Ethan Allen Biography - Applewood Books for History Lovers

"The critic will be pleased to excuse any inaccuracies in the performance itself, as the author has unfortunately missed a liberal education." Thus ends the introduction, written in Bennington, VT, March 25, 1779. Colonel Allen's "Narrative" is a damning indictment of the British treatment of American prisoners captured during the Revolutionary War. Indeed, the bulk of the book describes what our own Constitution would prohibit as "cruel and unusual punishment." "Inhuman" captures the sense of Colonel Allen's outrage. In the modern day of gracious amity between these former pitched adversaries, it is difficult to imagine the cruelty Allen endured.There is one aspect of Allen's capture and captivity which bears particular attention. He was captured following a skirmish with the enemy, but out of uniform. "...I happened to be taken in Canadian dress, viz. a short fawn skin jacket, double-breasted, an under vest and breeches of sagathy, worsted stockings, a decent pair of shoes, two plain shirts, and a red worsted cap..." In the present era he would not have been eligible for "prisoner of war" status. He would more likely be considered an "enemy combatant." If his mission were considered to be spying (he was captured outside the US, near Montreal), he could have been shot. Of course it is futile to apply current mores to historic situations. And there is no justification for the inhumnaity with which he was treated.It is always refreshing to read the actual words written by a historic figure and to follow his thoughts. Ethan Allen's narrative was written by a patriot and a man of honor, a man to whom Americans owe a debt of gratitude.