The "Dear Bill" title refers to Colonel Bill Williams; an Army colleague over many years who planned to accompany the author on a "Revisit" tour to South Korea. Unfortunately Bill Williams was unable to make this visit because of a progressive cancer illness. Gordon Clyde Southern; the author; made a full commitment to Bill that he would record the trip with complete notes and photos. The return to the scene of battle served to re-kindle old memories that had lain dormant for the 40 plus years. The assembly of grizzled old veterans provided an in-depth study of the military situation both historically and with growing concern for the current international tension. There are no eloquent acknowledgments in this book from the Generals; the Admirals; those with Cabinet protocol; or from Heads of State. It is nothing more than a soldierly narrative from those who fought along the Main Line of Resistance who seek to render a subtle reminder that historical neglect of the Korean War may tempt modern historians to issue their own revisionist philosophy. There is also a not-too-subtle conclusion that this nation may be faced with the necessity of instituting an Army Draft policy in order to maintain a formidable military might in view of our continued involvement in conflicts around the world.
#1670005 in Books The History Press 2010-03-19 2010-03-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .31 x 6.00l; .59 #File Name: 1596297395160 pages
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy CustomerEnjoyed learning about RI founders.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A bit dry at times but plenty of interesting nuggets along the way.By Paul TognettiRecently my wife received a copy of the noted Rhode Island historian Patrick T. Conley's 2010 book "Rhode Island's Founders: From Settlement To Statehood" as a gift. This is not a book that I would have purchased for myself but being a history buff I could not resist the opportunity to read about some of the most significant figures in the early history of what would eventually become my native state. While "Rhode Island's Founders" is by no means a great cover-to-cover read it was still fascinating to learn about the diverse and courageous cast of characters who helped to forge our nation's smallest and most religiously tolerant state.Dr. Conley divides his book into three parts. Part 1 focuses on those he refers to as "The Pioneers: Pre-1700". Included in this group is the Italian explorer and navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano who in the service of the King Francis I of France explored the Atlantic coast of North America between the Carolinas and Newfoundland; including New York Harbor and Narragansett Bay in 1524. Conley also offers up portraits of the most significant Indian leaders of the period including Massasoit; Canonicus; Miantonomi and Metacomet. Now when Roger Williams was banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony for his "radical" religious views in 1636 he established the colony of Providence Plantations. Williams was a firm believer in the tenets of "religious freedom" and the "separation of church and state". Conley points out that "Williams sought this separation not to protect the state from the dominance of the church but to free the church and the individual conscience from the interference and coercions of the state". Very interesting given what is going on in our nation in 2013! Williams was an honest and sincere broker who sought to deal with Native Americans on a fair and equitable basis. Williams strove for peaceful co-existence with Native Americans and had no intentions of stealing their land. Conley also presents thumbnail portraits of R.I.'s first permanent English settler William Blackstone and Anne Hutchinson who many historians consider to be the first white female leader in the colonies. You will also learn about Dr. John Clarke who was instrumental in obtaining Rhode Island's Royal Charter and the Rev. Gregory Dexter who was a minister at the First Baptist Church in Providence and who also helped to establish the Lime Rock Quarry in Lincoln which continues to the present day and is among the oldest continuous businesses in the United States. Meanwhile; I was surprised to discover how many of these early settlers were avowed abolitionists. It seems that slavery was already becoming a very divisive issue even in the colonial period.My favorite portion of "Rhode Island's Founders" was Part 2 "The Stabilizers: 1700-1763". In this section you will meet a number of individuals who helped bring about order from the chaotic early years of the colony. I particularly enjoyed reading about the craftsmen who operated in and around Newport during this period. Being a huge fan of the PBS series "Antiques Roadshow" I was pleased to read about cabinetmakers John Goddard and John Townsend. I have heard their names numerous times over the years but knew very little about them. Their work is highly coveted by collectors and Conley reveals that a six-shell desk/bookcase crafted by John Goddard was sold at auction in 1989 for a record $12.1 million. You will also be introduced to William Claggett Sr.; a leading clockmaker of the period; Samuel Casey the noted silversmith and the architect Peter Harrison. Dr. Conley also discusses the life of Bishop George Berkeley and reveals why his name was selected in 1866 for the University of California; Berkeley and the city that grew up around that school.The final section of the book is devoted to "The Revolutionaries: 1763-1790". Here you will learn about the lives of some famous and not-so-famous Rhode Islanders who played a crucial role in beating back the British and establishing the new nation. Of course the most notable among this group was Nathanial Greene who locally was instrumental in the creation of a militia company that would come to be known as the Kentish Guards. Greene would quickly make a name for himself in the Continental Army and would go on to become one of George Washington's most trusted friends and advisors. Then there are the Brown brothers who hailed from perhaps the most prominent family in all of colonial Rhode Island. Conley presents brief portaits of Joseph and Moses in this volume. Moses was a prominent merchant; reformer and philanthropist who was a vigorous opponent of the slave trade. This would put him at odds with his more wealthy and influential brother John Brown. In 2007 author Charles Rappleye would write a terrific book chronicling the decades long rift between these two siblings called "Sons of Providence". Now I am embarassed to admit that there were several names in this section of the book that I was not at all familiar with. As such; I greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn about the significant contributions that these people made to the cause of freedom and to the establishment of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in 1790.Reading "Rhode Island's Founders: From Settlement to Statehood." has given me a new respect and appreciation for the sacrifices these brave souls made to establish our state. It was fascinating to discover just what motivated them and how they went about their business. Although I found the writing to be a bit tedious from time to time this is still a book that is well worth a look especially for history buffs.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great Pocket Survey of Early Rhode Island HistoryBy AuggieThis book was an excellent survey of a "who's who" in early RI history. A native of this state and former student of Professors Conley and Alice H. R. Hauck (cited in this book) at Providence College over 40 years ago; I downloaded this book to read on a recent business flight. RI certainly had an enviable history during this period with a great line up of historical notables. As little attention is given to such studies in the public school system; very little is know of native history. Conley's survey certainly brings to light and life many historical characters whose names currently adorn street signs and other mapped locations though out our Lilliputian state. To bad there are so many notables who do not have decent biographies written about their deeds and follies. This subject should be taught with pride to future generations who do not appreciate the relevancy and experience of this forgotten age.
