Solomon Bush
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Solomon Bush | |
|---|---|
| Born | Philadelphia, Province of Pennsylvania |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | Pennsylvania Militia |
| Years of service | 1776–1785 |
| Rank | Lieutenant colonel |
| Battles / wars | Battle of Long Island Battle of Brandywine |
| Other work | Medical practice in London; Occasional correspondent with George Washington |
Solomon Bush was a Jewish American soldier, born in Philadelphia; son of Matthias Bush, one of the signers of the non-importation agreement (October 25, 1765). He was one of two Lieutenant Colonels in the American Revolutionary Army.[1]
Battle of Long Island
Solomon joined the Philadelphia militia as Captain early in 1776 in the Flying Camp of Associators of Pennsylvania.[2] In August, he served in the Battle of Long Island, and while the American army was defeated, he was promoted to Major. On July 5, 1777, he was appointed deputy adjutant-general of the state militia by the supreme council of Pennsylvania.
Battle of Brandywine
In September, General Howe invaded Pennsylvania, and the militia was called up to defend the city of Philadelphia, and Solomon Bush again saw service. The Battle of Brandywine started on September 11, 1777, and on September 18, 1777, in a skirmish, Solomon Bush was wounded, a musket ball breaking his thigh bone. His brother, Captain Lewis Bush, was killed in the same battle.
Recovery
He was taken to the city to recover from his wounds. According to a letter he wrote in November, his doctor had given him seven days to live.[3] As he could not earn his living, being kept, on account of his wound, at his father's home (Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia), the council passed a series of resolutions, October 20, 1779, respecting him, and on October 27 of that year he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, with pay in accordance with the rank.
Prisoner
When the British captured the city in December, 1777, he was taken prisoner, but released on parole. It was during this time that he discovered that there was a spy in Washington's headquarters; by Dec. 19, 1777, the information reached Washington[2]
