The Life Of Artemas Ward; The First Commander-In-Chief Of The American Revolution

by Charles Martyn

This is the story of Artemas Ward, the first commander-in-chief of the American Revolution. It is the story of the high elevation of an eighteenth-century Massachusetts country-township leader. In Artemas Ward it presents a type as clear-cut and distinct as that of the Samuel Adams of the Boston town-meeting and the wealthy Washington of Virginia; and it tells of a life lived in the strength of an unquestioning faith in the Puritan religion, of an intelligence of high order "directed chiefly to the practical interests of mankind," of a character distinguished by industry, and patience, and forgetfulness of self, by tenacity of conviction and complete integrity.

334 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

born 1874

Reviews

[Ross Peot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been working on a special project on all those who had served this country in my genealogy. I ran across General Ward although way down in my family line. I happened to find a hardcopy of this book on ebay. In the publishers preface this is a writing by his great grandson. As I read, General Ward was an extra ordinary patriot. I was totally taken by the dedication he had toward this country. It mattered little in what capacity because he was the main man in the committee's that where established. He was a leader in so many way. As I read on, I found another name, Colonel Asa Whitcomb. I also have the Whitcomb name in my genealogy and found that he was my 1st cousin 7 times removed. So, it certainly shed light on what I have been interested in my research. Obviously, there was politics of the day back then as well. When one thinks of the Revolutionary War we think of George Washington. How many of us knew MG Artemas Ward was the First Commander-in-Chief of the Revolution? He served throughout his military career with medical conditions and requested his termination, but each time he would ask, the Congress asked for is continuation. As a general he felt he was not worthy of the rank because of his medical condition and was welling to continue at his previous grade. They had made a special arrangment for him because he was serving a a duel capacity, yet, he felt uncomfortable about it. How little we know, only to find out so much history we would have liked to have known back in our school days. This would really be a nice read for the classroom in understanding the length men went through in establishing our form of government and protecting the home land from British rule. I have a long line of men who served in my line, from the French and Indian Wars, ( ancestor's who lost their lives) Civil War, ( a great uncle killed and a G.A.R. named after him, another wounded, and several more distant, WWII ( cousin, POW). These were a tragedy, yet, how interesting to learn of you family line who played a key role in our freedoms. The service of General Ward really stands out for me because I can really now understand much better the cost our forefathers committed toward their freedom and those of us to come. I highly recommend reading.