The discussion centers on Damien Cregeau’s book, Portraits of Patriots: Colonel John Trumbull and five fellow patriots from Connecticut in the American Revolution, and the broader context of Connecticut’s role and often-overlooked figures during the American Revolution.
Introduction and Book Genesis
- The discussion opens with an introduction to Damien Cregeau and his book, which focuses on key figures from Connecticut's Revolutionary experience who are not typically covered in popular history.
- Cregeau was inspired to write the book during the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak, aiming to "make lemonade out of lemons".
- His research began with an appointment on the "ominous date" of Friday the 13th of 2020 at the Pennsylvania Historical Society to examine papers related to the USS Confederacy. He also visited Valley Forge on the following Sunday, March 15th, just as shutdowns began.
- The book focuses on "second tier folks from Connecticut" and their support for George Washington. Cregeau sought to fill a scholarly gap by focusing on figures whose biographies had not been written, such as Jedediah Huntington, Ebenezer Huntington, Faith Huntington, and Samuel Webb of Wethersfield. Cregeau is currently staying in Norwich, Connecticut, across the street from Samuel Huntington's house.
Key Individuals and Their Roles
- The featured figures came from prominent families, notably the Trumbulls and Huntingtons.
- Jonathan Trumbull Sr., the governor, was unique as the only colonial governor to remain in power from the colonial era through independence, likely due to being elected.
- John Trumbull served a mere 19 days as Washington's aid at the age of 19. He later pursued painting, studying under Benjamin West in England (where his roommate was Gilbert Stuart). Trumbull was arrested in England on suspicion of spying. He is famous for painting iconic Revolutionary War images despite being blind in one eye from a childhood fall.
- Jonathan Trumbull Jr., John's older brother, served as military secretary during the Yorktown campaign.
- Jedediah Huntington served as a colonel and became a brigade commander following the Battle of Ridgefield. He participated in the Siege of Boston, the New York campaign, White Marsh, and Monmouth.
- Samuel Webb served as aid to Israel Putnam and then George Washington. His diary records details of the George Washington potential plot (June/July 1776) involving Thomas Hickey (Washington's lifeguard) and New York Mayor Dave Matthews.
- The motivation for these wealthy merchants and figures, including Jedediah Huntington, was complex, driven by familial ties (Huntingtons were in-laws of Governor Trumbull) and recognition that British strong-handed actions (like the Stamp Act and Intolerable Acts) were economically and politically problematic.
Tragic Experiences and Family Legacy
- Faith Trumbull Huntington, Governor Trumbull's daughter, suffered from chronic depression. Her condition worsened after visiting the Boston area the day after Bunker Hill. She died by suicide around Thanksgiving 1775 after Washington refused to grant officers leave, fearing a British attack. Jedediah Huntington was potentially the only general besides Israel Putnam to lose his wife during the war.
- Their young son, JZ Huntington, went to live with his grandparents. JZ attended the Tisdale school and graduated from Yale in 1782 at age 15.
- John Trumbull credited his older sister, Faith, as the inspiration for pursuing visual arts.
- The second book will detail the legacy of the family, including 19th-century painter Daniel Huntington.
War Context, Disillusionment, and Scope
- The discussion noted the disillusionment and sense of betrayal felt by Continental soldiers, particularly in the latter part of the war, as they faced starvation and lack of support while civilians thrived. This disillusionment served as a "cautionary tale" that Cregeau emphasizes. Pensions for these veterans were only addressed years later under President James Monroe.
- The first book covers events up to 1779, cutting the original 200,000-word draft in half. The first volume was released in June 2025.
- The end of the first book addresses naval contributions, introducing the story of the USS Confederacy, a frigate built to impress the French after the alliance was signed.
- The second book will pick up in 1779 and cover the fate of the USS Confederacy (involving John Jay and the French), Jonathan Trumbull Jr.'s diary during the Siege of Yorktown, and the details of Faith Trumbull Huntington's unmarked crypt in Dedham, Massachusetts. The second book is tentatively scheduled for release in 2027 or 2028.
Research and Diversity
- Cregeau’s research involved using previously untranscribed letters of Jedediah Huntington (from the Morristown, NJ, National Park Service) and Faith/JBZ Huntington (from the Connecticut State Library). He noted the challenge of reading Jedediah Huntington's handwriting.
- He emphasizes the importance of shedding light on underappreciated demographics. Black and Native American labor (including members of the Mohegan and other tribes) helped construct the USS Confederacy between 1777 and 1779. Samuel Ashbow, the first Native American to die at Bunker Hill, had a brother who served and died at sea on the ship.
Ken Burns Documentary
- The host mentioned he has seen all six episodes of the upcoming Ken Burns documentary on the American Revolution.
- The documentary focuses primarily on the experience of the war itself, highlights contributions of Native Americans and African-Americans, and uses records of "common people" like Joseph Plum Martin. Visually, it uses panning across paintings and abstract footage from reenactments. Cregeau expressed hope that the documentary would contribute to a shared sense of American cohesion despite modern political divides.
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To see a list of upcoming Round Table events, where you can participate on Zoom, go to: https://amrevrt.org/virtual-round-table-events
Order a copy of Portraits of Patriots: Colonel John Trumbull and Five Fellow Patriots From Connecticut in the American Revolution at Amazon.
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