Arnold's expedition

In our last post, we mentioned two descendants of Henry and Ann Lunt. One was Calvin Coolidge; the other was Thomas W. Markle who is the father Meghan. The few posts in this blog ought not be taken as lack of activity which will pick up this year, for several reasons. 

As an aside, the 400th of Plymouth was muted last year due to COVID's entry on the scene. The planning for the other anniversaries continues quietly. We would like to suggest a little change. If one looks at Massachusetts, starting in the 1620s, towns came into existence continually. This post on the 400ths lists over 70 towns. Notice the image. See Wikipedia for the page on the settlements. 

As an aside, rather than just look at the 400 roll-over, we are taking a broader view: 400th, 300th, 250th, 200th, and 100th. That is, we are talking four centuries of families. Notice that this blog has a link to the Lunt book (which needs some serious updating). We have found lots of other Lunt work being done and will get to pulling the information together. 

The 250th? That's what SAR/DAR are calling the upcoming event which has been organized from the perspective of the U.S. (link to the 250th project - america250.org). Lots has been written about the American Revolution. There are plenty websites targeted to the subject. Note that both SAR (newly minted) and DAR have extensive databases about Patriots and their families.  

We are also looking at Loyalists, especially from the perspective that New France and New Spain subsumed much more land than did New England. The 200th? At that time, the border twixt Canada and the U.S. was still fluid. People were moving out west about this time, as well. So, lots to look at. 

But, stepping back. Benedict Arnold led a group from New England up to Quebec in 1775 to stage a surprise attack. Some of the volunteers were from Newbury and Newburyport. We start by looking at one who did a diary - Caleb Haskell. What is interesting is that Caleb was at the  Siege of Boston in the organization of Ezra Lunt (Lunt book, #302). Ezra did not go north with Benedict's group. 

But, the tale is interesting. Too, the Lunt book makes some mention of Ezra's life. There is more on his service in the Mass Sailors & Soldiers book. However, we can fill in the pieces, too. For example, in our other blog, we are looking at The Massachusetts Magazine which published from 1908 to 1918. Each issue included a look at a Regiment that had been at the Siege of Boston. Ezra is mentioned on TMM, Vol IX, 1916, page 33; his brother, Paul, is listed a little later. 

In brief, Arnold's trek had lots of problems. It was winter. He was wounded. So, later events might be seen, somewhat, in a new light. 

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We have been posting information since 2010 and are ready to formalize the scope and look. Any recommendations and comments would be welcome. 

Remarks: Modified: 05/13/2021

05/13/2021 --