The World Turned Upside Down
By Seth Irving Handaside
By Seth Irving Handaside
"The World Turned Upside Down" takes readers on an exhilarating journey through one of history's most transformative periods.
This masterful work of historical fiction follows the audacious British-American colonists, known as the Founders, as they boldly rise against the mightiest empire of their time: England. Their unprecedented struggle challenged the status quo and reshaped the foundation of global politics and human rights, ushering in the era of democracy. As the narrative unfolds with rich, immersive detail and dynamic characters, the story poses a profound question: after securing their hard-won liberty, could they preserve and nurture the fragile promise of a new world?
This compelling tale captures the spirit of revolution and the enduring quest for freedom.
Excerpt
Horatio Gates
Birthed in 1728 to the much older housekeeper of the 2nd Duke of Leeds of England, who should know more about the desire for glory than the son of a housemaid?
Horatio Gates, a thick barrel man of 50, whose job was to help organize the myriad of state regiments that composed Washington's army, barked out orders. He thought himself very efficient in managing the camp at Cambridge.
At a soiree given by Washington for his officers at his residence on Brattle Street in the summer of 1775, Gates sat across from Nathanael Greene, whom he studied. He stood up, his wire-rimmed glasses sitting on the tip of his nose. Glancing around the room before sitting again, he informed anyone who would listen, "Burgoyne considers himself a man of wit, fashion, and honor, a fine dramatic writer, and an officer whose courage endures beyond question. The only thing that rattles through the thick skull of John Burgoyne is his quest to achieve fame."
Gates' muscles, especially around the mouth and eyes, twitched slightly, the image of Burgoyne stuck in his mind.
He laughed. The tone of his voice changed, and he spoke at a quicker pace.
"Many aspects of his life Burgoyne enjoyed, but none more than public recognition. When, as a member of the House of Commons, he demanded an investigation of the East India Company, alleging widespread corruption by its officials, he basked in notoriety."
Greene rolled his eyes, successful in stifling a chuckle.
"From a personable standpoint, Burgoyne invited criticism. My godfather, Horace Walpole, told me in a friendly way, 'Burgoyne is the illegitimate son of Lord Bingley," informed Gates.
"He relied on competent authority from the loose tongue of a jealous woman."
"You know much about him."
"Yes, I feel I must; destiny stands before us."
"Really," said Greene, who had enough of Burgoyne but not Gates, whose mind itched to pick up a sword.
"Born in 1722," continued Gates, "his father, the second son of a third Baronet, educated at Westminster School in London, where he befriended Thomas Gage and Lord James Strange, the eldest son of the eleventh Earl of Derby. The latter would influence his life and fortunes."
Without a word, General Israel Putnam, who commanded the Army Center at Cambridge, took a seat across from Gates. He blinked and scratched his unshaven face, knowing a good tale awaited.
"In August 1737," Gates resumed, "the Baronet entered the British Army by purchasing a commission in the Horse Guards. He became known for his fashionable attire and earned the nickname "Gentleman Johnny." He sold his commission in 1741 but returned to the army four years later by buying a cornet's commission in the 1st Royal Dragoons. A year later, promoted to Lieutenant, he finished the conflict as a captain."
Gates paused, pleasure radiating his face. He smiled, but his eyes avoided his comrades. He breathed the scent of fall that whiffed through the open windows.
Seth Irving Handaside
Growing up in Putnam County in the town of Putnam Valley, named after General Israel Putnam, Seth Irving Handaside walked its roads.
He explored the hills and valleys that American rebels tread. But, he often thought, what would have done when the head of the state, King George III of England, ignored his rights and the rule of law?
Would he have marched to the tune of the revolution and been in a regiment commanded by General Putnam or sided with the loyalists?
Fascinated by American history since elementary school, politics runs in his veins. He has spent the last ten years researching and reading about the founding fathers and settled on six men, three boys not yet twenty, and three Virginians who risked having their necks stretched to make the American dream a reality.
