1778 Battle of Shelburne : At Peirson's Farm

Almost nobody knows the captivating true story of the Revolutionary War battle between the Vermont militia and British and loyalist forces in Shelburne, Vermont. Only one firsthand account remains of the 1778 event. It was written down fifty-five years later in a pension application. This simple document was the first clue in a historical treasure hunt for author Michael J. Haugh, MD. Haugh had a personal stake in the quest. He is a descendent of the pension applicant, Uzel Peirson, and a direct descendent of Moses and Rachel Smith Peirson. The skirmish occurred on the Peirson family’s farm. As Haugh delved into family genealogy searching for information about Uzel, who was fourteen during the battle, he uncovered important facts that had previously eluded historians. Now, thanks to Haugh’s research, the stories of many forgotten heroes can be told. The battle severely rattled British confidence. When Sir Guy Carlton, the governor general of Canada, reported on the disaster, he falsely claimed the government forces had suffered few casualties. In this remote corner of the frontier, the Vermont militia actually gave the British and their allies one heck of a fight. This meticulously researched account of the battle at Shelburne will delight genealogy and American history buffs of all ages.