Forgotten Patriots Who Supported the American Struggle for Independence By Kara Struckman
Laying on a rigid cot, the devil clawed at my ribs and sunk its venomous and needle-like teeth into my thigh. Knowing death would soon have its grip on me, I thought back to all my important moments. While each breath became increasingly difficult, all I could think about was what an honor it was to fight in the Revolutionary War and an even bigger honor to fight under the command of General Bernardo de Gálvez. Gálvez was courageous, helpful, and a true leader; I hope he is still remembered a hundred years from now.
While I was first under his command, I was awed by how gallant he was. I had never met a man more courageous. During the breezy March of 1780, Gálvez had a month long siege, to capture Fort Charlotte. It was a long wait, but it was worth it because it was one of their most valuable forts(“ Galvez, Bernardo De”). It was such a major accomplishment and I still remember the celebration we had after. It was a night filled with revelry. Then in 1779, I was one of the lucky men he chose to accompany him when he attacked Baton, Natchez, and Manchac( Nieves). Due to Gálvez, capturing these forts was easier than counting to ten. We eliminated some of the Redcoats’ supplies and it was a great advantage for us. It was such a privilege to witness all the forts and men General Gálvez captured.
Crying out with pain as the devil dug its teeth deeper into my leg, I tried to distract my mind from the darkness. I thought about how the Revolutionary War would have ended if we didn’ t have Gálvez’ s support. It was of much help. In fact, one thing that was so helpful was when he closed off the Mississippi river from the British. This prevented access and any supplies they could have used from it. Still fresh in my mind, is the look on my fellow soldiers’ faces when Gálvez supplied us with new weapons from the Mississippi( Nieves). One gun could have made all the difference. In addition, he sent over $ 70,000 of ammunition, fabric, and medicine. The medicine saved thousands of lives. The fabric clothed many soldiers and the ammunition helped win our independence(“ Bernardo de Gálvez”).
All in all, I had always admired General Gálvez’ s intrepidness. It was one of many things that demonstrated his leadership skills. If he did fear something, he never let it show. He led thousands of men into battle with only a look of confidence and dauntlessness. Also, he even supplied us, the patriots, before Spain had sided with us(“ Galvez, Bernardo De”). Not afraid of the consequences; it took guts to do that. Furthermore, I can still picture him hopping on his own vessel when the commander in charge of his navy was too petrified with fear to command the navy to attack Pensacola. Gálvez knew the Redcoats were on their way to defend Pensacola, so he took things into his own hands and led his troops in attack(“ Bernardo de Gálvez”). It was such an admirable act and it showed that he could always be depended on, no matter what.
A smile slithered upon my scarred face as I thought about all the amazing things Bernardo de Gálvez did. Without him and all his deeds, the outcome of the war could be much different. As horrible as the thought was, the British might have won. I was glad I didn’ t have to think about that anymore, now that I had tasted the sweet taste of the independence of America. The agony of my ribs and legs almost softened as I thought about how America was on its own now and that I helped accomplish that. No matter how small my part was, I still helped. The efforts of all the patriots made a difference. Everyone had an important part to play and they should all be recognized. With a shudder of my body, my eyes fluttered to the back of my skull. I took one last painstaking breath and my eyes shut, falling into an everlasting slumber.