John Pitcairn
|
He who increaseth knowledge, increaseth sorrow. This article contains spoilers, meaning it has information and facts concerning recent or upcoming releases from the Assassin's Creed series. If you do not want to know about these events, it is recommended to read on with caution, or not at all. |
|
Ezio, my friend! How may I be of service? This article is in desperate need of a revamp. Please improve it in any way necessary in order for it to achieve a higher standard of quality in accordance with our Manual of Style. |
Jonathan "John" Pitcairn (1722 – 1775) was a member of the Templar Order and a British marine stationed in Boston, Massachusetts, for a time before the American Revolutionary War.
Biography
Early Life
Pitcairn, raised in Scotland, left in 1746 when he enlisted into the British Marine Corps as a Lieutenant to assist in the growing tension between the French and British in Colonial America. Eventually, he began working reconnaissance jobs for the military, and as a result his initial details were left unknown. By 1754, Pitcairn had become a Templar Associate and commissioned under a former Templar, General Edward Braddock. During this time, he had been the rank of Captain, though his ties with higher ranking officers were still quite large.
Templar Beginnings
Using his contact with the Templar Rite of England, Pitcairn proved himself a valuable asset as a possible co-conspirator for the newly created group in the American Colonies. Early in 1754, Commander Amherst arranged for him to be moved to the Copp's Hill Battery in Boston to assist the other Templars. After Haytham Kenway, the Grand Master of the Colonial Rite, recruited Benjamin Church, he went with Charles Lee to arrange bringing Pitcairn into the fold. However, Braddock, who had previously left the Order, wouldn't allow the change in work efforts, and forced Pitcairn to stay with him.
After Pitcairn went with the Redcoats on what was supposed to be a patrol through Boston, Haytham followed with Lee to formulate a plan. When Lee distracted the soldiers into following him, Pitcairn went in a display of acting until they were led into a deserted area. There, he assisted in slaughtering the other soldiers and humiliating Braddock before leaving with Haytham to the Green Dragon Tavern to discuss the Order’s plans.
Assisting in the organization of the Templar infiltration of Southgate Fort, Pitcairn was chosen as one of the main escorts. Setting up a position to blockade the slave-cart, he helped to kill off the British Regulars before taking one of their outfits. After the group began to make their way toward Southgate, he went around in a stealthier manner. As they went, he assassinated watching soldiers so that the cart could get through until they passed the entrance to the fort. From there, he assisted in distracting other soldiers stationed around the area so that Haytham could free the slaves more easily. Then, he helped fight off the soldiers while Haytham went to fight Silas Thatcher, the leader of the fort.
Several months later, Pitcairn was recalled to help when the plan was formulated to kill Braddock in order to gain the aid of the Mohawk woman, Kaniehtí:io, in locating the first civilization's storehouse, he had to leave for business of the British military in Canada for the French and Indian War.
After finding the The Precursor Site, Haytham changed the Templar's plans to focus on practical pursuits by expanding the influences and power throughout the Colonies. Pitcairn remained in the British Army, during his career he earned his reputation as a peacekeeper and was promoted to the rank of major by 1771.
The Battle at Lexington and Concord
The Colonists eventually rebel against the British rule, escalating to the point of armed conflict and the Colonists formed their own army, the Patriots. Pitcairn led the British Army to Lexington and Concord in order to seize the rebel weapons and to arrest Samuel Adams and John Hancock, the Patriot leaders, intending negotiate a diplomatic solution.
Pitcairn and his forces marched into Lexington where he ordered rebels to leave, most of the rebels fled and Pitcarin made the first attack forcing rebels to retreat to Concord. En route to Concord to clear the remnants of what was still standing he was halted by the rebels where they made their stand just across a lake on one side of the area. With only one bridge to travel across Pitcarin had his men form firing lines and shoot down the rebels from afar; however Connor, an Assassin, directed the militia firing. Pitcairn suffered heavy losses and was forced to retreat. The continued conflict delayed Pitcairn's chances of a peaceful settlement.
The Battle at Bunker Hill
The Continental Army soon after led an assault on the city of Boston, led by General Israel Putnam. Pitcairn remained safely inside the city while a pair of British Frigates provided cannon fire from the harbor, keeping the Continental Army at bay on Bunker Hill. Connor again assisted the Colonists, he was able to reach and sabotage the ships, forcing Pitcairn out of the city and to an encampment on top of Moultan's Hill where he continued to command his troops. Completely unaware that Connor was nearby he was out in the open watching the battle to continue unfolding.
Death
Connor was able to evade the firing lines, advancing and infiltrated the camp undetected and finally assassinated Pitcairn. In his final words, Pitcairn stated that he wanted to make a truce with the rebels and blamed Connor for his death saying it will only worsen the war. After his last words, the Assassin took a letter from Pitcairn and fled the area, uncovering the Templar assassination plot of George Washington.
Legacy
Along with William Johnson's death, Pitcairn's death freed the British Army of Templar conspirators, however this did not deter the British from still attempting to end the Colonist rebellion. Pitcairn's death created a considerable impact on America during the Revolutionary War; if he had lived, he would have succeed in stopping the Colonist struggle for independence and would have ensured America remained under British rule but as part of Templar control.
Personality and Characteristics
Pitcairn was a keen soldier and strategist from years of experience and service in the British Army. Pitcairn also had strong leadership qualities and charisma, as a result, he was well liked by his troops and even respected by his enemies. This earned Pitcairn's reputation as a peacekeeper, hence was sent to peacefully settle the Colonist rebellion. Similar to William Johnson, Pitcairn had a genuine concern for the lives of his enemies and desired to settle the conflict with few casualties. Despite this slight side of benevolence, Pitcairn did not hesitate to resort to the use of force in order to serve the Templar Order who ultimately aimed to oppress and control the Colonist. As a Templar, Pitcairn strongly believed that the British needed to stay in control of the Colonies, since they had the greater position of power and order.
Final Words
- John: Why... Why did you do this?
- Connor: To protect Adams and Hancock - and those they serve. You meant to kill them-
- John: Kill them? Are you mad? I wanted only to parlay. There was so much to discuss. To explain... But you've put an end to that now.
- Connor: If you speak true, then I will carry your last words to them.
- John: They must lay down their arms. They must stop this war!
- Connor: Why them and not the Redcoats?
- John: Do you not think we asked the same thing of the British? These things take time. And it would have succeeded, had you let me play my part...
- Connor: The part of the puppeteer.
- John: Better we hold the strings than another.
- Connor: No. The strings should be severed. All should be free.
- John: And we should live forever on castles in the sky. You wield your blade like a man, but your mouth like a child. And more will die now because of that...
- Connor: It's better to have faith in something, than none at all...
Reference