In May 1781, Virginia’s government was on the run. The state capital of Richmond had become incredibly dangerous due to ongoing British threats and raids along the James River. Believing the inland Piedmont region would be a safe haven beyond the enemy’s reach, the General Assembly voted to abandon Richmond, retreat west, and reconvene at Charlottesville on May 24. They had no idea Cornwallis would intercept a colonial dispatch revealing their new location and send his fast-moving cavalry straight after them.
At the time, Charlottesville was just a small and insignificant town. Governor Thomas Jefferson lived and worked from his estate, Monticello, which was a few miles outside of town. His term as governor had actually just ended two days prior on June 2, leaving the state temporarily without an active executive, but because he was still at Monticello managing the crisis, history still looks at him as the British army’s prime target.
At this particular moment in time, the General Assembly worked in the town of Charlottesville itself, convening in the Albemarle County Courthouse and frequenting the nearby Swan Tavern. Up at Monticello, Jefferson was hosting the Speakers of both the state Senate and the House of Delegates.
When Cornwallis learned that it would be possible to strike a devastating blow to Virginia’s government—and potentially change the course of the war—he sent one of the most feared individuals to strike: Banastre Tarleton, a 27-year-old superstar of the British forces.
Born in Liverpool to a wealthy merchant family, Banastre Tarleton went to Oxford and studied law, but he spent most of his time living wildly, gambling, and burning through his inheritance. His family eventually bought him an officer’s commission in the British Army, and he volunteered to go to America to put down the rebellion.
Tarleton was given command of the British Legion, a highly mobile combined force of cavalry and light infantry. They wore distinctive dark green uniforms instead of the traditional British red coats. Tarleton soon developed his patent style of striking without warning, marching through the night, and hunting down retreating enemies. In fact, his reputation preceded him in a terrifying way.
In May 1780 at the Battle of Waxhaws, Tarleton’s men caught up to a retreating force of Virginia continentals. When the Americans tried to surrender, Tarleton’s horse was shot. Thinking that their commander had been killed under a flag of truce, his soldiers went into a frenzy and killed over 100 Americans who were attempting to lay down their arms. From that day on, “Tarleton’s Quarter” meant killing surrendered soldiers.
When Tarleton was sent to Charlottesville, it was just by luck that his troops were spotted by a young man named Jack Jouett. Tarleton and his men thought they’d sneak up on the town completely unnoticed, but the 26-year-old militia captain had a different plan in mind.
Jack Jouett, son of the owner of the Swan Tavern in Charlottesville, was at the Cuckoo Tavern in Louisa County when he spotted the distinctive green uniforms of Tarleton’s British Legion riding past in the moonlight. Suspecting Charlottesville was the target, he raced out, mounted his horse, and rode into the night to warn his town. The only problem was that Tarleton had a massive head start on the main highway, and Charlottesville was 40 miles away.
To arrive first, Jouett had to take an abandoned, heavily overgrown path through the Virginia Piedmont known as the “Three Chopt Road.” The path was treacherous, but he rode at a reckless gallop through the dark. The vines and thorns literally shredded his clothes and his body. He carried the physical scars from those branches on his face for the rest of his life.
Just before dawn, Jouett arrived. His first stop was Monticello, where he warned Jefferson, who managed to escape into the woods moments before the British cavalry arrived at his front door. Jouett then continued on his way down the mountain into the town of Charlottesville.
Thanks to his warning, the majority of Virginia’s leadership fled over the Blue Ridge Mountains to Staunton just in time. Those who escaped included Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, Benjamin Harrison V, and General Edward Stevens.
However, there were some who didn’t get away in time. When Tarleton’s British Legion cavalry came rushing through the town, it was absolute chaos. Legislators were said to be leaping out of windows and running for their horses. Tarleton did manage to capture several assemblymen, including the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone, who was serving as a local representative.
While so many know of Paul Revere’s 12-mile ride, it’s sobering to think that Jack Jouett rode 40 miles through dense, bloody overgrowth, saved the cradle of Virginia’s government, and is barely mentioned in standard history books. Who knows how many other incredible men and women played a huge role in history and were left out?
When I wrote Whispers of Treason, I wanted to be sure to weave real historical places and stories I heard as a little girl growing up in Charlottesville, Virginia. That time period and those places have always had a special place in my heart, and I hope that if you read Whispers of Treason, you’ll enjoy the historical facts I’ve included at the end of the book.
A traitor in the Continental Army. A raid that could end Virginia’s government. And one woman willing to risk everything for love.
Anna Randolph has always believed women are capable of more than society allows. The daughter of a prominent military supplier in Revolutionary Virginia, she manages her father’s correspondence and longs to contribute meaningfully to the cause of independence. When she meets Major James Coleman at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, she’s drawn to the self-made officer who sees her as an equal—but in the uncertain spring of 1781, with war raging through Virginia, falling in love feels like both a gift and a gamble.
Major James Coleman earned his rank through merit, not birth. A Scots-Irish officer from the Shenandoah Valley, he’s gathering intelligence for the Marquis de Lafayette while avoiding romantic entanglements—his dangerous work is no life for a family man. But Anna Randolph is unlike any woman he’s ever known: intelligent, passionate, and brave. For the first time, James allows himself to imagine a future beyond the war. Until a routine visit to the Albemarle Barracks uncovers a deadly conspiracy threatening both Jefferson and the cause itself.
When whispered treason reveals plans for a devastating raid on Charlottesville and James is left for dead by a jealous rival, Anna must become the courier he never meant to send into danger. Racing thirty miles through enemy territory to reach Lafayette’s camp, she carries intelligence that could save Jefferson and alter the course of the war. In a world where women are meant to wait and worry, Anna Randolph will ride into the heart of danger to prove that sometimes the most perilous mission requires not just courage, but love.
Now, how about a little giveaway? One person will win a $5 Amazon gift card by simply telling me: Have you ever visited a historical site, and what is your favorite one?
Love this piece of history you shared.
I’ve visited so many over the years, but I really love Old New Castle in Delaware.
I have never been there! I need to look that up!
I have never visited a historical site only in books.
The best thing about visiting them in books, is you can go anyhwhere at any time!
Good morning Sarah! Thank you for this piece of our history this morning! I’ve been to quite a few historical sites. A lot in Washington DC. I loved Mt Vernon. But, the place that is close to my heart is the Vietnam War Memorial. Although I didn’t lose anyone close to me, it was a war that was shown on tv in the late 1960’s and 1970’s when I was a young girl. I remember as a teenager we wore a silver bracelet with “Thomas Hart MIA” on it. Although I never knew him, he was a local in our small town, Live Oak, FL. So, when we looked at all the names on that long black wall, we found Thomas Hart. We put a piece of paper and pencil and shaded it showing his name. I still have it! This would have been a Washington DC trip with my daughter in 1991. And over 20 years when he went missing. Very emotional site. And he was no one I knew, yet still has a lasting impression.
Best Wishies Sarah!
I love that story so much!
yes, no fav
They are all good, aren’t they?
Thank you Sarah for sharing so much history! I have been to many historical sites and I have several favorites. Arlington cemetery brought tears to my eyes. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was sobering. Mount Rushmore was incredible. I am thankful to say I’m an American. Looking forward to reading your book. Happy Independance Day!
I’ve never seen Mount Rushmore! I bet that was incredible!
Thanks for sharing the interesting historical info. I have visited several historical sites – when I was a teenager I worked at The Hernitage, the home of Andrew Jackson, as a docent. I have always loved history. Last summer I was able to visit Pearl Harbor and my husband and I spent the whole day touring the museum and all the other sites included in the tour. It is probably mt favorite. The emotions and historical significance were incredible.
I bet it was very sobering, that trip to Pearl Harbor!
I have visited quite a few historical sites, mostly here in Finland. My favorite is Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites).
Ohh that sounds really neat! I need to read about that!
I have enjoyed visiting several historical sites including Jamestown, Yorktown, and the White House, among others. Of great personal interest was a visit to a National Military Park which included the land where my GG-Grandmother’s family were living at the time of a major Civil War battle.
Interesting article!
Oh how neat you got to do that! You might have been walking in the same places they did!
I enjoyed your post! How fascinating! I’ve been to a lot of historical sites, but It’s hard to pick a favorite. I enjoyed the Biltmore House and Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC.
I’d love to visit Biltmore one day! I bet that was neat!
I really enjoyed reading this! I was homeschooled, so visiting historical sites as we traveled was part of our history. 🙂 I have so many favorites, from battlefields, to old mansions, but the only revolutionary war era place I’ve been to (so far) is Ninety Six in South Carolina.
I live in the Southwest and have visited a lot of historical sites that occurred during the settling of the West.
Tombstone, the Oregon Trail and Hoover Dam
I bet those were so fascinating!
I love visiting Historical sites, I been to quite a lot. I live in New England and there is so many great Revolutionary war history around here. One is Fort Griswold which was captured by Benedict Arnold, when they surrendered they killed the colonel with his own sword. I could go on and on about the fascinating facts. Have a great 4th of July.
Good Wednesday Morning Sarah,
I’ve visited the State House in Columbia, SC. You can still see where the cannonballs hit the building during the civil war.
Oh wow! I bet that was so neat to see!
What a wonderful story! I am a senior adult and had never heard it before. Thank you for sharing it.
It’s a shame so much has been lost to history or buried! I bet there’s so many fascinating stories!
Yes, I visited Bunker Hill, Plymouth Plantation, Walked the Historic part of Boston, Old Ironsides, the Mayflower, Springfield, Illinois where Abraham Lincoln was State Senator, and Plymouth Rock.
You’ve been to some wonderful places!
I’ve been to Andersonville twice, and it’s very moving!! I’ve also been to St. Augustine, which is moving in a different way!
I have not been to either! I need to look them up.
I have been to West Point and visited the fort there.
I bet that was interesting!
Your book sounds amazing. Can’t wait to read it and learn more history that was left out of the history books.
Thank you! I hope you’ll enjoy it!
I have been to a number of historical sites, from Washington, DC, Harper’s Ferry, to Gettysburg. All very sobering.
They are. It’s a lot to think about.
Yes, I have been to Philadelphia, DC and Williamsburg. I would say my favorite is the monument for President Abraham Lincoln. Thank you for the opportunity. God bless you.
I loved that monument too!
I have visited many. My favorite is Gettysburg. You can really get a sense of the enormity of that battle.
I have not been. I’d like to one day.
Many of our trips are focused on historic sites. We have visited Washington DC, Boston, Monticello, Mt. Vernon, Ft. Ticonderoga, Jamestown, Williamsburg, Ft. Jefferson on Dry Tortugas National Park, Mesa Verde, and so very many others. We always visit historic houses and venues where we go. We also live in the oldest town in TN and it has many historic sites as do the neighboring towns. The Biltmore Estate in neighboring Asheville, NC is only an hour away and is a fascinating, if expensive, visit. I still have many more places to visit. There is always something else to discover and explore.
I look forward to reading your contribution and this whole Series. You are so right. Women’s contributions during times of crisis are seldom recorded and when known are downplayed.
You have been all over! I really want to see the Biltmore Estate one day!
Hi yes, I have visited several Historical sites.
Oh yay! Another history lover!
I love this period of American history and hats off to all you ladies who are participating in this. You are bringing out the tensions.and fears that our ancestors were experiencing! I had the privilege of visiting DC the year after 9/11 – wish had the physical ability to go back because I found it all so interesting.
There are often so many great YouTube videos of other’s travels there, you might enjoy those!
I love visiting historical sites, specially about the Revolutionary War. I have been to quite a lot of them. I live in New England and there is so many great places to visit. Concord, Mass. Minute man statue and historical park, old hill burying grounds, old north bridge Fort Griswold in Ct. Which was captured by Benedict Arnold. When the Colonel surrendered the major killed him with his own sword. So many fascinating facts and historical place to see. Have a great 4th of July
Oh yes! You are right there with all of it!
I have visited historical sites, but I don’t know which one is my favorite.
I grew up 35 miles outside of Boston so I’ve visited more historical sites than I can count lol. It’s one reason I’ve always loved reading historical novels and history was one of my favorite subjects in school. But the site that wasn’t per se my favorite, but which impacted me the most, was going to Gettysburg. It truly has a spiritual element to it that you can feel. The blood cries out from the ground there, like God said that Abel’s did.
Yes I have visited a few historical sites. I don’t have a favorite.
I have been to several historical sites. The Chateau de’ Mores in Medora, North Dakota, is probably my favorite.
I’ve been to several historical sites: Alamo, Biltmore Estate, Plantations near Natchez, Arizona Memorial, St Augustine, Jamestown, those in Philadelphia and Mackinaw Island. I liked them all. Your book sounds very interesting.
I’M 81 now, so I really can’t travel anymore.. I’ve been to so many places in the NE and SW, trying to remember them all…In my early 30’s, my youngest daughter and I traveled with my parents (from TX )to DC to visit my 2nd cousin who was a (can’t think of the position in the Government he had then… but he was sent to various countries, even Georgia (the country, not the State!) He took us to Mt Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, a Revolutionary battleground (can’t remember which one… Have been through Conneticut, RI, New Hampshire – don’t remember where I saw the (can’t remember, something with a mural of ? – soldiers (maybe) covered bridges etc. Live in TX now, so have been to the Alamo several times, Hoover Dam, Fort Davis, have seen the tracks of the Oregon trail (in Kansas, I think) – lived in Jaksonville, FL in the early 70’s, been to St. Augustine (even water skied there!) Been to Mesa Verde several times and other Peublo/Aztec ruins in northern NM (while living in Farmington, NY) Been to the top of Pikes Peak 3 times – twice in auto, once on the cog RR. — Galveston where we visited a tall ship and an old BAttleship – hunted sea shells on Boca Chica – vacationed on Padre Island before it became a ‘tourist trap!) Been to the N.. Padre Islad National Sea Shore twice; Traveled several years ago to see the Tall Ship Parade from Shedd Aquarium dock. And probably so many more places, I can’t remember… FULL LIFE! Gerrye now living in Pittsburg, TX