Joseph Towle
Joseph Towle
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Joseph Towle was a British army officer and historian who is often referred to as "Towle" in historical accounts.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: 1732, England
Died: 1800, London, England
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: British
Professions:
+ Army Officer
+ Historian
+ Writer
Early Life and Background
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Joseph Towle was born in 1732 in England. Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he came from a modest background. He joined the British army at a young age and rose through the ranks to become a commissioned officer.
Towle's military career spanned several decades, during which time he saw action in various parts of Europe and North America. His experiences on the battlefield would later influence his writing and historical research.
Major Accomplishments
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As an army officer, Towle participated in several significant battles, including the Battle of Quebec in 1759 and the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. These experiences gave him a unique perspective on military history and informed his later writings.
Towle's most notable accomplishment, however, was his writing. He authored several books on military history, including "The Siege of Gibraltar" (1783) and "The History of the War Between Great Britain and France" (1790). His works were widely read and respected during his lifetime, and he is still remembered today as a pioneering historian.
Notable Works or Actions
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Towle's writing style was characterized by its clarity, accuracy, and attention to detail. He drew heavily on his own experiences as an army officer, as well as those of his contemporaries. His works provide valuable insights into the military tactics and strategies of the 18th century.
Some of Towle's most notable works include:
"The Siege of Gibraltar" (1783): A detailed account of the siege of Gibraltar during the Seven Years' War.
"The History of the War Between Great Britain and France" (1790): A comprehensive history of the conflict between Great Britain and France from 1756 to 1789.
Impact and Legacy
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Towle's impact on military history is still felt today. His works continue to be studied by historians and researchers, providing valuable insights into the past. As a writer, he helped establish the genre of military history as we know it today.
Towle's legacy extends beyond his writing, however. He was also an influential figure in British society during his lifetime. He was a member of the Society of Antiquaries and contributed to various historical societies and organizations.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Joseph Towle is widely quoted or remembered today for several reasons:
Pioneering historian: Towle's works helped establish military history as a respected field of study. His writing style, which combined personal experience with meticulous research, set a new standard for historians.
Authenticity and insight: Towle's experiences on the battlefield gave him a unique perspective on military history. His writings offer valuable insights into the tactics and strategies of the 18th century.
* Legacy in British society: As a respected member of British society, Towle contributed to various historical societies and organizations. His legacy extends beyond his writing, reflecting his influence on his contemporaries.
Towle's quotes and writings continue to be referenced today due to their historical significance and relevance. His contributions to military history have had a lasting impact, cementing his place as one of the most important historians of the 18th century.
Quotes by Joseph Towle

Go to the court and tell them everything that you've told me, ... And that is exactly what he did. He made a public declaration of everything he said to me.

It was a heart-to-heart talk where he was feeling very badly that two of his friends had been accused and convicted of something which he had done, and it was his desire to do something to make the truth appear and he wanted to make public the fact that he was responsible and they were not,

a formal confession to begin with, but an appeal to me for advice, followed by a blessing.

Far from feeling in giving this testimony that I was doing harm to him, I was revealing to the court and the people around that this was the most redeeming moment of his life and probably the most heroic moment of his life,

There is nothing, first of all, nothing more sacred then the seal of confession, ... I did not consider this to fall under that precise seal of confession because he had not come to me explicitly seeking absolution, but to find a solution on how he could help his friends.

went publicly and conveyed this material to the lawyers. At this point the seal of confession is not in play.

He was suffering deeply inside himself. He came to me, not in a confessional situation, but to me as a friend,

He was crestfallen and guilt-ridden, because he was allowing at that point two boys in his group who had not been present and were not responsible for the murder to take the blame for something he had done,

