Wouldn't we each and every one like to sit by the side of a Revolutionary War veteran and listen to his remembrances of the war and of growing to adulthood in upcountry South Carolina? Well, the next best thing is to read what such a fellow wrote. Collins' Autobiography of a Revolutionary Solider is just that narrative---ranging from hilarious to distressing to curious and back again. And, best of all, the setting for his earliest tales was York County, South Carolina and surroundings.
Besides tales of local battles and skirmishes this source lends rich insight into everyday concerns of men, women, and children of the Carolina Backcountry. This is a great book to put you into the spirit of upcoming events-especially Huck's Defeat, Walnut Grove, and Camden. Every member of the family will enjoy reading or being read to from this memoir.
You'll giggle as you gather bits of information about apprenticeships and clothing while reading about a suit of clothes the mischievous young Collins tailored for a cat. The grim reality of war fought on home soil is vividly felt as the old man remembers the tears he shed although victorious at King's Mountain and the melancholy sight of wives and children of Tories searching for husband or father on the battlefield. Tales of hunting trips are recorded as are his adventures and misadventures in courting. Collins was “immoderately fond of music and dancing” and therefore reported on dancing and singing schools and frolics. I was especially pleased to read that women of more than forty years danced the night away.
While Autobiography is a fascinating source, do remember that it is often difficult to recall details of our lives, even after a few months; therefore, we cannot know to what extent Collins recollections were factual or embroidered with fantasy. If your local library does not have this book, ask the reference librarian to borrow it for you through interlibrary loan. I checked the internet and found it listed by Barnes and Noble (under the shorter title, A Revolutionary Soldier) for $25.95
Sometimes catalogued simply as A Revolutionary Soldier.
New York: Arno Press, 1979. From the 1859 edition, revised and prepared by John M.
Roberts.
6th NC Home | Event Schedule | Photos | About Us | Links | Member Page
Site maintained by webmaster@6nc.org. Last updated 01/09/02 .