"A Plan for a British “Female Corps”" Topic

"The thought of allowing women to serve in combat was considered ridiculous only a few decades ago in most western nations; it was an even more bizarre concept during the American Revolution. Although both the British and Continental armies accepted the presence of female camp followers—usually the wives of soldiers—and issued them rations as compensation for the services they provided as cooks, nurses, and laundresses, there is no evidence that any leaders on either side ever considered putting muskets in the hands of women. There were a few unusual cases, such as that of Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man and enlisted in a Massachusetts regiment, and the fabled "Molly Pitcher" taking her wounded husband's place in the crew of an artillery piece, but these individuals attracted attention because they were so rare.[1] A few British women attempted to enlist but were quickly discovered. However, had the advice of one bold British woman been heeded, Sir Henry Clinton's army might have alleviated its shortage of manpower by marching into battle against George Washington's Continentals with several regiments of musket-bearing, bayonet-wielding women…"

Journal of the American Revolution

link

Armand

The plan to create a British female corps for battlefield service was ignored…

no kidding…

but it reflected the desire of women on both sides of the Atlantic for a larger and more important public role

No, it means one person was motivated to write one letter.

If I had to bet I think I'd put my money on this being a real woman who was somewhat serious, but I can't shake the suspicion that this was a joke. A man or woman who wanted to get their letter in print, a would be humorist testing out their chops, or an outright misogynist who wanted to see the backlash against a proto-feminist idea.

Regardless, I was very happy to read this, it's a neat little sidebar. And if anyone ever wants to field a unit of female redcoats now they have their research done for them…

(smile)

Armand

Might try the "Hot and Dangerous" line ?