RETIRED MEN'S ASSOCIATION OF GREENWICH, Inc. (RMA)
Invites you to its meeting, January 28, 2026, at 11 am at Christ Church, Parish Hall, 254 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich, CT. The program will also be shown on Zoom at https://bit.ly/30IBj21 and on local cable channels 24 (Verizon) and 79 (Optimum)
Ed Hynes
“Warfare on Long Island Sound During the American Revolution”
This exciting lecture, which has just been updated, reveals the action, intrigue and terror of the people living around Long Island Sound during America’s War for Independence. With the Connecticut and Long Island coasts less than 10 miles apart in many sections of the Sound, raiders crossed every fair night either to smuggle and/or steal goods, and kidnap or kill enemies. Spies, on both sides, rounded out this dangerous cast of characters.
The economic blockade between British occupied Long Island and Patriot led Connecticut led to this violent conflict. But bitterness and desire for vengeance was fueled by the fighters’ familiarity with one another. Families and communities were ripped apart as Patriots in Connecticut expelled Loyalists and Loyalists on Long Island banished Patriots. Rabble-rousers on both coasts knew exactly where their enemies lived and it is not surprising that they started to violently attack each other.
New research into the Privateers in CT and the British reaction tell a more vivid story. The Privateers (legalized Pirates) were very effective at hindering the British war effort. But the towns that supported their activities paid a terrible price due to the English’s scorched earth policy to destroy the inhabitants and their towns.
One attack vessel of choice was the whaleboat. These boats were powered by up to 10 men and measured about 25 feet in length. Some had a sail and/or a swivel gun on the bow; they were very maneuverable and could operate quietly. These shallow boats were easily hidden in the many inlets and islands of the Sound.
Ed Hynes, CFA is a native of Wilton, CT. He and his late wife have traveled extensively to various battlefields around the country and overseas. In addition to his interest in history, Ed works as a financial advisor in Stamford, Connecticut. Ed’s contact information is (203) 838-1025 or ed@edhynes.com.
Our next presentation, on February 4, will be on “The Glimmerglass Festival.”
The Greenwich Retired Men’s Association offers a free program every Wednesday that is open to the public, both men and women; no reservations are required. Our social break starts at 10:40 am followed promptly by our presentation at 11:00 am. For additional information see https://greenwichrma.org.
