Category: Note

In a November 13, 1789 letter to Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, Benjamin Franklin wrote: “…in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” — Continental Army Brigadier General Richard Montgomery took Montreal, Canada without opposition on this day in 1775. Ironically, shortly after this Montgomery was killed while fighting the British in Quebec, and the British retook the territory. — Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, was born in Scotland on November 13th, 1850. — We are running a Week-Long Veteran’s Day Sale at Elk Creek Company. The …

On November 12, 1926, the first recorded aerial bombing on US soil took place in Williamson County, Illinois, during a feud between rival bootleg liquor gangs, the Sheltons and the Birgers. Pictured is bootlegger Charlie Birger, in prison before his execution. — Today is the birthday of USMC Sergeant Major Daniel Joseph “Dan” Daly (born 1873, died April 27, 1937). He was one of only nineteen men (including seven Marines) to twice receive the Medal of Honor. — November 12th, 1950 was the birthday of Corporal John Alan Coey (died 19 July 1975). He was the first American volunteer killed …

November 11th is of course Veteran’s Day. If you value your freedom, then thank a veteran. — This is the birthday of General George S. Patton, Jr. (born 1885, died December 21, 1945.) — We’ve started a Week-Long Veteran’s Day Sale at Elk Creek Company. The prices of all of our in-stock military-issue rifles (and sporters) and our military-issue revolvers have been deeply reduced. Place your order before Monday, November 18th. — Today’s feature article is a review written by SurvivalBlog staffer Tom Christianson.

On November 10, 1885, German engineer Gottlieb Daimler unveiled the world’s first motorcycle, Der Reitwagen. — November 10th is remembered in the United States as the “birthday” of the U.S. Marine Corps. — And November 10th is the anniversary of the sinking of the Great Lakes ore ship Edmund Fitzgerald, in 1975. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 115 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could …

The Great Boston Fire of 1872 occurred on November 9th, 1872. Nearly 1,000 buildings were destroyed in the fire. — November 9, 1938 was “Kristallnacht”. Be forewarned, folks: Once a group in any society has been singled out for ridicule and persecution, then they can be systematically attacked, physically. Someday it may be “Constitutionalists” who are targeted. — After several weeks of civil unrest, the East German government announced on November 9th, 1989 that all GDR citizens could visit West Germany and West Berlin. Crowds of East Germans crossed and climbed onto the Wall, joined by West Germans on the …

November 8, 1701: William Penn presented the Charter of Privileges, that guaranteed religious freedom for the colony in Pennsylvania. — And on November 8, 1967, silver hit a record $1.951 an ounce in London. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 115 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2,000. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any …

On November 7, 1512, the Medici family discharged Niccolo Machiavelli from Florence. November 7, 1805: The Lewis and Clark Expedition first sighted the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the Columbia River. November 7, 1885: The Canadian Pacific Railway was completed at Craigellachie – connecting British Columbia with Eastern Canada. November 7th is also the anniversary of the death of actor Steve McQueen (born March 24, 1930, died November 7, 1980). The many well-publicized exploits in his tempestuous life and his enduring persona are well known. However, the end of his life is actually the most noteworthy part of his …

On November  6, 1917, during the Bolshevik Revolution, bombardment of the Winter Palace in Petrograd began, during the Russian October Revolution. (“Red October.”) — November 6, 1941 was the birthday of country singer/guitarist Guy Clark, in Monahans, Texas.  (He died in 2016.) — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 115 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000. A Gunsite Academy Three Day …

On November 5, 1905 Roald Amundsen reached Eagle City, Alaska, and announced by telegraph his was the first expedition, in 400 years of attempts, to complete a Northwest Passage. — On November 5, 1605, King James of England learned about the Gunpowder Plot. Hence, we now have Guy Fawkes Day. “Remember, remember the Fifth of November Gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot.” — Natchez Shooters Supplies (one of our affiliate advertisers) is running an an unusual 3-day promo from 11/4 to 11/6 with many discounted items and $5 Flat Rate Shipping …

On November 4, 1929, Richard E. Byrd (pictured), Laurence McKinley Gould, and their polar expedition team began a 2½ month, 1,500-mile dog-sled journey into the Queen Maud Mountains. This was the first exploration of the interior of Antarctica. — November 4th is the birthday of Medal of Honor recipient John Basilone. He was born in 1916 in Buffalo, New York.  The town still has an annual parade, in his honor, and a John Basilone mural was recently painted. — Because the owner of Seed for Security is retiring and shutting down the business at the end of this month, we …

November 3, 1917: The price of 1st Class US mail stamps was increased to 3 cents per ounce. This was dubbed a “Wartime Emergency Rate.”  It had been 2 cents since 1885.  It reverted to 2 cents in 1919, and did not rise to 3 cents again until 1932.  As of October, 2024, the one-ounce rate is now 73 cents. Recently, postal rate increases have been taking place at less than one-year intervals, and the latest increase was a 5-cent jump. — On November 3, 1783, George Washington ordered the Continental Army disbanded. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present …

On November 2, 1698, Scottish settlers made landfall in Panama, establishing the ill-fated ‘Darien Venture’ colony. — November 2, 1907: US banker J. P. Morgan locked more than 40 bankers in his library to force them to find ways to avert a New York banking crisis. — On November 2, 1917, British Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour submitted a declaration of intent to establish a Jewish homeland known as the Balfour Declaration. While Arab hostilities and the outbreak of World War II delayed the desired outcome, the Nation of Israel was eventually re-established in 1948. — And on this day …

November 1st is the birthday of economist Martin A. Armstrong. (Born, 1949.) For many years he was a prisoner of conscience, in part because he refused to turn over his proprietary trading algorithms to Federal prosecutors. After seven years in prison without a trial, the longest Federal incarceration for contempt in American history. Armstrong was finally put on trial in a proceeding that was branded as a sham. He was convicted on securities fraud charges based on some marginal testimony and given a five-year sentence. Notably, Armstrong continued to write his economics newsletter while in prison, producing most of the …

Our family does not celebrate the pagan Halloween. (We are with Drew Carey, on that one. We don’t “…party with this guy.”) October 31st is also Reformation Day, recognizing the significance of Martin Luther posting his 95 Theses, and that is what we celebrate, here at the Rawles Ranch. — On October 31, 1888, Scottish inventor and veterinarian surgeon John Boyd Dunlop patented the pneumatic bicycle tire. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 115 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest …

On October 30, 1938, a radio broadcast of H.G. Wells “The War of the Worlds“, narrated by Orson Welles, caused a mass panic. — October 30, 1893: US Senate approved repealing Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890. — October 30th, 1735 was the birthday of President John Adams. (Some sources cite his birthdate as October 19, 1735.) — Some sad news: Teri Garr has passed away. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 115 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  …