May 9, 2011

Dear Friend,

Given your interest in local history and culture, you may be interested in a free screening I am hosting this week of a new documentary on a little-known Revolutionary War Battle.

Please join me for a showing of “The Battle of Crooked Billet” on Thursday, May 12, at 5:30 p.m. at the Chester County Historical Society.

The award-winning film tells the story of an important Revolutionary War Battle that was fought in present-day Hatboro and Warminster on May 1, 1778, when British forces launched a surprise attack against Brig. Gen. John Lacey and three regiments of Pennsylvania Militia.

The battle occurred during the Valley Forge encampment and demonstrates the struggles of the Pennsylvania Militia during this time. It is a story that shows how the American Revolution was truly our first Civil War and paints an excellent picture of the heroes who fought for freedom right here in our own backyard.

In addition, the battle has an interesting connection to Chester County in that prominent West Chester resident and congressman, Dr. William Darlington, was Lacey’s son-in-law and a driving force in convincing Lacey to write his memoirs. The memoirs, which paint a picture of life in the Continental Army, are held in the collections of the New York Historical Society. Without them, we would know little of what we do today regarding the Battle of Crooked Billet and overall details of life during the American Revolution.

The screening is free and open to the public. Afterward, the filmmaker, Scott Randolph of Arrival Video, will be available for questions. The Chester County Historical Society is located at 225 N. High Street in West Chester.

For more information on the film, visit www.battleofcrookedbillet.com.

I hope to see you there! In addition, please help spread the word about this event by forwarding this e-mail to other local historical organizations or anyone else who may be interested.

Sincerely, Andy Dinniman State Senator - 19th District