From The Files: 2 July 1776 ... The 7th of 70 Entries (One for Today)

August 13, 2005

[1850] Benson John Lossing (born in Beckman, Dutchess County, NY, 12 February, 1813; died 3 June 1891, Dover Plains, Dutchess County, NY)

"Richard Henry Lee’s resolution of the 7th of June, declaring the United Colonies "free and independent states," was adopted ["Resolved"] on the 2nd of July 1776; and that day, rather than the 4th of July, should be celebrated as our national anniversary. It was only the form of the Declaration, which accompanied the resolution that was adopted ["Passed"] on the latter day. (p.280, Vol. II).

THE PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK OF THE REVOLUTION, or, Illustrations By Pen and Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for Independence, in Two Volumes 1,100 Engravings on Wood by Benson Lossing and William Barritt, Chiefly from Sketches by the Author . [New York:, Harper & Brothers Publishers; New York, 1850, 783 pp & 772 pp; reprinted as Field Book Of The American Revolution, Volumes I & II, Cottonport: Polyanthos, 1972, 783pp, 772pp w/ index]

Renowned autodidact journalist, Benson Lossing was born to a poor family, orphaned and apprentice watchmaker at 11, part owner of the Poughkeepsie Telegraph at age 22, at which point he started reading to make up for his lack of education, and in 1836 he began partnership the publication of a literary journal called the "Poughkeepsie Casket". In 1848 he matured the plan of his principal work, THE PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK OF THE REVOLUTION, which was published in thirty illustrated numbers throughout 1850-1852). For twenty years Mr. Lossing was a frequent contributor of illustrated papers to Harper's "Magazine." In 1873 he received from the University of Michigan the degree of LL.D. In 1872-'5 he edited the " American Historical Record and Repository of Notes and Queries," published in Philadelphia. A prolific writer and sketch artist, he traveled extensively

collecting reminiscences of historical events - often from relatives and descendants far removed from the actual events. His style was easy to read, popular, even tabloid, rather than academic, and he died very embittered that academic institutions refused to accord him the honours that he felt were his due. His sketches, however, may be considered a valid legacy.

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