Harper's Round Table, November 3, 1896

A weather‑worn manuscript recovered from an old New England desk offers a rare, first‑person look at a life that straddles peace and conflict. John Hurdiss, a native of Stonington, writes candidly about his youth, the strange loyalties he juggled during the War of 1812, and the moments that set him on a path of daring deeds. His voice is unvarnished, recalling the ordinary and the extraordinary with equal honesty, inviting listeners into a bygone era where personal honor and national turmoil intertwined.

The narrative opens with a sun‑splashed summer memory: sparkling sand, a playful brown dog, and the comforting shade of a tree‑branch held over his head. From that idyllic beach scene, Hurdiss is whisked through woods, meadows, and a grand house where he first feels the pull of affection and belonging. These early impressions frame a larger tale of adventure, hinting at the “loyal traitor” who would later navigate three flags and the complexities of a nation at war.