[anymouse]

Then we have something in common. Apparently my ancestor was also in Gen. Washington's boat, serving as his assistant (drummer boy.) His father, James Wilson was a Pennsylvania delegate that signed the Declaration of Independence. I presume that his son got the plum assignment with Gen. Washington because of his father's political connections.

James Wilson was apparently a prominent Philadelphia judge. He also apparently almost scuttled the Declaration of Independence, because the Southern colonies would not allow slaves to be citizens. Ben Franklin, another Pennsylvania delegate convinced him to not dash the hopes of all Americans over an issue that could be addressed at a later date. I doubt either one figured how long it would be before blacks would also enjoy the freedom they were fighting for.

[silverleaf]

My ancestor who rowed with Washington on the crossing had the surname "Jack"...I cannot remember which first name (James Jack perhaps?) because it has been some time since I discovered that tidbit in a very very long geneaological journal.

The "Jack" family (my branches, scots-irish who settled in Pennsylvania) was rather well-known for its military endeavors, dating back to French-Indian War, and may have been known to Washington from his earliest military campaigns in that war. They were among first to toss in with the Revolutionary army.

Sometime we should start a topic here where folks post vignettes about the Rev War gleaned from family anecdotal records.