Oliver Wiswell and the Nutmegger

I think I have figured something out. I recently finished reading "Oliver Wiswell," by the great American historical novelist Kenneth Roberts (his books are great). "Wiswell" was a wonderful read, giving one an insight into the Revolutionary War times from the point of view of the Loyalists. I would recommend it to anyone.

To mention just a couple of things in the book: (1) To the Loyalists, Samuel Adams and John Hancock were rabble-rousers, unlike George Washington and John Adams, who were more noble in their eyes. And (2) The British General Howe (my namesake and maybe a forebear) was far too slow to follow up on his successes with what should have been decisive victories in the War. This was attributable in part to his laziness and interest in women, but also, it is suggested, perhaps to the fact he was a Whig while King George III was a Tory. The point being that if victory for the British came too easily and quickly, it would assure political ascendancy of the Tories for years.

I let several people know of my enthusiasm for the book, including my seasonal neighbor Herbert Geller, who was an editor and journalist in Connecticut in past years. Herbert sent me a booklet he had published in 1976 on southwestern CT's role in the American Revolution. It too is an interesting read and I am about halfway through it.

What caught my eye was this: In one place, Herb referred to CT as the Nutmeg state. It suddenly came to me—maybe this is how the frequent contributor to this Blog came up with the intriguing name "The Nutmegger": she (I am guessing it is a she) is from CT! Could I be right? Or is she just a big user of nutmeg in her cooking?

Lanny