A Tapestry of Heroes

Two hundred and fifty years ago, John Baylor wrote to his friend George Washington, "as the brave Harry y. 5th told his soldiers that Victory was not so much owing to Numbers as to the Conduct & Courage" of those in the field. The quote remained with me throughout these years of research and came to mind each time I found another story of 'conduct and courage.' As I gathered my heritage close about me, I realized the truth of Henry V's statement. Our history was written by men of courage, men of principle; men and women whose selfless conduct and far-reaching vision still touch us today. Ten years of research revealed a tight weave of great military leaders bound to each other through marriage. The Hunter women, noteworthy for their beauty, united names found in the military journals of their time: Major Samuel Appleton, in charge of all the forces on the Dedham Plain; Lt. Col. George Armistead, Defender of Baltimore; Col. John Baylor of Newmarket, who was with Washington at Winchester. Any student of American history will enjoy learning about the other side of their hero -- their personal lives and fortunes, the journey that brought them into a position of prominence and power. Fully documented, this work gives the reader the background that drove their success and the home life that supported their careers. A companion book, A Tapestry of Colonists, covers the years 1730-1767.