The Loyalist / A Story of the American Revolution

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26217

Title

The Loyalist / A Story of the American Revolution

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution, this historical fiction explores the complex loyalties of Philadelphia's elite during British occupation. Through the eyes of the Tory Peggy Shippen and her patriot friend Marjorie Allison, the narrative examines the clash between personal affection, religious conviction, and political allegiance. Featuring the controversial Benedict Arnold and the romantic entanglements of the Shippen family, the story offers a vivid, emotionally charged portrait of a society torn apart by war, prejudice, and the struggle...

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1920, James Francis Barrett's *The Loyalist* presents a fictionalized account of the American Revolution centered on the Shippen family of Philadelphia. The narrative opens with Peggy Shippen recounting a lavish British-sponsored tournament honoring General Howe, highlighting the social prominence of the loyalist family. As the British occupation wanes, the story shifts to the domestic sphere, where Peggy and her husband, the disgraced General Benedict Arnold, navigate intense public hostility and political intrigue. Arnold faces accusations of treason and corruption, while Peggy struggles with her own Tory sympathies and the anti-Catholic sentiment prevalent among Whig leaders like Reed and Matlack. Parallel to the Arnold storyline, the novel follows Marjorie Allison, a fervent patriot, as she navigates her own life. Despite her political differences with Peggy, their friendship remains steadfast. Marjorie eventually marries Stephen Meagher, a Catholic officer whose promotion and marriage face scrutiny from the anti-Catholic establishment. The text details the harsh realities of the war, including the suffering at Valley Forge and the eventual downfall of Arnold and his aide, John André, who are captured and executed by American forces. Barrett utilizes historical figures like Washington, Howe, and Clinton as a backdrop for his fictional characters' experiences. The novel delves into themes of religious persecution, specifically the persecution of Catholics, and the moral ambiguities of the revolution. It portrays the revolution not just as a political shift but as a cultural and religious conflict where old loyalties and new ideals collide. The narrative concludes with reflections on the tragic fates of the principal actors, emphasizing the human cost of the struggle for independence and the enduring impact of prejudice on personal relationships.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Fiction