Jaycee Woods

I have a short story idea in inventory about a young Irish lieutenant who met a Dullahan on the road on his way to port to embark for the Seven Year War. For the same character, I have an idea for a longer story about him becoming an American farmer and then an officer in the Revolution. Below is some research related to that second story.

Prompt: When was the Seven Years’ War?

Copilot: The Seven Years’ War took place from 1756 to 1763. It was a global conflict involving most of the European great powers, fought primarily in Europe and the Americas. In North America, it’s also known as the French and Indian War.

Prompt: How high might a career military officer rise in 20 years from being a lieutenant at the start of the Seven Years’ War?

Copilot: A career military officer in the British Army during the 18th century could rise quite significantly within 20 years, especially if they distinguished themselves in battle and had strong connections. Here’s a possible progression:

1. Lieutenant (1756): Starting point.
2. Captain (within a few years): Promotion based on merit and battlefield performance.
3. Major (around 1760): Further promotions for continued excellence and leadership.
4. Lieutenant Colonel (by 1765): Significant responsibility and command of a regiment.
5. Colonel (by 1770): Senior command roles and possibly brigade command.
6. Brigadier General (by 1775): High-ranking officer with strategic responsibilities.
7. Major General (by 1780): Senior leadership roles, possibly commanding divisions or corps.

This timeline is somewhat idealized and would depend heavily on the individual’s performance, opportunities, and the political and military context of the time. Some officers might rise faster or slower based on these factors.

Prompt: So, they might be a Colonel serving in the American colonies right before the Revolution?

Copilot: Absolutely, that’s very plausible! By the early 1770s, a dedicated and effective officer who started as a lieutenant at the beginning of the Seven Years’ War could well have risen to the rank of colonel.

As a colonel, they would likely have significant command responsibilities, potentially overseeing a regiment stationed in the American colonies. This period would be particularly interesting, as tensions were mounting and the colonies were on the brink of revolution. Your character could be deeply involved in the events leading up to the American Revolution, providing a rich backdrop for exploring their experiences and decisions during this tumultuous time.

How do you envision your character navigating the complexities of loyalty, duty, and personal ambition in the pre-Revolutionary American colonies?

Prompt: If he were Irish then he might have conflicting loyalties after serving in the British army for 20 years, especially if he was denied promotion to brigadier for not being English?

Copilot: Absolutely, an Irish officer in the British Army could face significant challenges and conflicting loyalties. The Irish, particularly Catholics, often faced discrimination and were sometimes considered second-class citizens within the British Empire. Here are some factors that could contribute to his conflicting loyalties:

1. Discrimination and Prejudice: Being denied promotion due to not being English would be a stark reminder of the systemic bias and discrimination prevalent at the time. This could lead to resentment and disillusionment with the British military and government.
2. National Identity: His Irish heritage would likely foster a strong sense of national identity, which could conflict with his duties as a British officer, especially as tensions between the colonies and Britain grew.
3. Personal Relationships: He might have family or friends back in Ireland who are critical of British rule, further complicating his sense of loyalty and duty.
4. Sympathy for Colonists: Witnessing the colonial grievances firsthand, he might empathize with their struggle for independence, drawing parallels to Ireland’s own struggles with British rule.

Such internal conflicts could add rich layers to your character’s development, making him a more complex and relatable figure. His experience could shape his decisions and interactions in fascinating ways, providing depth to his narrative arc.