A masterful look at life and war in Revolutionary War South Carolina, as seen through the eyes of a thirteen year old boy.
Synopsis

Ford the Pacholet is a historically accurate tale set during the American Revolution about Lem Farnandis, a troubled teenager from Grindall Shoals, South Carolina. Divided politically, sometimes violently, into Whigs (Patriot sympathizers) and Tories (Loyalists to the King), his community struggled to survive. His father, Henry, a successful local merchant, tried to remain neutral. Still, King George III’s taxes on molasses, sugar, iron, tea, paper money, and more were eroding Henry’s profits. From what Lem had seen, the whole world revolved around power and control. At the age of thirteen, he had neither.

Caught between the hammer and anvil of two opposing armies, the Grindall community could not escape the horrors of war. Lem became embroiled in the conflict with Amadahy, an Indian girl about his age, Major Joseph McJunkin, who carried a secret message for General Dan Morgan of the Patriot forces, and James Park, the major’s aide-de-camp. Morgan must be warned of an impending surprise attack by the British Legion under Bloody Ban Tarleton. Otherwise, many Patriot soldiers would die. At the pivotal Battle of Cowpens, Lem reached manhood and learned the ramifications of wielding power.

While there are many works of historical fiction concerning the American Revolution, there’s been a lack of novels that deal with the war in the Southern states. Author Richard C. Meehan, Jr. has done much to correct this oversight.


Ford The Pacholet is a detailed look at life in Revolutionary War era South Carolina, just prior to the pivotal Battle of Cowpens. We first meet our protagonist, Lemuel Farnandis, as he starts his chores on his thirteenth birthday. Lem, while making deliveries from his father’s store, is captured by British raiders, who imprison him in the basement of a local tavern. When caught, Lem is able to steal a vital message from the pocket of his captor. Also imprisoned is a teenaged Indian girl, Amadahy, and two American soldiers. Realizing the importance of the message Lem obtained, as it contains the British military plans, they manage to escape and get it to General Dan Morgan. During the events that follow, which include the Battle of Cowpens, Lem quickly grows into manhood.


The author brilliantly looks at the divisions of the day, where few, such as Lem’s father, were neutral, though it was not easy to maintain that political stance, especially when the area surrounding Lem’s hometown was beset by British marauders. The havoc and cruelties reaped upon the patriots were heartbreaking to read.


Mr. Meehan writes in the dialect of the day (a glossary is provided) which, along with his vivid descriptions of the Southern locale, really made me feel as if I were living Lem’s adventures. There is so much detail presented in the narrative, but it never slows the story down. The description of the Battle of Cowpens was easy to follow, especially with the provided maps.


For those who have issues with violence, some of the descriptions of the casualties incurred during the battle may be a trigger.

Ford The Pacholet deservedly won the Southeastern Writers Award in 2021 for young peoples fiction. But I would make the case that it’s appropriate for adults as well, as it not only provides a glimpse into a fascinating way of life that no longer exists, but helps to fill in a huge gap in Revolutionary War fiction.


Highly recommended.