The Untold Story of the Colonial Marines During the War of 1812

Today’s interview with Matthew Taylor blew my mind. The Colonial Marines are a unit I’d never heard of and they fought in Battles I didn’t know about.
These escaped black American slaves joined the British cause during the War of 1812.
The unit was a force multiplier - men who knew the battlefields like the back of their hand and were highly motivated.
Matt's book is launched at the National Army Museum on the 6th April 2024 and tickets can be purchased here - www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/black-...
The book can also be ordered here - amzn.to/3v3Pctg
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
If you are very generous, you can also buy me a coffee and help support the channel via ko-fi.com/redcoathistory or sign up for the Patreon over at / redcoathistory

[@bobbymay8618]

i found out recently that my 4th great grand father was on George washingtons life guard unit. was plucked from the 14th Virginia infantry. fought at the battle of Trenton. even as an American i think my favorite unit of the kings forces were the royal marines.

[@redcoathistory]

Great family history. Thanks for sharing, Sir.

[@bobbymay8618]

@@redcoathistory thank you for the absolutely fantastic content you put out! It's extremely refreshing as a yank to get the Brits side of things and just a window into zululand, something that is definitely not touched on in u.s. schools.

[@redcoathistory]

@@bobbymay8618 To be fair, the Zulu war is not touched on in British schools either. . .none of these stories are which is why I am so keen to promote these stories that are otherwise in danger of being forgotten.

[@KopperNeoman]

At least you know that it's the Navy (and Air Force) who are the King's men! The Army aren't the Royal Army.

[@studentaviator3756]

That's a really cool lineage, tbh I didn't know George Washington had a life guard, but it obviously makes sense he would. I'm just curious how long did this unit exist for and when/if did it disband. I know the US Army 3rd infantry regiment is the "old gaurd" and they perform that ceremonial role as well as being a stryker battalion. Are they related at all?

[@geecee2526]

In Ontario (Canada), escaped slaves who had settled here were originally organized into an engineering company and were responsible for building many of the fortifications that bordered Canada and the US. A man responsible for the company's creation was Richard Pierpoint, an escaped slave who fought for the British in the American Revolution. Many of these soldiers settled large communities in towns like Chatham, London, Windsor, and Bradford. These places would go on to become the final stop on the famed Underground Railway

[@V.B.Squire]

It's heart warming to hear the organiser was also a slave

[@Maverick0451]

I already knew I would love this one as it focuses on the Marines, and I love all things Marine Corps!! I couldn’t help thinking in hearing the British tactics for recruiting runaway slaves, and even the rhetoric behind it, was strikingly similar to the Union approach 50 years later with the US Civil War. Benjamin Butler called them Contraband so he could skirt the issue of the Fugitive Slave Act, and that really moved the needle forward for eventually recruiting free Black men and emancipated slaves. It’s almost like they remembered how well it worked the first time and just copied the playbook on a much larger scale!! Great video as always. I look forward to reading this book!!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Seth, Appreciate the feedback and analysis. Any good books you'd reccomend.

[@richardsimms279]

@Maverick0451 Ben Butler was a fanatical Abolitionist…..and a lawyer. He may well have been inspired by that, but he was acting out of conviction.

[@johnhudghton3535]

Not a narrative commonly heard. Excellent work, thank you.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for listening

[@ianmedford4855]

​@@redcoathistory there was a very unique series of naval battles fought on The Great Lakes too... There can't have been many Royal Navy campaigns fought on fresh water. It might make a cool episode, and I can't imagine too many people have even heard of it.

[@NoelWesley]

My family are originally from Sri Lanka and I was born in London. I regularly tell people similar unknown and largely ignored facts about British history across the world. Especially when it comes to the modern conception of "All British Colonialism bad. Booo - Hiss." Kudos to Matthew on the book. I look forward to buying it. I knew about escaped Slaves joining the British during The War of Independence but the Colonial Marines of the War of 1812 is completely new to me. It's fun to tease our Colonial Cousins about 1812 when they get uppity about The War of Independence and the Boston Tea Party 😁😁 Yes, I had to make a cuppa after this episode lol.

[@test-201]

Cousins? i wouldn't go that far more like mexican/irish hybrids desperately clinging onto the english language for dear life a quarter of a millennium later for no reason

[@NoelWesley]

@@test-201 I haven't had interactions on the subject with those "Mexican/Irish hybrids" you mention. More with those of British Ancestry. You can tell by the names. Hence "cousins." My interactions with Mexican/Irish hybrids usually involve tequila and tacos/potatoes and whisky.

[@test-201]

@@NoelWesley The majority of the english left america for canada after 1776 but a couple of million germans did anglicise their names in america so you were mostly likely talking to them, the US has more in common with mexico than britain since its the second largest spanish speaking country in the world lol not our cousins

[@britishpatriot7386]

Did you have crumpets too with your tea? Try it 😀

[@NoelWesley]

@@britishpatriot7386 Unfortunately not. I live in Sweden now and crumpets are really bloody expensive. My Mum will bring some over when she visits next time. My supply of Tetley's will be topped up too 😆

[@ottovonbismarck2443]

Probably one of the most unknown episodes in the history of "that colony", especially if you're neither British nor American. It has been a pleasure to learn something new and fascinating. Very well done, Matthew ! Outstanding presentation, hope to see more of your work in the future. Prost !

[@shaneblack4862]

I have to say that I've recently stumbled across your videos and I want to say how much I respect your obvious passion for British history, and I appreciate how it's also tempered and balanced with quality research to tell the story warts and all, with both the good and bad aspects, events and results. Just as history should be told as to the best of our abilities. Please keep up the great work, and thanks for the education.

[@redcoathistory]

Morning Shane. I really appreciate the feedback and I am glad you like the channel. Its a tightrope to walk but I hope I get the balance right.

[@markcasaus9589]

Bullshit, about the cause of the war. Stop impressing our sailors. And I've Studied plenty. Get your facts straightened out before you post anything

[@FMCH6444]

Another amazing show! As an American, I can tell you that all we learned about the War of 1812 was that we declared war over the press gangs taking US merchant sailors. We gloss over the war, stopping long enough to know that invasions of Canada failed ( we're not told why), the evacuation of DC & the White House w/ Dolly Madison making sure some painting were saved, and a hurricane preventing the British from completely ransacking Washington DC, and extra time for the siege of Ft McHenry & Andrew Jackson winning the Battle of New Orleans.

[@ianmedford4855]

That's actually a perfect summary of everything we're taught about it. *although if you're lucky, you might get 20 minutes on the naval battles on The Great Lakes too... which would make a good Redcoat History episode come to think of it.

[@richardsimms279]

It’s for the same reason a Bully who gets punched in the nose discounts all the torments he had heaped on the puncher that led directly to said punch on the nose, and bleats about being a innocent victim. If they fessed up to their behavior, they would have to share responsibility for the War with our War Hawks and couldn’t play victim anymore. The English were well aware they were playing with fire, as the incoming PM famously revoked the Orders in Council the very day that Congress declared War on them. If he had done so a month earlier, there would have been no war.

[@FMCH6444]

@@ianmedford4855 I think we breezed over the Great Lakes battles, but that was back in '89-90 - fog of time.

[@BladeFitAcademy]

​@@ianmedford4855I've got direct ancestors who fought with Perry on the Great Lakes. "Don't give up the Ship!" 💪⚔️

[@BladeFitAcademy]

Also, for the British, this conflict was a perfect excuse to take control of the Mississippi waterways from the Great Lakes to New Orleans, especially New Orleans for the tolls they could excise from American commerce, if not control and also to hem in the American Westward expansion. One thing they did not appreciate was an energetic people with shores on the Pacific and Atlantic. This would someday threaten British Sea dominance of the future and they didn't want to have an English clone fueled by a giant continent coming after them like Frankenstein's monster. This is why the Battle of New Orleans was so important to have won. It cleared the way for American expansion to the west.

[@Ed_G_Boise]

Thank you for keeping historical nuance alive, it's on life support but it's alive

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. I thought Matt was brilliant and I highly reccomend his book.

[@Ed_G_Boise]

​@@redcoathistorythis recounting of history has had me unable to stop watching. Anything to show that history isn't to be thought about in black and white terms. (Can't help myself) cheers from across the pond.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Brilliant. Fascinating stuff. I knew that ex black slaves joined British forces but I didn't know the details like this. Learned a lot. Im glad Matthew stressed (more than once ha) the main goal of the Americans in the War of 1812 was to remove British presence in North America, which failed. It was never largely about the impressment of American sailors, which is what we tend to hear today, even by historians. There was a far bigger agenda going on. Cheers to both of you.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Lyndon. Yep I also learned so much from Matt. It's not a conflict I knew much about but is certainly one I hope to cover more in the future.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@robertsolomielke5134 There is even a song about the (irrelevant I'd say) Battle of New Orleans, I believe.

[@danielsnyder2998]

You need to read a little bit more and should not rely on just this book

[@danielsnyder2998]

@@robertsolomielke5134 The Battle of New Orleans was fought on January 8, 1815, between the British Army under Major General Sir Edward Pakenham and the United States Army under Brevet Major General Andrew Jackson roughly 5 miles (8 km) southeast of the French Quarter of New Orleans, in the current suburb of Chalmette, Louisiana. The battle took place 15 days after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, which formally ended the War of 1812, on December 24, 1814, though it would not be ratified by the United States (and therefore did not take effect) until February 16, 1815, as news of the agreement had not yet reached the United States from Europe. Despite a large British advantage in numbers, training, and experience, the American forces defeated a poorly executed assault in slightly more than 30 minutes. The Americans suffered just 71 casualties, while the British suffered over 2,000, including the deaths of the commanding general, Major General Sir Edward Pakenham, and his second-in-command, Major General Samuel Gibbs. It was the British Army that was “attacking”, the Americans “defending”. Apparently the British were also unaware the war had ended.

[@danielsnyder2998]

The Battle of New Orleans was fought on January 8, 1815, between the British Army under Major General Sir Edward Pakenham and the United States Army under Brevet Major General Andrew Jackson roughly 5 miles (8 km) southeast of the French Quarter of New Orleans, in the current suburb of Chalmette, Louisiana. The battle took place 15 days after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, which formally ended the War of 1812, on December 24, 1814, though it would not be ratified by the United States (and therefore did not take effect) until February 16, 1815, as news of the agreement had not yet reached the United States from Europe. Despite a large British advantage in numbers, training, and experience, the American forces defeated a poorly executed assault in slightly more than 30 minutes. The Americans suffered just 71 casualties, while the British suffered over 2,000, including the deaths of the commanding general, Major General Sir Edward Pakenham, and his second-in-command, Major General Samuel Gibbs. It was the British Army that was “attacking”, the Americans “defending”. Apparently the British were also unaware the war had ended.

[@keithagn]

That was a Cracking great story! I am embarrassed to say I had no idea of the Colonial Marines, and their contribution to our Victory of the War of 1812. Best Regards from Canada 🇨🇦

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Keith! It is certainly an interesting subject.

[@DirtyMikeandTheBoys69]

Your victory? That's quite an interesting take considering both Great Britain and the United States officially recognize the war as a stalemate. Not to mention, Canada didn't even exist as a unified colony until 1867....

[@keithagn]

@@DirtyMikeandTheBoys69 Hell's Bell's, Mike, we ain't unified now even!

[@DirtyMikeandTheBoys69]

@@keithagn ain't any better over here

[@edwardgoering1237]

@@DirtyMikeandTheBoys69 You'll be unified soon when you vote in Pierre and we get Trump back LePenn will rein in Macron & Hopefully Farage will run and oust Sinak

[@TonyLS9A]

Right, well, another book on pre-order. What an amazing story. Thank you for sharing.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi Tony, Hope you enjoy it. It's a great read.

[@user-jf9si7qo4e]

Love history all types my dad was from Trinidad and my mum from Blackpool watched many of red coat videos ,this with all the Personal testimonials from all sides great documentary be encouraged keep producing great content

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate, Glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate the feedback.

[@HUMPTYNUGGET]

I was a British army soldier and was attached to a Royal Marine unit and my son in law is a Sergeant in the Royal Marines too...they are incredible warriors and their incredible spirit and ethos seeps into your own skill set.....

[@nathanirby4273]

This is awesome! I'm a war of 1812 reenactor from Louisiana who does a British Royal Artillery impression, and I consider myself pretty knowledgeable on the period, yet I had not heard these fascinating stories!

[@buckwheatsghettoghost4927]

When I was at Parris Island as a Young Marine recruit we learned that the Royal Marines left the Commandants house untouched as a sign of respect to the US Marines.

[@matttaylor308]

Similarly, it appears that the diversionary force sent up the Potomac (which eventually occupied Alexandria, Virginia) passed by George Washington's Mount Vernon but did not launch any kind of assault upon it out of respect (though my historian brain also says they may also have simply been in a hurry to support the DC attacking force, with this a romantic post-fact addition).

[@buckwheatsghettoghost4927]

@@matttaylor308 Thank you

[@jdlr369]

Hello from Canada. I enjoyed the commentary, thank you.

[@TheChippewa77]

It’s important to remember that the American troops that invaded Canada were also untried militia led by aging generals who had served during the revolutionary war

[@redjem6918]

I already knew a fair bit about the Colonial Marine Corps from a longstanding interest in the War of 1812. I always felt it should be a better known aspect of that nearly forgotten (in Britain) war. One thing not mentioned by Matthew in his brilliant presentation in this video is that the Colonial Marines were not subject to the same level of punishment for disciplinary infractions as white marines (who were liable to all forms of corporal punishment, including flogging) because their officers considered that men subjected to such appalling treatment by their slave masters should not be treated in such a way. Instead the most severe punishment was that the offender had to wear his jacket inside out. It was enough. Discipline was excellent.

[@angmid9210]

This was an amazing story. Absolutely incredible. The part about the fort running up the Union Jack and the flag of No Quarter left me humming Rule Britannia with tears in my eyes (and I’m not usually one to do that - Rule Britannia at least 😂). I’ll be ordering the book for sure.

[@TheChippewa77]

Considering what’s happened to the Canadian government inrecent years, as it takes great strides towards socialism and the abrogation of individual liberties, maybe it’s a shame you weren’t conquered.

[@robertmoyse4414]

Possibly your best video yet! Can you envisage contemporary British society producing someone like Thomas Cochrane, George Cockburn or especially the incomparable Fighting Nicolls? Me neither.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Robert. I was really impressed with Matt - great knowledge and research. I learned so much from this interview.

[@WargamingHistory]

Fantastic bit of history thanks Matt. I recall in the eighties reading a reference to these Colonial Marines in an Australian born English officers memoir. I think the memoir is in either the Australian National Library or the military library at the war memorial in Canberra.

[@BladeFitAcademy]

As an American I appreciate this episode. Well done! And extremely fascinating.

[@alvinhewitt2139]

True. ❤ Historical facts!

[@TheIceman567]

@@alvinhewitt2139kinda isn’t

[@alvinhewitt2139]

Wow. I'm an " African American" born and raised in New Orleans, now living in Georgia. Brother with the Mohawk is dropping knowledge ❤

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for watching mate. Glad you found it interesting.

[@allanburt5250]

Another cracking video. I had only heard mention of these lads and this deeper dive is much appreciated. 👌

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it...I was also fascinated.

[@peterjaimez1619]

Also Indians (native Americans), mainly sided with the British! Cheers

[@V.B.Squire]

Really? What about the ones that sided with the French like hurons, must have been a confusing time for them choose us to get back at the brits or the brits to get back at the US when they had a grudge with both.

[@johnbrereton5229]

​@@V.B.Squire Yes Really ! The majority of American Indians fought with the British including the Mohawks and Shawnee but many others too.

[@rkitchen1967]

...and were used as canon fodder as the result.

[@johnbrereton5229]

@@rkitchen1967 No, they always were on good terms with the British and allied themselves to stop their land being colonised by American settlers. They were used as scouts not fodder, no army destroys it's own forces, that's just ignorant nonsense.

[@rkitchen1967]

@@johnbrereton5229 Bot true. The British lacked the natives' skills at fighting in the wilderness. The British actually used Native Americans as shock troops and to launch independent raids on settlers.

[@phillipallen3259]

That was a totally different perspective than I have ever had. So little is taught about the War of 1812. From the time British people landed in North America, we have had a shared story, for the worse and more often, for the better. These men have a story that should be shouted from the highest rooftops. Thank you for sharing this important part our shared history.

[@spirithawk2418]

As an Afro American man brought up in North Carolina, I salute you!!! 🇺🇲✊🏿🪘

[@welshwarrior5263]

A great way to start a Sunday. Thanks both.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate - hope you are well. Got another video coming out Tuesday. . .

[@welshwarrior5263]

@@redcoathistory I will look forward to mate.

[@user-pz8yd5jg7y]

THANK YOU! AS A MARINE I SALUTE YOU.

[@andrewbattley3146]

Fantastic stuff and underlines the importance of good historians shining a light on our forgotten history. Thank you!

[@puma1304]

I`ve studied the history of Spanish Florida and the Spanish-Seminole-Runaway relationships and this piece of information is a good extension to this knowledge. From what I as an archaeologist/ethnohistorian know, the Natives and African-Americans for sure would have had a much better life under Spanish, British or French rule than under the Americans, especially under Jackson! (see also the views of W. Henry Harrison on the Great Lakes Territory the natives and the dispute with Canada) US historians always assume that they and their system are the true champions of "freedom" (until this very day) but things are by far much complexer and do not support this assumption... greetings from wild, wet, windy, and wonderful Western Patagonia, Chile

[@redcoathistory]

Many thanks for your message and for the information. I am new to this history so it is very interesting to learn. Do you have other sources you reccomend?

[@matttaylor308]

One of the British "adventurers" who recruited Colonial Marines, and was active during the Seminole Wars, was George Woodbine, who was also a significant figure in the recruitment of soldiers for Simon Bolivar in Gran Columbia, and later a figure in that government.

[@danielsnyder2998]

I'm sure the people of Africa and India of the times would agree with you ...NOT!

[@markkringle9144]

Great line from "The man who would be King" (I think it was Sean Connery). "This is the art of British Soldiering. When you complete this training, you'll be able to stand up and kill your enemies, like CIVILIZED men."

[@leej296]

I really enjoyed this clip. But, a factor you missed on the list of reasons the US to declare war on the UK was that the Brits continued to man forts in lands seceeded to the US in the West long after the war of colonial independence.

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

Another interesting and less know story well told

[@geecee2526]

The Battle of Bladensburg is often referred to as the Bladensburg Races because the Yanks ran away so quickly that the British soldiers nearly fainted trying to keep up with them! By the way, it is widely accepted that Admiral Cockburn was tasked with raiding Washington in retaliation for the raid (and subsequent burning of Parliament) at York, the capital of Upper Canada a year earlier. Today, York, now Toronto, is one of the largest cities in North America

[@matttaylor308]

Charles Ball, an on-the-run enslaved African-American who was "undercover" as a free man in Commodore Barney's Chesapeake Flotilla, the most able US force in the region, noted "the [American] militia ran like sheep chased by dogs".

[@TheIceman567]

The same happened to British regulators at the battle of Thames Shadrack Byfirld a British veteran wrote in his memoirs “the officers exclaimed “FOR GOD SALES MEN STAND AND FIGHT!” They fired one volley then the line broke.”

[@johnstevenson1709]

Brilliant a fascinating story presented in a watchable interests way.

[@BaronVonHardcharger]

I am descended from British Empire Loyalists that came North in this time to Canada. This story you related was completely unknown to me. I think I need to do some more reading. Thanks for the education on what may prove to be my own roots... Keep up the good work.

[@redcoathistory]

Nice one mate. Glad to help shine a light.

[@bretberry8911]

Great story, as a Floridian, I knew some parts of this story, but definitely learned a ton

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it thanks a lot.

[@TheIceman567]

@@redcoathistory Incorrect, The United States voted against annexation of Canada (prior to assault) on June 25th, 1812. This Decision affirmed and the final bill rejected on July 2, 1812 The Federalist party didn’t wanna go to war. Democratic-Republicans Felt that Canadians were unfit for citizenship and/or risk The balance of power being swing to the Federalist Party (As Canadians were closer in family/connections to the north east (at this point). British historian Reginald Horsman sees expansionism as a secondary cause after maritime issues, noting that many historians have mistakenly rejected expansionism as a cause for the war. He notes that it was considered key to maintaining sectional balance between free and slave states thrown off by American settlement of the Louisiana Territory and widely supported by dozens of War Hawk congressmen such as Henry Clay, Felix Grundy, John Adams Harper and Richard Mentor Johnson, who voted for war with expansion as a key aim. However, Horsman states that in his view "the desire for Canada did not cause the War of 1812" and that "The United States did not declare war because it wanted to obtain Canada, but the acquisition of Canada was viewed as a major collateral benefit of the conflict". Even Canadian historian Pierre Breton’s knowledge, remember that the next time you hear your countrymen claim that the US declared war simply to “steal” Canada. In Berton’s book “Flames Over the Border” he made it very clear that annexing Canada was NOT the chief war goal of the US. He even stated that Britain treated the US as if it was still a colony. His words, not mine. Aside from that, when you read his books, you feel as if you are in the story feeling the wind and the frost. Amazing writer.

[@andygeorgeparkinson2515]

Fascinating view points raised as well as interesting military aspects , will look forward to reading the book …

[@redcoathistory]

It's a cracking read. Thanks for watching.

[@ubomninomen7765]

Great topic and perspective. "Colonial Marines" will always conjure images of Hicks, Ripley, and company battling aliens against all odds. Badassery in any century.

[@matttaylor308]

I think the first time I ever wrote a little online article about these Colonial Marines I used a line from the extended Aliens edition: "Me and my squad of Ultimate Badasses."

[@robertsolomielke5134]

TY Matt. The employ of 'The Black Redcoats" was entirely unknown to me, yet not surprising. I recall the Native confederation led by Tecumseh , firmly against American expantion, working well with the British and militia forces. They were essential to many British/Canadian victories. They were used in bluff threats at times, and caused a fort to surrender in fear of bloody scalp fest by raiders. The thought of an armed unit of freed slaves, in redcoats was likely terror for white America indeed. TY for the overlooked on something important to our history.

[@danielblake6850]

Brilliant video, didnt know much about this part of the 1812 war. Well done for highlightibg A part of history that is actually genuine abd that black people can be proud of. I dont mean in a derogetory sense, i mean this is REAL history.

[@timblagdon103]

I never knew any of this and I think not many Americans will know too and I hope Matts book is for sale in the US.

[@matttaylor308]

Currently the US release date is 31st May :)

[@seanpercival8897]

Thanks for the education. Much appreciated. Cheers from London.

[@bluedragontoybash2463]

Scheize !! I would never again having a historical argument with someone wearing a Sabaton T-shirt !!

[@StuartWhelan-up8vs]

😂😂😂

[@user-mu6sr6ve4d]

You commented on the fractured nature of the forces available. British forces in its provinces to the north of the US were severely outnumbered and were reliant on militia, natives, and a few regular soldiers. Thus the decision was made to march the 104th Regiment, based in New Brunswick, overland from Fredericton to Kingston, so, In March 1813 570 Officers & men of the 104th Regiment of Foot, based in New Brunswick (formerly the New Brunswick Regiment), marched in snow shoes, towing their equipment and supplies on toboggans, from Fredericton through the St. John River Valley, via Lake Temiscouata and the portage to Quebec City on their way to Kingston, Upper Canada (now Ontario) which they reached in early April, having marched 680 miles (1,100 km) in the Canadian winter. This winter trek, which took 34 days of marching over almost two months (February-April), was necessitated by the threat of US invasion of Upper Canada. Indeed, in April 1813 the US invaded, pillaged and burned York (now Toronto), the capital of Upper Canada (this attack helped provoke the burning of Washington, D.C. in 1814), and had plans to conquer the British provinces and incorporate them into the USA.

[@Fred-rj3er]

Brilliant! Absolutely enlightening.

[@jimjolly4560]

I have ordered Matt's book after watching this- a fascinating expansion of my knowledge. Thanks!

[@redcoathistory]

That's great news, thanks for letting us know.

[@FLashman-cv5dn]

That was great really enjoyed that!! A war that is often forgotten by both major protagonists involved. Yet a war that had really birthed both Canada and the United States and also a fundamentally important moment both to the history of African Americans and Native Americans alike!! I know the UK was consumed with the Napoleonic and it's aftermath! But ye gotta wonder what could have been if we plugged away a bit!

[@redcoathistory]

Yes, it's certainly an interesting "what if"...Any other good books on the conflict you'd reccomend? I'm still learning about this war.

[@Augustine-mu3if]

A lot of those marine endured a lot of hardship however they succeeded there's a history of these marine settled in moruga in Trinidad

[@FranciscoPreira]

Indeed a great story mate, rescuing this forgotten parts of History is an enormous task, thanks for sharing.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks so much! It's fun to learn these important stories and thanks for always supporting.

[@sirfox950]

This video is probably not gonna sit very well with some Americans. Great one, regardless 👍🏻

[@spirithawk2418]

😂. Oh well.

[@irondiver2034]

It may not sit well with some Americans but as long as it’s well researched facts. It should be accepted. Impressement of Americans into British service was a real thing. And although the scale of it was exaggerated it still was a gross lack of respect. To be honest this lack of respect and general disdain for America was not finally quashed until WW2. As a US Marine who has served alongside RM Commandos, I am glad for the experience and consider them brothers.

[@azt69boyz72]

It would make a terrific movie. Freed slaves freeing slaves.

[@sirfox950]

@@irondiver2034 thanks for the respectful reply. You are quite right, I think

[@fookdatchit]

Excellent work, thank you. Really enjoyable

[@redcoathistory]

Many thanks! Matt's book is excellent.

[@johnyoung663]

What an excellent presentation! Well done Matt & Chris.

[@redcoathistory]

Thank you kindly!

[@Droodog127]

Outstanding story, but all I can visualize is Colonial Marine Sergeant Apone from Aliens

[@KwadDamyj]

Dangit, you beat me to it. XD "A day in the Corps is like a day on the farm. Every meal a banquet! Every paycheck a fortune! Every formation a parade! I LOVE the Corps!"

[@ronhall9039]

Hah! same here!

[@Marky_78]

Thank you for doing this particular upload. I recently watched a documentary about the Colonial Marines on Sky. I never knew this regiment existed until then. Wish I remembered what it was called

[@matttaylor308]

Might it be the one which visits the site of Fort Albion in Virginia? :)

[@matttaylor308]

It might have been the oddly titled National Geographic-produced "Drain the Oceans: Invasion USA" ... or the excellent "War of 1812" by WNED-TV (a PBS offshoot that broadcasts in both Canada & the US) which featured my spiritual predecessor John Weiss (RIP).

[@johnbronski]

Holy....there's a huge wall monument in Hamilton ( just south of Toronto). Its a platoon of Royal Marines leaded by a black NCO. Titled March to Washington 1812. All dress like your opening image.

[@redcoathistory]

Oh wow that's brilliant - I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing.

[@valperks5416]

This should be taught in British schools and celebrated thank uou l never knew any of this

[@StuartWhelan-up8vs]

What a brilliant KZbin site just started watching it the other day its right up my street for history thanks for making it regards from Carlisle Cumbria ❤❤

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Stuart - Welcome aboard!

[@StuartWhelan-up8vs]

@@redcoathistory Your welcome thanks for your service.

[@rchas1023]

Thank you for good history. I knew nothing of this.

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it. I also learned a lot.

[@edjones8597]

I've just bought the book....fascinating subject and great video.

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@coleweathers8731]

Hello from Ottawa Canada !! More 1812 please !!!!

[@redcoathistory]

Hi! I would love to - I just need to do more research first!

[@TheIceman567]

@@redcoathistoryyeah you do because you got some things wrong.

[@MisterCaution]

Importantly, the concept of the USA as a slave economy/state at the time of the War of 1812 is more complex-in northern parts of the US at this time, it was increasingly sparse or negligible (which is why the freed slave enlistment strategy was unique to the mid-Atlantic and southern regions during that war). Several non-Southern States, particularly in New England, had banned the slave trade in the late 1700s (Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, etc) or were on the verge of banning it in the early 1800s (New York, Maine) years before the UK did in the 1830s. Lower Canada and the northern US states were largely aligned in views toward slavery, pre-dating UK’s position. Even Maryland’s black population in 1812 was half-free. So, it is not accurate to say slavery was confined to the Southern States entirely, as that is not true. But to be fair, it’s also not accurate to say that all of the US was one mind on the slavery issue. I’m sure this complexity and differences in policy toward slavery from State to State is discussed in more detail in his book, but still important to highlight for this video summary.

[@redcoathistory]

Many thanks! Any other good books on the war you would reccomend?

[@matttaylor308]

You're right, the very stark ideological-political division, particularly but not entirely on slavery, between (broadly) "New England" and "The South" is a central part of the book's scene-setting.

[@murph8411]

Although Britain abolished the slave trade in 1807 and slavery in Britain itself was supposedly illegal long before. Even northern states that abolished slavery often made laws that said people already born into slavery would remain slaves for X years or the like. Sadly few places voted to ban slavery immediately since it would often impact a large number of the people in power’s pocket.

[@MisterCaution]

@@murph8411 UK and the US federal government both nominally banned the slave trade (international import/export of humans) in 1807 with coinciding laws. Neither laws were truly successful in stopping imports. The UK “banned” slave ownership with a law passed in 1833, and with a revision in 1838. They had also converted to using indentured servants from India shipped by the millions across the empire as a replacement for African slaves until 1920. As an example of abolition in the US, Massachusetts abolished slave ownership via court decision based on the wording of the Constitution in 1783.

[@MisterCaution]

@@redcoathistory Re: book recs, if you want something broad, perhaps something like Encyclopedia of the War of 1812: A Political, Social, and Military History, by James Arnold et al. Though given your military focus, redcoat, you might prefer The War of 1812: A Forgotten Conflict by Donald Hickey, which is more focused on that aspect.

[@sauleddy1]

The day I don't learn something is a day wasted, this should do me for a month! Excellent discussion

[@demonorse]

I'll have to look for this book. Also, there is a certain segment of america that won't love this video.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks. It's a really good book. I'm sure you are right. Let's see what happens in the comment section.

[@KopperNeoman]

American jingoists can't handle the concept that the American Loyalists had legitimate reasons to fight. I believe they're also a big reason their country is in such dire straits!

[@UkrainianPaulie]

It's ok. We won. You never defeated the USS Constitution or Old Hickory Andrew Jackson.

[@Peoples_Republic_of_Devonshire]

​@@UkrainianPauliethe British were the only ones to achieve any of their war objectives unlike the USA

[@jamesstephenson7083]

Fantastic work! I teach History, and I’ve been looking for more ideas to teach the subject of resistance to slavery by the enslaved people themselves. This is just what I was looking for?

[@redcoathistory]

Great - I'm glad it was helpful.

[@KopperNeoman]

18:38 I believe his first name was Avery. Watch that one, I think he would be really good at killing aliens and then befriending aliens.

[@KwadDamyj]

"Check those corners!"

[@V.B.Squire]

This is the history we need more of now I'm looking forward to the sabaton song

[@FHIPrincePeter]

Matt is a very knowledgeable Chap. I look forward to the Book Launch.

[@redcoathistory]

Nice one - are you attending at the NAM?

[@FHIPrincePeter]

@@redcoathistory Yes I attended it was a full house. Brought a copy of the book and Matt signed it.

[@revere0311]

The War of 1812 aka the 'North American DLC for the Napoleonic Wars'. Great video thanks for posting!

[@Danny-hr5gt]

A great telling of a period of history little known, I do not get excited very often but I straight away ordered Mathews book which is now sitting on my desk as I write, looking forward to reading it as I have quite a few War of 1812 books in my collection as it is an area of interest I have had now for a few years.

[@redcoathistory]

That's great news. I am glad that you enjoyed it. Let me know what you think of the book - I thought it was excellent!

[@geoffmarr7526]

Bloody great stuff. I knew none of this.

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers, Geoff.

[@ewanstevenson9380]

In Nova Scotia there are large numbers of black people who are descended from black people who escaped from the US, and they are by no means an oppressed group. In fact I believe they are mostly descendants of folk who escaped the US during the American Rebellion, but I would not be surprised if there were escapees from the 1812 war. Interestingly, the French settlers who supported the French during the aforementioned unpleasantness of 1776 were evicted from Nova Scotia, which they called Acadia, and their farms were given to “Empire Loyalists”, many black, and their descendants are still there. The Frogs from Acadia were dropped off around New Orleans by the RN, and they became……not Acadians, but Cajuns!

[@anglomandingo666]

Great insight into a very interesting chapter of our heritage. Thank you from a former RM.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate - I want to do more on the Royal marines - any specific episodes I should look into?

[@anglomandingo666]

@redcoathistory I once had the honour of presenting a point brief to a colonel. The subject was " recovering RM ranks from tier 1 support roles". During my research, I discovered that the UK's special force contingent consisted of 45% RM. The RM part of the combined force was 3%. I found this fascinating. This was 14 years ago and these are from memory. It may make an interesting piece, if you can find enough information. Good luck.

[@the-onion-of-failure]

interesting video on a seldom discussed aspect of American history. any plans on a similar deep dive on the rangers and their working with local tribes?

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks - not planning anything at the minute but if you share some great sources - maybe in the future!

[@AlecFlackie]

A fascinating subject and video, however is the author a historian? He is described as a ' A history enthusiast', who worked in the 'British' House of Lords (are there any other?).

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed mate. I'm interested, how do you define a historian? For me if someone has done the research and written a fantastic book using almost unknown primary sources then they are a historian.And yes, he works in Parliament - not sure if commons or Lords.

[@TripleR250]

The original Django Unchained was a Redcoat haha

[@ltjamescoopermason8685]

Great video on a military unit I've never heard of and still today people serve time in the British army not quite enough but recruitment is down across the moden world except places like China, north Korea Russia and simular countries with conscription. Great sight bro with great history facts with truths most like myself don't know much about.

[@edpzz]

An Interesting and overlooked aspect of the 1812 war is the history of the Colonial Marines or Black Redcoats

[@anthonyruby2668]

My great ... great grand daddy did the same thing! He was in the German Navy. Once it docked at an American port, he was like "Auf Widersehen!"

[@jeffpilkington7480]

I’ll be honest, I feel the whole “impressment wasn’t a big deal” statement is a bit off. I do think the Americans had imperial intentions with their declaration of war, but to suggest that American citizens being forced to serve in British ships was no big deal is a bit of an understatement. Especially coming from a country that almost supported a slave holding confederacy during the American Civil War when one of their ships, RMS Trent was boarded, just saying

[@matttaylor308]

It was certainly political redmeat, but ironically only to those parts of the US most unaffected by it - border states (who wished to expand and displace allegedly British-supported Native Americans) made a large hue and cry about impressment as an insult to national honour (etc) but the actual maritime states, particularly New England, where those people kidnapped were actually from, were significantly less excited by it, and regarded maintaining peace (and the trade benefits of it) as worth a relatively small number of high-seas kidnappings (something like 15,000 over nearly two decades is the high estimate, though if you minus actual British deserters & subjects signed up to US ships in technical defiance of law it may well have been much lower).

[@TheIceman567]

100% agree

[@matthewshepherd5390]

Random question. Do you know Matt is from? I'm trying to guess by the accent. I'm guessing very south parts of County Durham or Darlington

[@AlecFlackie]

I believe Middlesborough.

[@matthewshepherd5390]

@@AlecFlackie ye I thought that maybe middlesbrough as well

[@vanringo]

It wasn't just impressment that had the Americans mad, it was also the fact that England more so than France was trade issues. Also the USA had purchased the Louisiana Territory from France and there were disputes with Britain over the international boundary between Canada and the USA. Then there was the misguided assumption that Canadians would welcome Americans, not as conquerors, but as liberators. Basically, some of the dame people that led the country to the War lof 1812, also led the USA towards the civil war.

[@outdoorlife5396]

That is kind of the same thing that happened in the CW, they told where the good stuff was hid, left the plantations for the Federal forces. In the CW, I think the south was FOS for thinking differently.

[@cavoneant]

Great story that were were never taught in American history.

[@Charliecomet82]

Sounds like what Ben Butler did during the Civil War with the "Contrabands."

[@Cyallaire]

Historian Gerald Horne wrote *The Counter-Revolution of 1776* using documents from that era including British court rulings that showed the Founding Slave Owners broke with Mother England because their golden goose of chattel slavery was about to get cooked if they’d remained within the British Emoire, since England was set to outlaw slavery. There was also the issue of treaties England had with American Indian tribes that protected their holdings from colonists and land speculator George Washington was bent on voiding those treaties for self-enrichment. It makes good sense that runaway slaves would fight for England rather than for the fledgling United States since they were fighting for their freedom, regardless if they got some stipend for their service from the British government.

[@janlindtner305]

In the Danish cavalry, the privates have always had city names so that their superiors, when arriving at a place the squadron or the commander did not know the surroundings of, could call it out the one with the local city name and then act as a guide. Was there a similar system with the Colonial Marines? Giv us a lecture about Edward Hugh Dyneley Nicolls! Absolutely outstanding lecture Chris and big hail to Matthew Taylor👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Jan. That's interesting re. city names. Matt may have more information on that re. the Colonial marines. Nicolls is great isn't he? The only problem for a video is that there is only one image of him (that we know of)...Maybe more will turn up in the future.

[@janlindtner305]

@@redcoathistory Just one picture or a few. See, this is what pisses me off with many otherwise good vlogs, that the "naked uncoloured" story/narrative has to be sauced into pop smart and sometimes irrelevant images and dramatic background noise/music. A story, well told, needs no twists. It's exciting enough in itself, Chris the story chap, yourself and especially Matthew Taylor are excellent examples of narrators. Imagine a campfire where stories are told and those present enjoying the art of empathy.❤👍🤟

[@davidtirschman6288]

Thank you both for your video. The information is interesting. A number of enslaved African Americans look them up on the offer to aid the British cause. There were also African Americans who fought against the British forces too. Some African American sailors and even some. One inspiring story was of a slave who ran away from his so called master and joined a American army unit and served in the defense of fort McHenry and sadly was wounded and died a few days after the battle. I am a person that believes that the service and contributions of all during this time have unique stories and should be told and remembered. As for the 2 British admirals in the Chesapeake during the war of 1812 I have some quite personal reflections. Understand that those in the naval service also had the opportunity for personal financial enrichment. I cannot but note that there were hundreds of shore parties from British ship's sent to many towns cities and villages along the Chesapeake in Maryland and Virginia. To the local populace who had their properties raided and stolen the British invasion became very personal. A lot of these people were decimated by the thievery of the Lansing parties who grabbed up everything they could get their hands on. Plus admiral Cochranes decree that if even any house having so much as a hunting rifle was automatically declared an enemy combatant is total overreach. Please understand that many were taken advantage of by the actions some British sailors and soldiers did in their invasion of America. Now we all have to do better to be decent and respectful to all people and all countries of the world. Your views at the later part of the video is very incorrect. To understand the whole situation you need to do further research. Plus understand the biggest winner's of this war we're the greedy British banksters who were just waiting to get their greedy hands on more of America and the whole world. One last point as an American I can be thankful that the British were kept out of Baltimore and the bombardment of the city was not successful. I have heard much information from the accounts of British sailors and soldiers that if they would have gotten into Baltimore they would have done many horrendous things. I mentioned this because it reflects the true nature of certain British forces at that time. You are intitled to your opinion but please understand not everyone thinks that way you do. We all still have much work on living with each other and will have to dedicate more time and respect for everyone in this world.

[@gilberthill9816]

Why don’t blacks concentrate on their real history instead of distorting the past with exaggeration and downright lies? There are many instances here that should be celebrated and be proud of? I would gladly salute such men! Ex Para Veteran

[@wiseandstrong3386]

Most do concentrate on the real history, you're hearing from a small but loud minority and we're ashamed of them, they don't represent all of us.

[@gilberthill9816]

@@wiseandstrong3386 well said👍

[@craigkdillon]

I don't think the loyalist Americans "left" the US too willingly. They were run out. Forced to abandon their property. In the South, especially, they were hated.

[@Yallquietendown]

I think doing things like using former slaves as troops probably just increased American resolve to resist

[@kevinmcclainsr.2706]

I recently found out that black soldiers fought for the British against Napoleon at Waterloo.

[@matttaylor308]

There has been some good recent scholarship on it. I also enjoyed the appearance of a black servant in "Sharpe's Waterloo". It's also notable that there is a retired 1st Foot Guards black musician in Wilkie's "The Chelsea Pensioners reading the Waterloo Dispatch" (1816).

[@redcoathistory]

Hi mate - I have an entire video on those chaps also! Have a butchers on my list...

[@kilcar]

Imagine those Black British Marines; caught between the hammer and the anvil. Also, I wonder what National Anthem we Americans would have if there had been no siege of Baltimore? America the Beautiful instead of the current anthem?

[@shermansquires3979]

What? The Americans underestimated the enemy, and thought they would be welcomed with open arms..? Well they learn lessons well! 😆😆

[@tomtaylor6163]

Great story . This would have caused great anger amongst many white Americans though. During the American Civil War blacks who fought for the Union weren’t treated well if caught by the Confederates

[@matttaylor308]

By the end of the War of 1812, in American "lists of atrocities" perpetuated by the British, whole events - such as the sexual violence against women in Hampton, Virginia, carried out by white British soldiers and French POWs organised into an auxilliary unit (the only definite cases of such in this theatre) were retroactively attributed to "infatuated n-, at British instigation".

[@tomtaylor6163]

@@matttaylor308Great stuff . You guys Rock Out to history

[@Guardsman-sy8qm]

Sabaton shirt? Nice.

[@alexgaelsotorodriguez3870]

They are available as an unit in the NTW3 mod for Napoleon Total War, just used them this last weekend lol

[@matttaylor308]

Aw man that sounds cool. Do they have the appropriate "tactical tophat"?

[@poil8351]

i have herad this unit but don't much about them.

[@matttaylor308]

That's what made me write the book! I got quite tired of finding single sentences about them in whole books; with an honourable exception in Alan Taylor's excellent "The Internal Enemy".