Defiant: Captain Robert Smalls Grassroots Research

 

First, a huge thank you to everyone that has signed up to support Defiant, Legion M's film based on the true story of Captain Robert Smalls. We appreciate all the feedback you've given us on cast and directors, and we're using your suggestions as a guiding light while we work to develop this project.

In the last several months, there has been some exciting movement. While we can't share details yet, we can announce that we are working with a writer with some specific research needs... and they have asked for your help with the process!

CALLING ALL RESEARCHERS AND HISTORIANS

Do you have exclusive access to a specialized library, museum, or research portal? Do you have contacts with any professors who are experts on the American Civil War? Maybe you know someone who did their doctoral thesis on it? Got any periodicals, books, or articles off the public radar? We're looking for folks who have access to some elite research avenues that can help make this story as authentic as possible. We've got what's in the books—but we wanna know if you have access to what else is out there.

Topics of interest:

  • Robert Smalls: Life details

  • Robert Smalls: Family members

  • Robert Smalls: Grandchildren (How many did he have when he died? Names and ages?)

  • Robert Smalls: USS Planter heist (Examples: How long did the whole theft take from beginning to end? Who were all the players? Mechanics of how everyone got from A to B?)

  • Robert Smalls: Coworkers (Details about the other officers and workers on his ship? What did these men do in their free time? Girlfriends? Popular whorehouses in town?)

  • Robert Smalls: Meeting with Lincoln

  • Robert Smalls: Time in Congress

  • Robert Smalls: Public School initiative

  • Robert Smalls: Railroad pursuits

  • Robert Smalls: Historic articles

  • Robert Smalls: Speeches or quotes

  • Robert Smalls: Friendship with Richard Howell Gleaves

  • Robert Smalls: 1914-1915 (What was his day to day like right before he died? Working? Speaking engagements? Playing cards all day?)

  • Civil War: General

  • Civil War: Charleston battles

  • Reconstruction: What event or events marked the end of Reconstruction across the country?

If you can help us gather research or—even better—connect us to experts in the field, please fill out the google form here.

We're excited to bring you into the development of our project so you can be part of this important research process. We want to get this story right and deeply appreciate any help you can give.

Onward and Upward!

 
Call to ActionLegion M Team