Jan 14

Jan 14 How Solomon Bush's Wound Exposed a Spy at Washington's Headquarters

Solomon Bush was a Jewish Patriot who was wounded while fighting in the American Revolution and happened to learn that General Washington had a spy in his midst.

Solomon Bush

Solomon Bush was born into one of the most prominent Jewish families of 18th century Philadelphia.

In his early 20’s Bush responded to the Declaration of Independence by joining Pennsylvania’s Flying Camp, which was a section of the State Militia.

Solomon was promoted in rank and responsibility and eventually served as a Deputy Adjutant General, assisting in the business of running a war.

Wounded but Alert

In the aftermath of the Battle of Brandywine Bush was shot in the thigh.

He was brought to his father’s house on the outskirts of Philadelphia to recuperate but was soon taken prisoner by the British.

During this time he witnessed information being passed to General Howe which was somehow obtained from Washington’s Headquarters.

Solomon somehow managed to escape his captivity and passed this information on to Major General John Armstrong who then forwarded it to George Washington, putting the Continental Army’s leaders on alert heading into Valley Forge.

London

Bush took two years to heal from his wounds, after which he rejoined the militia as a Lieutenant Colonel.

When the Revolutionary War concluded, Solomon had difficulty finding work due to his old wounds. He was granted a pension from the State of Pennsylvania but this was not enough to make a living from.

He relocated to London as a representative of Pennsylvania's Grand Lodge of Freemasons where, despite not actual training, he established himself as a Physician.

Self Imposed Diplomat

While in London, Bush began a series of unsuccessful attempts to secure work for the Federal Government.

The first of these was as a diplomat to Great Britain. When an American ship was captured by the British for carrying deserters of the Royal Navy, Solomon took it upon himself to remedy the situation.

This, he thought, qualified him for the position.

Two years later Bush returned to the United States where he spent the remaining days of his life still trying to get work at the Port of Philadelphia.

Here are some other Jewish Founders:

Haym Salomon - The Jew Who Saved The American Revolution

David Salisbury Franks - Jewish Officer of the Continental Army

Jews played a surprisingly large role in the American Revolution.

For more on these Revolutionaries, check out ‘Unrecognized Patriots’.

If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).