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C. Leon Harris

State University of New York at Plattsburgh, Biological Sciences, Emeritus

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C. Leon Harris taught biology, conducted research in neuroscience, and authored books on evolution, physiology, and zoology until his retirement. Since then his primary interest has been the Revolutionary War in the South.

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Papers by C. Leon Harris

Rice and Retaliation: Gen. Francis Marion's Ambuscade Near Parker's Ferry, August 30, 1781

One of the greatest outrages of the Revolutionary War was the hanging of Patriot Colonel Isaac Ha... more One of the greatest outrages of the Revolutionary War was the hanging of Patriot Colonel Isaac Hayne in Charlestown, South Carolina on August 4, 1781. The Patriots wanted revenge. Less than a month later, a mile west of a crossing of Edisto River known as Parker's Ferry, the chance for retaliation fell to Brigadier General Francis Marion. Marion had been sent to deal with British plunderers of rice plantations, and one of the plunderers happened to be Major Thomas Fraser, the man who had captured Hayne.

General Thomas Sumter's Surprise at Fishdam Ford

At Fishdam Ford on Broad River in South Carolina, Gen. Thomas Sumter was attacked in the night by... more At Fishdam Ford on Broad River in South Carolina, Gen. Thomas Sumter was attacked in the night by Loyalist Major James Wemyss, the "second most hated man in South Carolina." Even historians who know about the battle disagree on exactly when and where the skirmish occurred. Historical markers within inches of each other give different dates-November 8 and November 9, 1780. As uncertain as the date of the battle is its exact location, said to be on either the west or east bank of Broad River, at or near an Indian fishing weir. Thanks to a chance discovery of a map showing the location of Fishdam Ford, together with other documentation, archaeology and imagery, we can now say where, when, how and why the skirmish happened.

Thunder Even at the Gates of Charlestown: Thomas Sumter’s Raid of the Dog Days of 1781

In the Dog Days from July 13 to July 17, 1781 General Thomas Sumter, in command of his own state ... more In the Dog Days from July 13 to July 17, 1781 General Thomas Sumter, in command of his own state troops, as well as Gen. Francis Marion's militia and Lieutenant Colonel Henry Lee's Continental legion, raided British outposts as close as five miles from Charleston. These little-known battles and skirmishes were crucial in the Patriots' recovery of South Carolina from British control.

“To Keep Up the Spirits of the People and Alarm the Enemy”: Sumter’s Rounds in South Carolina

In early 1781 South Carolina controlled by British troops in Charlestown and in numerous outposts... more In early 1781 South Carolina controlled by British troops in Charlestown and in numerous outposts. Patriots’ hopes rested largely on South Carolina militia generals Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter. Although Sumter was suffering from a bullet wound received two months earlier, between February 16 and March 9, 1781 he led 280 volunteers in attacks on several British outposts in a campaign they called “the rounds.” Sumter’s Rounds failed to capture any outposts, but it was by no means a failure.

Massacre at Waxhaws the Wounds Bear Witness

At the Battle of Waxhaws in South Carolina on May 29, 1780 Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton's Legion ki... more At the Battle of Waxhaws in South Carolina on May 29, 1780 Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton's Legion killed and wounded 113 Virginia Continental soldiers in what most, but not all, historians say was a massacre. In this paper I show by quantitative evidence that the number killed and the cruelty and kinds of wounds are consistent with a common definition of "massacre."

Thomas Sumter at Rocky Mount and Hanging Rock, South Carolina A Great Victory Scarcely Ever Heard Of

On July 31, 1780, five hundred Carolinians led by Thomas Sumter attempted to capture the British ... more On July 31, 1780, five hundred Carolinians led by Thomas Sumter attempted to capture the British post on Rocky Mount, while Major William Richardson Davie led a diversionary attack on the outpost in the area called Hanging Rock. One week later Sumter successfully attacked the post at Hanging Rock. Sumter’s victory was soon overshadowed by British victories, but it proved that the British posts were not impregnable.

FRANCIS MARION'S ATTACK AT TEARCOAT SWAMP AND TARLETON'S REVENGE

Militia Colonel Francis Marion's nighttime attack on a British encampment near Tearcoat Swamp is ... more Militia Colonel Francis Marion's nighttime attack on a British encampment near Tearcoat Swamp is one of dozens of nearly forgotten engagements in South Carolina. Each day thousands pass on nearby I-95 unaware of the skirmish, and only the confused motorist, lucky wanderer, or determined historian is likely to see the historical marker commemorating it. (Fig. 1) No one claims the skirmish as a turning point in the Revolutionary War, but it did have consequences, one of which was Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton's attempt to kill or capture Marion. Marion's attack and Tarleton's failure perfectly illustrate deficiencies in the British Southern Strategy for winning the war.

Prelude to Kings Mountain: Colonel Charles McDowell's Campaign in the South Carolina Backcountry

The defeat of Major Patrick Ferguson at the battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780, was one ... more The defeat of Major Patrick Ferguson at the battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780, was one of the most consequential and best known Patriot victories of the Revolutionary war. Less known are the smaller victories over Ferguson fought by many of the same Patriots under Col. Charles McDowell of Burke County, North Carolina. The actions at Gilder Creek, Earle’s Ford, Prince’s Fort, Fort Thicketty, Cedar Spring, Wofford’s Iron Works, and Musgrove’s Mill were a rehearsal for Kings Mountain.

A Simple Simulator of Membrane Potentials

Evidence for a molecular code for learned shock-avoidance in cockroaches

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, 1975

Eight cockroaches (P) with severed meso-to metathoracic connectives were trained during six 30min... more Eight cockroaches (P) with severed meso-to metathoracic connectives were trained during six 30min sessions to lift a mesothoracic leg to avoid shock. Yoked control (R) cockroaches wired in series did not associate shocks with their own leg position. 2. The metathoracic legs of P cockroaches avoided shocks significantly better than the metathoracic legs of R cockroaches. 3. The metathoracic legs of R cockroaches received more shocks during testing than naive cockroaches which had had the connectives cut. 4. These results indicate that learned shock-avoidance was transferred between ganglia without direct neuronal conduction. 5. The possibility of a blood-borne molecular engram for shock avoidance is discussed.

Delayed firing of giant axons in the American cockroach

Journal of Insect Physiology, Aug 1, 1971

Giant intemeurons in the abdominal nerve cord of the American cockroach can give two kinds of res... more Giant intemeurons in the abdominal nerve cord of the American cockroach can give two kinds of response to single pre-synaptic shock stimuli: a conventional post-synaptic response with a short delay, and a delayed response consisting of one or a patterned group of impulses beginning after a delay of at least 10 msec. This delayed response originates within the last abdominal ganglion, but is independent of the cereal nerve to giant fibre synapses. Apparently, it is generated by an additional neural element which also is activated by the cereal nerves and which in turn excites the giant fibres.

Giant interneurons of the cockroach neither trigger escape nor “clear all stations”

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, 1977

In American cockroaches mounted ventral-side-up with legs free to move a single shock which excit... more In American cockroaches mounted ventral-side-up with legs free to move a single shock which excited both giant and smaller axons in the abdomen evoked a brief (< 25 msec) discharge of activity and/or a long-latency, long-duration discharge in the metathoracic coxal depressor muscles. Movement of the legs occurred only during the latter discharge. 2. In cockroaches tethered by stimulating and recordings wires a single shock to the abdominal nerve cord caused a tonic increase in coxal depressor activity, but only if small axons were excited. Repeated shocks summated to evoke escape. 3. Stimulation of giant axons alone failed to evoke escape or any other overt behavior in tethered cockroaches, and also failed to inhibit grooming, feeding or walking.

Structural details of cockroach giant axons revealed by injected dye

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, Sep 1, 1971

A U.V. fluorescent dye iontophoreticallyinjected into giant interneurons in the cockroach abdomen... more A U.V. fluorescent dye iontophoreticallyinjected into giant interneurons in the cockroach abdomen made visible structural details of physiological interest. 2. At least two giants arise from single somata in the last abdominal ganglion. 3. At least three ventral giants run through the metathoracic ganglion without interruption. 4. Extensive dendritic branching from axonal enlargements was observed near endings of cereal nerve fibers. 5. A different dendritic pattern, presumably presynaptic, was observed in the abdominal and metathoracic ganglia.

BioScience, Apr 1, 1984

Teaching Biology

BioScience, Jul 1, 1982

The Implications of Sociobiology

Science, Apr 30, 1976

... For literature, just write: Brinkmann Instruments, Cantiague Rd, Westbury, NY 11590 ... Indee... more ... For literature, just write: Brinkmann Instruments, Cantiague Rd, Westbury, NY 11590 ... Indeed, it is the contention of our Sociobiology Study Group that Wilson's "new synthesis" represents an effort to cloak in modern terminology the age-old political doc-trine that the main features ...

Evolución: génesis y revelaciones

HOW THE LONG CANE SKIRMISH KEPT GENERAL ANDREW PICKENS FROM BECOMING THE BENEDICT ARNOLD OF THE SOUTH

by C. Leon Harris and Frank Runyan

Andrew Pickens is rightly celebrated as a hero of the American Revolutionary War, but for months ... more Andrew Pickens is rightly celebrated as a hero of the American Revolutionary War, but for months after the surrender of Charleston in May of 1780 he considered accepting a commission as an officer for the British. His decision to rejoin the Patriot cause coincided with the skirmish of Long Cane on 12 December 1780.

Giant interneurons of the cockroach neither trigger escape nor “clear all stations”

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, 1977

In American cockroaches mounted ventral-side-up with legs free to move a single shock which excit... more In American cockroaches mounted ventral-side-up with legs free to move a single shock which excited both giant and smaller axons in the abdomen evoked a brief (< 25 msec) discharge of activity and/or a long-latency, long-duration discharge in the metathoracic coxal depressor muscles. Movement of the legs occurred only during the latter discharge. 2. In cockroaches tethered by stimulating and recordings wires a single shock to the abdominal nerve cord caused a tonic increase in coxal depressor activity, but only if small axons were excited. Repeated shocks summated to evoke escape. 3. Stimulation of giant axons alone failed to evoke escape or any other overt behavior in tethered cockroaches, and also failed to inhibit grooming, feeding or walking.

Evolución: génesis y revelaciones

Rice and Retaliation: Gen. Francis Marion's Ambuscade Near Parker's Ferry, August 30, 1781

One of the greatest outrages of the Revolutionary War was the hanging of Patriot Colonel Isaac Ha... more One of the greatest outrages of the Revolutionary War was the hanging of Patriot Colonel Isaac Hayne in Charlestown, South Carolina on August 4, 1781. The Patriots wanted revenge. Less than a month later, a mile west of a crossing of Edisto River known as Parker's Ferry, the chance for retaliation fell to Brigadier General Francis Marion. Marion had been sent to deal with British plunderers of rice plantations, and one of the plunderers happened to be Major Thomas Fraser, the man who had captured Hayne.

General Thomas Sumter's Surprise at Fishdam Ford

At Fishdam Ford on Broad River in South Carolina, Gen. Thomas Sumter was attacked in the night by... more At Fishdam Ford on Broad River in South Carolina, Gen. Thomas Sumter was attacked in the night by Loyalist Major James Wemyss, the "second most hated man in South Carolina." Even historians who know about the battle disagree on exactly when and where the skirmish occurred. Historical markers within inches of each other give different dates-November 8 and November 9, 1780. As uncertain as the date of the battle is its exact location, said to be on either the west or east bank of Broad River, at or near an Indian fishing weir. Thanks to a chance discovery of a map showing the location of Fishdam Ford, together with other documentation, archaeology and imagery, we can now say where, when, how and why the skirmish happened.

Thunder Even at the Gates of Charlestown: Thomas Sumter’s Raid of the Dog Days of 1781

In the Dog Days from July 13 to July 17, 1781 General Thomas Sumter, in command of his own state ... more In the Dog Days from July 13 to July 17, 1781 General Thomas Sumter, in command of his own state troops, as well as Gen. Francis Marion's militia and Lieutenant Colonel Henry Lee's Continental legion, raided British outposts as close as five miles from Charleston. These little-known battles and skirmishes were crucial in the Patriots' recovery of South Carolina from British control.

“To Keep Up the Spirits of the People and Alarm the Enemy”: Sumter’s Rounds in South Carolina

In early 1781 South Carolina controlled by British troops in Charlestown and in numerous outposts... more In early 1781 South Carolina controlled by British troops in Charlestown and in numerous outposts. Patriots’ hopes rested largely on South Carolina militia generals Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter. Although Sumter was suffering from a bullet wound received two months earlier, between February 16 and March 9, 1781 he led 280 volunteers in attacks on several British outposts in a campaign they called “the rounds.” Sumter’s Rounds failed to capture any outposts, but it was by no means a failure.

Massacre at Waxhaws the Wounds Bear Witness

At the Battle of Waxhaws in South Carolina on May 29, 1780 Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton's Legion ki... more At the Battle of Waxhaws in South Carolina on May 29, 1780 Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton's Legion killed and wounded 113 Virginia Continental soldiers in what most, but not all, historians say was a massacre. In this paper I show by quantitative evidence that the number killed and the cruelty and kinds of wounds are consistent with a common definition of "massacre."

Thomas Sumter at Rocky Mount and Hanging Rock, South Carolina A Great Victory Scarcely Ever Heard Of

On July 31, 1780, five hundred Carolinians led by Thomas Sumter attempted to capture the British ... more On July 31, 1780, five hundred Carolinians led by Thomas Sumter attempted to capture the British post on Rocky Mount, while Major William Richardson Davie led a diversionary attack on the outpost in the area called Hanging Rock. One week later Sumter successfully attacked the post at Hanging Rock. Sumter’s victory was soon overshadowed by British victories, but it proved that the British posts were not impregnable.

FRANCIS MARION'S ATTACK AT TEARCOAT SWAMP AND TARLETON'S REVENGE

Militia Colonel Francis Marion's nighttime attack on a British encampment near Tearcoat Swamp is ... more Militia Colonel Francis Marion's nighttime attack on a British encampment near Tearcoat Swamp is one of dozens of nearly forgotten engagements in South Carolina. Each day thousands pass on nearby I-95 unaware of the skirmish, and only the confused motorist, lucky wanderer, or determined historian is likely to see the historical marker commemorating it. (Fig. 1) No one claims the skirmish as a turning point in the Revolutionary War, but it did have consequences, one of which was Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton's attempt to kill or capture Marion. Marion's attack and Tarleton's failure perfectly illustrate deficiencies in the British Southern Strategy for winning the war.

Prelude to Kings Mountain: Colonel Charles McDowell's Campaign in the South Carolina Backcountry

The defeat of Major Patrick Ferguson at the battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780, was one ... more The defeat of Major Patrick Ferguson at the battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780, was one of the most consequential and best known Patriot victories of the Revolutionary war. Less known are the smaller victories over Ferguson fought by many of the same Patriots under Col. Charles McDowell of Burke County, North Carolina. The actions at Gilder Creek, Earle’s Ford, Prince’s Fort, Fort Thicketty, Cedar Spring, Wofford’s Iron Works, and Musgrove’s Mill were a rehearsal for Kings Mountain.

A Simple Simulator of Membrane Potentials

Evidence for a molecular code for learned shock-avoidance in cockroaches

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, 1975

Eight cockroaches (P) with severed meso-to metathoracic connectives were trained during six 30min... more Eight cockroaches (P) with severed meso-to metathoracic connectives were trained during six 30min sessions to lift a mesothoracic leg to avoid shock. Yoked control (R) cockroaches wired in series did not associate shocks with their own leg position. 2. The metathoracic legs of P cockroaches avoided shocks significantly better than the metathoracic legs of R cockroaches. 3. The metathoracic legs of R cockroaches received more shocks during testing than naive cockroaches which had had the connectives cut. 4. These results indicate that learned shock-avoidance was transferred between ganglia without direct neuronal conduction. 5. The possibility of a blood-borne molecular engram for shock avoidance is discussed.

Delayed firing of giant axons in the American cockroach

Journal of Insect Physiology, Aug 1, 1971

Giant intemeurons in the abdominal nerve cord of the American cockroach can give two kinds of res... more Giant intemeurons in the abdominal nerve cord of the American cockroach can give two kinds of response to single pre-synaptic shock stimuli: a conventional post-synaptic response with a short delay, and a delayed response consisting of one or a patterned group of impulses beginning after a delay of at least 10 msec. This delayed response originates within the last abdominal ganglion, but is independent of the cereal nerve to giant fibre synapses. Apparently, it is generated by an additional neural element which also is activated by the cereal nerves and which in turn excites the giant fibres.

Giant interneurons of the cockroach neither trigger escape nor “clear all stations”

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, 1977

In American cockroaches mounted ventral-side-up with legs free to move a single shock which excit... more In American cockroaches mounted ventral-side-up with legs free to move a single shock which excited both giant and smaller axons in the abdomen evoked a brief (< 25 msec) discharge of activity and/or a long-latency, long-duration discharge in the metathoracic coxal depressor muscles. Movement of the legs occurred only during the latter discharge. 2. In cockroaches tethered by stimulating and recordings wires a single shock to the abdominal nerve cord caused a tonic increase in coxal depressor activity, but only if small axons were excited. Repeated shocks summated to evoke escape. 3. Stimulation of giant axons alone failed to evoke escape or any other overt behavior in tethered cockroaches, and also failed to inhibit grooming, feeding or walking.

Structural details of cockroach giant axons revealed by injected dye

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, Sep 1, 1971

A U.V. fluorescent dye iontophoreticallyinjected into giant interneurons in the cockroach abdomen... more A U.V. fluorescent dye iontophoreticallyinjected into giant interneurons in the cockroach abdomen made visible structural details of physiological interest. 2. At least two giants arise from single somata in the last abdominal ganglion. 3. At least three ventral giants run through the metathoracic ganglion without interruption. 4. Extensive dendritic branching from axonal enlargements was observed near endings of cereal nerve fibers. 5. A different dendritic pattern, presumably presynaptic, was observed in the abdominal and metathoracic ganglia.

BioScience, Apr 1, 1984

Teaching Biology

BioScience, Jul 1, 1982

The Implications of Sociobiology

Science, Apr 30, 1976

... For literature, just write: Brinkmann Instruments, Cantiague Rd, Westbury, NY 11590 ... Indee... more ... For literature, just write: Brinkmann Instruments, Cantiague Rd, Westbury, NY 11590 ... Indeed, it is the contention of our Sociobiology Study Group that Wilson's "new synthesis" represents an effort to cloak in modern terminology the age-old political doc-trine that the main features ...

Evolución: génesis y revelaciones

HOW THE LONG CANE SKIRMISH KEPT GENERAL ANDREW PICKENS FROM BECOMING THE BENEDICT ARNOLD OF THE SOUTH

by C. Leon Harris and Frank Runyan

Andrew Pickens is rightly celebrated as a hero of the American Revolutionary War, but for months ... more Andrew Pickens is rightly celebrated as a hero of the American Revolutionary War, but for months after the surrender of Charleston in May of 1780 he considered accepting a commission as an officer for the British. His decision to rejoin the Patriot cause coincided with the skirmish of Long Cane on 12 December 1780.

Giant interneurons of the cockroach neither trigger escape nor “clear all stations”

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, 1977

In American cockroaches mounted ventral-side-up with legs free to move a single shock which excit... more In American cockroaches mounted ventral-side-up with legs free to move a single shock which excited both giant and smaller axons in the abdomen evoked a brief (< 25 msec) discharge of activity and/or a long-latency, long-duration discharge in the metathoracic coxal depressor muscles. Movement of the legs occurred only during the latter discharge. 2. In cockroaches tethered by stimulating and recordings wires a single shock to the abdominal nerve cord caused a tonic increase in coxal depressor activity, but only if small axons were excited. Repeated shocks summated to evoke escape. 3. Stimulation of giant axons alone failed to evoke escape or any other overt behavior in tethered cockroaches, and also failed to inhibit grooming, feeding or walking.

Evolución: génesis y revelaciones

THE 1918 SPANISH FLU EPIDEMIC IN PATRICK COUNTY, VIRGINIA

Although relatively isolated, Patrick County, Virginia, with a population of about 17,000, experi... more Although relatively isolated, Patrick County, Virginia, with a population of about 17,000, experienced more than 100 excess deaths during the second and third phases of the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 and 1919. In addition, there is evidence of deaths from a fourth phase in 1920. This paper examines the spread of the epidemic within the county, using data from tombstones and death certificates.