence of Colonel Nichols. Aside from the business John seemed to be visiting the Colonel more often in recent days. He had noticed that the Colonel’s daughter Anah had blossomed into a beautiful woman. With blue eyes and a hospitable manner it was not hard for her to capture John Bessac’s attention.
A mutual attachment developed between the gallant young Frenchman and the daughter of a American Patriot. John soon offered her his hand. She accepted and within weeks they were married. John Bessac may not have realized it at the time but Anah Nichols-Bessac was a kind, supporting, devoted and affectionate wife through his subsequent years.
John Bessac had abandoned his gallant and gay life for one of more substance.
He remained in his Jersey City business for two years after his marriage. Lord Cornwallis suffered a defeat of magnitude at Yorktown. His troops were moved to New York City and were far from controllable. The marauding and unprincipled British Tories raided home and business. John Bessac closed his business in Jersey City and moved to Fishkill on the Hudson. There in Dutchess County, New York, John expected to continue whatever business he could muster.
However, the uncontrollable British troops continued to pillage whatever they could. A group of American citizens formed “The Committee of Safety” for their own protection. Several of the marauders were killed but Colonel Nichols lost a son in one of these skirmishes.
John Bessac was robbed and severely wounded by these British vagabonds before the war came to an end.
