The Border War of 1708
This poem describes a border conflict between New England and New York colonists over land rights and trade restrictions. The narrator portrays the conflict as a struggle for freedom and self-determination against oppressive British rule. The poem highlights the bravery and resilience of the colonists, who risked their lives to defend their homes and livelihoods.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1846 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, War Literature · 3,408 words
First lines
The picturesque site of the now large village of Haverhill, on the Merrimac River, was occupied a century and a half ago by some thirty dwellings, scattered at unequal distances along the two principal roads, one of which, running parallel with the river, intersected the other, which ascended the hill northwardly and lost itself in the dark woods. The log huts of the first settlers had at that time given place to comparatively spacious and commodious habitations, framed and covered with sawed boards, and cloven clapboards, or shingles. They were, many of them, two stories in front, with the roof sloping off behind to a single one; the windows few and small, and frequently so fitted as to be opened with difficulty, and affording but a scanty supply of light and air. Two or three of the best constructed were occupied as garrisons, where, in addition to the family, small companies of soldiers were quartered. On the high grounds rising from the river stood the mansions of the well-defined aristocracy of the little settlement, -- larger and more imposing, with projecting upper stories and carved cornices. On the front of one of these, over the elaborately wrought entablature of the doorway, might be seen the armorial bearings of the honored family of Saltonstall.
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The Border War of 1708 is listed on Textopian as an essay by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1846 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1846 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, War Literature, Drama, Tragedy
- Length: 3,408 words
- Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical context, depicting events and characters from the past.
- Adventure — The plot involves perilous journeys, captivity, and the struggle for survival.
- War Literature — The story centers around conflict, battles, and the impact of war on individuals and communities.
- Drama — The work explores intense emotional experiences and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
Tags
Historical Fiction · American Literature · Colonial Era · War Novel · Patriotism · Revolutionary War · New England · Border Conflict · Military History · Factional Politics · Regional Identity · Cultural Clash