The British military record keeping of the eighteenth century often captured the reports and stories of officers but rarely did so for enlisted men. Hagist searches for records wherever he can find them.
Many of the men described in this blog eventually became Americans. Some deserted, others were captured as prisoners of war and then escaped, eventually disappearing into the American countryside where they were assimilated into American society. Some remained in British garrisons and continued serving as soldiers of the King.
One story I found interesting was that of Alexander Robinson of the 57th Regiment of Foot. He deserted the Regiment in 1770 while stationed in Dublin, Ireland. He was captured and tried as a deserter seven years later north of Albany, New York, as one of a group of 300 American prisoners of war. How he traveled from Ireland to America apparently was not documented.
Those who remained in America often married and raised families. It is possible you could find an ancestor listed in the British Soldiers, American Revolution. Regardless of whether or not your own ancestor is listed, reading the articles will provide great insight into the harsh conditions these men endured and will give a greater appreciation of the lives they led.
British Soldiers, American Revolution can be found at http://redcoat76.blogspot.com/.
