8. The Legacy and Sacrifice of the Marbleheaders: From Bankruptcy to Monument Author: Patrick O'Donnell Book Title: The Indispensables: The Diverse Soldier Mariners Who Shaped the Country, Formed the Navy, and Rowed Washington across the Delaware Followin

The John Batchelor Show

8. The Legacy and Sacrifice of the Marbleheaders: From Bankruptcy to Monument
Author: Patrick O'Donnell
Book Title: The Indispensables: The Diverse Soldier Mariners Who Shaped the Country, Formed the Navy, and Rowed Washington across the Delaware
Following the Trenton campaign, many Marbleheaders, exhausted and with enlistments expired, returned home, including John Glover, whose wife was ill. Marblehead suffered immense devastation post-war; the prosperous town went "bust," the industry declined, and many leading men went bankrupt. The sacrifice was tragic, resulting in nearly 400 widows by the war's end, with many bodies lost at sea. Washington eventually entreated Glover to return, promoting him to general, and Glover continued fighting until 1782. Today, the Marbleheaders' story is visible through remaining historic landmarks: John Glover's house has a plaque, the Jeremiah Lee mansion serves as part of the Marblehead Museum, and notable figures are buried in Old Burial Hill. In Trenton, a statue of Marbleheader John Russell is displayed, holding an oar to symbolize the famous Delaware crossing. Henry Knox paid tribute to the regiment, stating he wished Congress had seen the men of Marblehead alone stand forward to lead the army across the perilous river to achieve the victory at Trenton.