The Remarkable Cause: A Novel of James Lovell and the Crucible of the Revolution tells the story of James Lovell, a teacher, spy, and patriot during the early days of the American Revolution. A teacher at the Boston Latin School, James Lovell disagrees with his father, Master Lovell, spies for the Americans, and with the loving support of his wife endures months in jail in Boston and Halifax. He befriends Ethan Allen of the Green Mountain Boys and eventually is released from jail at the request of George Washington. Upon his release he joins the Second Continental Congress.
Jean O'Connor carefully researched the story through primary research from institutions such as the Harvard Houghton Library, the Massachusetts Historical Society, the University of New Brunswick, the Nova Scotia Archives, Cornell Rare Manuscripts, and the Library of Congress. The historical fiction novel brings to life not only what happened but the feelings and thoughts of those living in those conflict filled days.
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No picture of James Lovell is known to exist. However, this picture of one of his relatives from the Nova Scotia Archives may look like him.
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The Old Boston State House today
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From the Massachusetts Historical Society, this photograph of Master John Lovell's List of Boys shows the booklet in which he recorded the names of many students at the Boston Latin School, including well-known patriots.
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