The Journal of Cadwallader Colden during the Revolutionary War; A Transcription and Commentary, by Jay A. Campbell and Kieran J. O'Keefe is now available for purchase.
This book is a valuable addition to the libraries of students of the Revolutionary War, especially those with a special interest in the loyalists of the Hudson Valley.
Who was Cadwallader Colden Jr? Colden was a 54-year-old gentleman farmer in the semi-frontier area west of the Hudson River at the start of the war. His father of the same name had served as Lt. Governor (and twice as interim Governor) of the province for many administrations over a 16-year period. Too old to fight, and with too heavy a legacy to change his allegiance, the younger Cadwallader struggled with pen to explain his position with respect to independence while maintaining safety for his large family and assets.
Colden, born 1722, was of the same generation as the namesake of this blog, Joel Campbell (1735-1828). They lived in the same area and undoubtedly were acquainted. Joel Campbell shopped at Colden's store four times in 1768 (the only period from which a ledger survives). In the journal, Colden includes two letters he addressed to the Goodwill Church, a Presbyterian congregation where Joel's daughter, Jemima, would marry.
What is the Journal? The journal is a 208-page bound book written in the hand of Cadwallader Colden in the collection of the Huntington Library. It might be more accurately described as a “letter book.” Most of the entries are copies of letters Colden sent or received. The earliest is dated December 8, 1776 and the latest is dated April 12, 1779. The letters are written from several different locations. Colden was summoned, arrested, jailed, paroled, and banished. These events and movements of the British army caused Colden to move about the state.
Why a transcription? A transcription of the original journal makes this first-hand account of life in the Hudson Valley more accessible to historians and genealogists. The transcription allows full-text searches.
Why a commentary? The commentaries added by the authors describe people mentioned in Colden's journal. Many of them are well-known men of history (John Jay, Gouverneur Morris, and George Clinton were all recipients of multiple letters from Colden). Colden also names his hosts in exile, family, and fellow prisoners. Locations where Colden was held and roads where he traveled are described. His home at the time (built 1767) is preserved in ruins in Montgomery, New York. Several of the inns where he stayed under house-arrest are still preserved.
The paperback book is self-published and is only available by on-line purchase.
