July Fourth Tribute to Benawell Bonfoey Connecticut 6th Regiment

I haven't any pictures of my Revolutionary War ancestor, but I am fortunate enough that he and his wife and children did draw pensions for his service.  I have first a summary of his service. 

It puts him in the 6th Connecticut Regiment.  I found a description of the mission his company went on in May 1777, that he participated in.  (remember you can click on the image to enlarge it to read, the click back)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia this is an example of where the 6th Connecticut Regiment under Jonathan Meigs and Samuel Parsons fought. 
 In May of 1777, they used whaling ships and sloopes to raid and rescue at Sag Harbor.  "Landing on Long Island they marched across to Sag Harbor, surprised the garrison, burned a dozen vessels, destroyed a large quantity of military stores, killed several of the enemy and took 90 prisoners, without losing a man. For this action, Col. Meigs was voted a Sword by Congress, which now hangs in the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
After the Sag Harbor raid, the 6th Connecticut went to Peekskill, New York to join the other regiments of the Connecticut Line. The Connecticut Line wintered at West Point during the winter of 1777-1778. While there, they constructed the "Meigs Redoubt" and other fortifications in the area."


It is a blessing that the Continental men chose to fight for what they believed in.  I am grateful for the freedoms I enjoy today because of them.   My hope for the nation is that we will hold close to the beliefs and basic truths that the country was founded upon.

The graphic was from Graphic Fairy

The document was found on Footnote.com

Our Past Can Give Us Direction

Studying the events of the day can sometimes take us back to learning of our past if we are looking to the cause and effect of actions and looking to not making the same mistakes.

I was studying the U.S. Constitution and I came across facts that made me thankful for the heritage I have.  I have written about my ancestor's (Benanuel Bonfoey) testimony of the good character of George Washington.  This line is through my mother.  Her grandfather George Washington Roberts fought for the United States.  During the Civil War (I have ancestors on both sides as do most), he fought to preserve the Union.  Just as his ancestor fought to make a Union, he fought to make that dream of his ancestor continue as conceived.  Benanuel fought at Valley Forge.  I did not know the total facts until just now (American History class just said they suffered and we went on)  There were 8000 men originally, 3000 abandoned and went home, 200 officers resigned, and over 2000 died of starvation and disease due to exposure.  Benanuel looked to the positive side and had a vision of what he wanted for his family and hung in there to see it through.  How thankful I am that he stuck it out so I can have the priviledges I do now. 

I think that is where I am in my feelings about this nation now.  My ancestors fought to create this nation, and then their prodigenity worked hard to up hold the Constitution and the Country.  I must follow suit to help my children and grandchildren.  Some of my help may be in teaching of their forefathers, and some may be to raise my voice in unison with those who are trying to uphold the Constitution and this Nation as One Nation Under God.  Facts are facts and principles are principles.  There are true principles in the Constitution and we need to seek and uphold truth.

Valley Forge Eyewitness

When we were a young married couple, my sweetie Ned wanted a good painting. He found an Arnold Friberg print. We loved it. It represented how we felt about our country, was beautiful on the wall. Arnold Friberg art

I started researching my family history and discovered I had an American Revolutionary Soldier in my mother's line, a Benanuel Bonfoey. He was among those who suffered through the winter at Valley Forge. How wonderful to hear his personal testimony given about the character of General George Washington. In the book 'Commemorative Biographical Record', it is recorded that Benanuel "referred with pride to the fact of Gen. Washington's concern for and care of his men, and that he was like a father to the soldiers, cheering or inspiring them with hope as best he could". 1

I am glad I had an ancestor that was a part of making this nation and inspite of hard ships, he looked upon his experience with gratitude for his association with a great man.

1. Commemorative Biographical Record of Connecticut Page 685 (I know this is not complete, but I like a thoughtless historian, did not write down the rest of the information)