THE REVOLUTIONARY SHORE – August 4, 1775

By Kellee Blake

On this very day, 250 years ago . . .

The Hessian doctor felt his own stomach sicken as wave after wave of discouraging news reached him from Williamsburg.  Patriot forces had forced Lord Dunmore to flee from the Governor’s Palace to the safety of nearby British warships in the York River.  The HMS Fowey now served as the headquarters of British operations and a fleet of Loyalist families joined Dunmore in the watery waiting for British reinforcements or Patriot reprieve.  Neither would soon arrive. 

German-born Dr. John Adam Risch had lived in Northampton County for more than a decade.  He hailed from Hesse-Cassell where his strict Lutheran family had lived for generations. As a younger man, Risch found travel and adventure in service to the British as a warship surgeon during the Seven Years War.  He liked the American colonies and decided to settle there in 1761.   Three years later, Risch bought an attractive Franktown frame house, offices, and eight acres from Thomas Fisher.  Franktown was ideally situated for a hardworking Tidewater “physick” and businessman with great hopes.

Risch did well professionally and socially and soon became was one of the most successful doctors on the Shore.  His medical skills reportedly were demanded even 200-300 miles away.  It was noted that the bachelor lived “handsomely”  and his home was “compleat” with five beds, thirty-six silver spoons, four mahogany tables, eighteen mahogany chairs, etc. Two enslaved servants—Jacob and Isaac– worked in the house and garden.  The doctor’s financial acumen was admired, as well,  and locals enjoyed Risch’s willingness to loan them money.  He kept good books which showed that many patients and neighbors were indebted to him.  

But now, the “troubles” were rapidly presenting themselves and Risch was expected to take a stand.  He hoped to avoid taking any Patriot oath or joining the Association.  After all, his first loyalty was to a Crown he had served in bloodshed and continued to regard with gratitude. Still, he already felt local Patriot pressure and resentment and he did not wish to alienate those neighbors he had worked so hard to heal, especially now that he was welcomed at table in houses of the “best sort.”  Risch was no longer young and he did not wish to start over.  

For the moment, the good doctor could hope that passions would cool and that support for Dunmore would allow the British leader’s return to power at Williamsburg.  Risch decided to stay in Franktown, straddle the fence of divided loyalties, and pray—likely in German—that his hard-won little kingdom would not collapse.  

Join WESR on the 4th of each month to learn more about Virginia and the Shore’s role in the War for Independence.  Welcome to the Revolutionary Shore!