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Lawless
All About Brad!
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INTRODUCTION
The images are heartrending, dramatic and so powerful that they are embedded in the nation's historical consciousness:
Bloody footprints in the snow left by bootless men. Near naked soldier wrapped in thin blankets huddled around a smoky fire of green wood. The plaintive chant from the starving: "We want meat! We want meat!"
These are the indelible images of suffering and endurance associated with Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-78.
"An army of skeletons appeared before our eyes naked, starved, sick and discouraged," wrote New York's Gouverneur Morris of the Continental Congress.
The Marquis de Lafayette wrote: "The unfortunate soldiers were in want of everything; they had neither coats nor hats, nor shirts, nor shoes. Their feet and their legs froze until they were black, and it was often necessary to amputate them."
A bitter George Washington - whose first concern was always his soldiers - would accuse the Congress of "little feeling for the naked and distressed soldiers. I feel superabundantly for them, and from my soul pity those miseries, which it is neither in my power to relieve or prevent."
The suffering and sacrifices of the American soldiers at Valley Forge are familiar, iconic images, but there is another side of the picture. Valley Forge was where a new, confident, professional American army was born.
Three months of shortage and hardship were followed by three months of relative abundance that led to wonderful changes in the morale and fighting capabilities of the Continental Army.
France would enter the war on the side of the new nation. Valuable foreign volunteers and fresh replacements would trickle into camp.
Most important, it was at Valley Forge that a vigorous, systematic training regime transformed ragged amateur troops into a confident 18th century military organization capable of beating the Red Coats in the open field of battle.
BACKGROUND
Philadelphia was the largest city in the new nation. It became the de facto capital after representatives of the 13 colonies gathered there as the Continental Congress to demand their rights as Englishmen and later proclaim independence and battle the British.
Lethargic Maj. Gen. William Howe, commander of British forces in America, made his move on Philadelphia in September 1777 thinking that, perhaps, the capture of the rebel capital would end the war.
Howe loaded 15,000 troops on an armada of ships and sailed from New York City to Elkton, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay. His forces then marched north on Philadelphia.
Washington attempted to block Howe along the banks of the Brandywine River but was outnumbered and outmaneuvered. Two weeks after Brandywine, Howe entered Philadelphia unopposed.
When told that the British had taken Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin, representing his nation in Paris, said, "No Sir, Philadelphia has taken the British." As events turned out, Franklin's clever quip contained a kernel of truth.
Washington attempted a bold surprise attack on the main British forces at Germantown on October 4. His plan was too complex and after some initial surprise and much confused fighting, the Americans were forced to retreated. Those remarkable amateur soldiers had marched about 35 miles and fought a four-hour battle in one day.
For several weeks American forces camped about 20 miles from Philadelphia in Whitemarsh along high hills that were ideal for defense. Howe tried to lure Washington from his impregnable position in December, but after a few minor skirmishes withdrew back to Philadelphia.
Some in Congress -- now safely in York, Pa. - urged Washington to attack the British in Philadelphia, but the commander-in-chief realized it would be suicidal. His men were worn out and ill-equipped. Even before Valley Forge, there was a supply crisis. Many soldiers were already shoeless and their uniforms in tatters.
It was normal for 18th century armies to cease combat during the coldest months and take up "winter quarters." Washington was looking for a place to rest his army that would "afford supplies of provisions, wood, water and forage, be secure from surprise and best calculated for covering the country from the ravages of the enemy."
He sought the opinions of his generals on the best location for the winter encampment. There was no consensus, and Washington was forced to decide the matter alone.
On December 12th, the troops began the move from Whitemarsh to the west bank of the Schuylkill River at Valley Forge. It was a 13 mile march that was delayed and took eight days.
The troops crossed the Schuylkill on a wobbly, makeshift bridge in an area called the Gulph. They were forced to bivouac at the Gulph for several days after a snowstorm and several days of icy rain made roads impassable. On December 18th the soaked and miserable troops observed a Day of Thanksgiving declared by Congress for the American victory in October at Saratoga, N.Y.
Joseph Plumb Martin, a Connecticut Yankee, who wrote a fascinating account of his years in the Continental Army recalled that thanksgiving dinner decades later: "We had nothing to eat for two or three days previous except what the trees of the forests and fields afforded us, but we must now have what Congress said, a sumptuous Thanksgiving to close the year of high living. . . . it gave each man half a gill (about half a cup) of rice and a tablespoon of vinegar!"
On the 19th, the famished troops finally marched into Valley Forge. The ragged soldiers might have thought the worst was over, but they were wrong.
Valley Forge - 25 miles from the city - was a good choice. It is a high plateau that might have been designed by a military engineer. One side is protected by the river. Two shallow creeks provide natural barriers that would present problems for attacking cavalry and artillery. Any attackers would have to charge up-hill.
Where the Valley Creek entered the Schuylkill was a small village, giving the area its name. It contained a complete iron-making operation owned by two Quaker families, the Dewees and Pottses.
A cache of American military stores had been placed at Valley Forge. After the Battle of Brandywine the British had learned of the cache and raided the village, seizing the goods and burning houses. Arriving American troops found trees in the area but little else.
SUFFERING
The troops arrived at Valley Forge in time for Christmas, but there was no holiday feast. Already the men's diaries spoke bitterly of a diet of "fire cakes and cold water." A fire cake was simply a flour and water batter fried on a griddle. The morning after Christmas, the men awoke to find four additional inches of snow on the ground.
The first priority was the building of huts. An order issued by Washington spelled out the style and size of the Spartan quarters.
Every 12 men would share a 16x14 foot log hut with walls six and a half feet high. Each would have a stone fireplace. The roof would be of wood board. Most huts were built in a pit about two-feet below the ground. Generally, there was only a dirt floor and some sort of cloth covering for a door. The huts were drafty, damp, smoky and terribly unhealthy.
The primitive shelters were laid out in regular patterns to form streets. Officers built their huts behind the enlisted men's cabins. These were similar in construction but, perhaps, not as crowded.
Housing the Army was fairly simple. Clothing and feeding the troops was a daunting challenge.
Transportation was the major stumbling block. The supplies were out there. Getting them to Valley Forge seemed impossible. Roads were rutted quagmires. It was difficult to recruit wagoneers. Continental money was nearly worthless, so Pennsylvania farmers often hid their horses and wagons rather than contract with the Army.
The man in charge of military transportation, Quartermaster General Thomas Mifflin hated his job. Mifflin was a wealthy Philadelphia merchant and a born politician who wanted glory on the battlefield not the headaches of transportation. He literally ignored the job.
It wasn't until the spring when Washington's most capable general, Nathanael Green, took over the quartermaster's post that supplies began to move in decent quantity.
AN UNHEALTHY LIFE
The first priority of the soldiers was keeping warm and dry. The troops faced a typical Delaware Valley winter with temperatures mostly in the 20s and 30s. There were 13 days of rain or snow during the first six weeks.
Illness, not musketballs, was the great killer. Dysentery and typhus were rampant. Many makeshift hospitals were set up in the region. The Army's medical department used at least 50 barns, dwellings, churches or meetinghouses throughout a wide area of Eastern Pennsylvania as temporary hospitals. These places were mostly understaffed, fetid breeding grounds of disease. All were chronically short of medical supplies.
America's first true military hospital - constructed for that purpose - was built at Yellow Springs, a popular health spa about 10 miles west of the encampment. About 300 sick men were accommodated in the large three-story wood structure. Washington once visited the Yellow Springs Hospital and stopped to exchange a few words with each patient. Dr. Bodo Otto, an elderly German and his two physician sons, ably ran the hospital until the end of the war.
Much of the sickness was traceable to unhealthy sanitation and poor personal hygiene. Washington constantly complained of the failure to clear the encampment of filth, which included rotting carcasses of horses. The commander-in-chief even issued orders concerning the use and care of privies, but men relieved themselves wherever they felt.
"Intolerable smells" finally prompted Washington to issue orders that soldiers who relieved themselves anywhere but in "a proper Necessary" were to receive five lashes.
In the absence of wells, water was drawn from the Schuylkill River and nearby creeks. Men and animals often relieved themselves upstream from where water for drinking was drawn.
One of Washington's major worries was an outbreak of small pox. Inoculation was still relatively new and controversial, but the General was a firm believer in the procedure. The winter before at Morristown, N.J., he ordered inoculation for all those who had not already had the disease. A survey at Valley Forge showed many vulnerable soldiers. Some 3,000 to 4,000 men were vaccinated.
Knowing how unhealthy the congested the huts were, Washington ordered windows cut for circulation in the spring and even encouraged some to move from their squalid quarters into tents.
Just how many became seriously ill during the Valley Forge encampment and how many died of these illnesses is not known. Even in the mild weather of late spring, the medical department informed Washington that 1,000 men were too ill for combat. Those who died at camp or in hospitals has been estimated as high as 3,000.
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:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<::: |
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05-28-2004 07:17 PM
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Lawless
All About Brad!
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THINGS IMPROVE
In early March, the energetic and competent Gen. Nathanael Greene was appointed quartermaster general, and soon things improve rapidly. Greene got down to business by dispatching engineers to improve bridges and roads between Valley Forge and Lancaster. Wagons began arriving with clothing and food.
Also in early March a baking company of some 70 men headed by Philadelphia gingerbread baker Christopher Ludwig arrived at camp. The German-born patriot refused to profit from his labor. Eventually, each soldier got the daily pound of bread promised by Congress. Ludwig, himself, baked for the headquarters staff and often spoke with Washington.
In April great schools of shad surged up the Schuylkill River to spawn. Thousands were netted, and the soldiers gorged themselves. Hundreds of barrels were filled with salted shad for future use. One soldier wrote, "For almost a month the whole camp stank and men's fingers were oily."
Despite Washington's daily orders, there was little real military discipline in the camp. General John Sullivan once commented, "This is not an Army; it's a mob."
There were no regular roll calls. Sizes of units that were supposed to be equal varied radically. Orders prohibiting gambling, fighting, selling Army equipment and wandering away from camp were routinely ignored.
While brave, Continental troops possessed few skills in the art of 18th century warfare. They didn't know how to march in ranks or maneuver on the battlefield. The bayonet - crucial to battlefield success - was used mostly to cook over a fire.
All this was about to change with the arrival in late February of of Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin Stuebe, known to history as Baron von Steuben. The title was of his own making. He had served in the Prussian Army of Frederick the Great but rose no higher than captain. Now, at age 47, he was out of work and applying for military posts in several places. In Paris, Steuben impressed American envoys, Benjamin Franklin and Silas Deane, who provided the German with a glowing letter of recommendation. Some suggest that Franklin inflated Steuben's military credentials and coached him on how best to get an appointment.
Like the Marquis de Lafayette, the Baron said the right words when he spoke to members of the Congress and the Board of War: He would serve without a salary. He did, however, want his expenses paid. Both the War Board and Washington liked the man's modesty and viewed Steuben as a possible candidate for inspector general of the Army.
Steuben was appalled by what he observed during his first weeks at Valley Forge. Washington asked the German to study the situation and provide reports on camp defenses, troop morale and military readiness. Steuben's reports were detailed and astute. In a short time, Steuben was named acting inspector general. His primary mission involved training, and he attacked the task with dedication and zeal.
Washington liked Steuben immediately even though the Prussian could not speak English. But he could speak French, and Washington appointed two of his French speaking aides, Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens to work with the Prussian.
Steuben has been called history's only popular drillmaster. The men loved his gruff manner, his cursing in broken English and his hands-on-style of demonstrating every move personally. He insisted that officers drill with their men, and he pared down the officers' staffs of personal servants.
He created his own manual of arms and drill to fit the American situation. Simplicity was the keynote. The training started with a select group of 100. When these men knew what they were doing, he released them to teach others. Soon he was drilling large masses of entire regiments and brigades.
He constantly taught the use of the bayonet. He gave lessons in mounting guard and sentry duty. He insisted that every watch be synchronized with the headquarters' clock. And page-by-page Steuben wrote in French an army drill book that was then translated into English. "Regulation for the Order of Discipline of the Troops of the United States" was then copied by an officer in each brigade.
Within weeks, everyone could see a new proficiency and new pride among the formerly dispirited men.
There were other factors coming together to boost morale and send sagging spirits soaring. Most important, France entered the war as an ally of the new nation. America got the good news in April. Great festivities were held in camp on May 5. Along with prayer, parading and gun salutes, each man was issued a gill of rum. French-made uniforms and military gear soon began arriving in camp.
Back in March, an extra month's pay was issued to all in camp for having stuck it out through the miseries of the winter. Washington added a ration of rum for each soldier.
Farmers began bringing their produce to a camp market and fresh military units arrived at Valley Forge.
An Anti-Washington "Cabal"
Most historians agree that the so-called "Conway Cabal" was not a organized effort to replace Washington with Gen. Horatio Gates, the victor of Saratoga or some other general.
But there were some in the Army who felt they were better qualified then the Virginian and several politicians were critical of his performance.
The so-called "cabal" was a lot of mutterings and niggling criticism that finally broke out in the open with the help of an arrogant Irish-born, French-reared soldier of fortune, Thomas Conway. He was recruited in France by Silas Deane and was granted the rank of brigadier general. Washington and many other American officers took an immediate dislike to the boastful Conway.
It seems that Conway along with English Army veterans Charles Lee and Gates all felt they had better military credentials than Washington and would make better commanders.
In fact, with the exception of brilliant but minor victories at Trenton and Princeton, Washington had lost all his battles with the British. On the other hand, Gates' victory at Saratoga had resulted in the surrender of 6,000 British troops. In truth, Gen. Benedict Arnold and Daniel Morgan had saved the day at Saratoga with little help from Gates.
Washington's civilian critics included Philadelphia physician and radical patriot Dr. Benjamin Rush; New Englanders John and Sam Adams and Elbridge Gerry. The man most responsible for the supply problems at Valley Forge, Thomas Mifflin, was another loud critic.
The whole anti-Washington movement was brought to a head when an aide to Gates, Gen. James Wilkinson, revealed over drinks, details of a certain letter to Gates from Conway that was highly critical of Washington.
Washington was informed of the Conway letter by Gen. William Alexander "Lord" Sterling. Conway's letter allegedly stated, "Heaven has been determined to save your country; or a weak general and bad counselors would have ruined it."
Washington confronted Conway with the insult, which brought Gates into the fray and eventually the whole thing became a matter for Congress.
In the end, Washington emerged stronger than ever.
About a year later, Wilkinson and Gates engaged in a pistol duel, in which neither was injured. Washington admirer John Cadwalader, a Pennsylvania militia leader, fought another duel with the obnoxious Conway hitting him in the mouth. Conway recovered and returned to France.
In truth, most of the officers and men suffering at Valley Forge worshipped Washington. Many historians say the leader's calm, caring presence during those horrible winter months was the most important factor in preventing the Army from disintegrating.
Leaving Valley Forge
Philadelphia was a difficult place for the British to defend. Now that France was in the war, the city was also vulnerable to attack or blockade from the sea. It was decided to abandon the Quaker City and move British forces back to their base in New York City.
The British completed their evacuation on June 18th. An estimated 3,000 Tories left the city with the troops. Within hours, American cavalry arrived in the city.
Ready to move against the retreating British, Washington abandoned Valley Forge on June 9 by crossing the Schuylkill River and setting up camp a mile away. He ordered work parties to clean up the old campgrounds, filling the latrines and burying all garbage.
The general was waiting for the British to make their move north through New Jersey. And when word came that the Red Coats were gone on June 18th, he followed immediately.
Now the Continental Army was ready to fight. Professionalism, confidence and pride marked those who had survived the ordeal of Valley Forge.
The two armies clashed on June 28 at Monmouth Courthouse. The battle was almost single-handedly lost by an inept but always arrogant Gen. Charles Lee. When Washington learned that Lee was retreating instead of advancing, the seemingly stoic commander flew into fury and galloped out to turn the men around and lead the attack.
The battle at Monmouth was inconclusive, but it was the British who retreated this time. And it was clear to everyone that those ragged Continentals - who had suffered so much at Valley Forge -- were now a fair match for the British.
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:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<::: |
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05-28-2004 07:17 PM
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Lawless
All About Brad!
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May 1777 Sir William Howe's forces, comprising 18,000 effective troops in position at New Brunswick and Amboy. Washington, with about 6000 Continentals, exclusive of cavalry and artillery and of 500 New Jersey militia (a total, according to Bryant, of 7300 men) broke winter camp at Morristown and advanced to Middlebrook Heights, ten miles from New Brunswick.
June British army moved to Staten Island, American force still at Middlebrook.
July 23 British fleet under Lord Howe sailed from New York with entire British army in command of his brother Sir William Howe, appearing briefly a week later at the capes of the Delaware. Washington encamped on Neshaminy Creek, 90 miles north of Philadelphia.
Aug. 20 The enemy appeared in Chesapeake Bay. On the 23d Washington's army marched through Philadelphia and to Wilmington. The enemy disembarked upon the 95th at the Elk River, 54 miles southwest from Philadelphia.
Sept. 11 Battle of Brandywine. Retreat of Americans to Chester, Philadelphia and Germantown. Americans then numbered about 11,000 men, exclusive of Gates' command in the North. On the 15th, Washington advanced to Warren Tavern, on the Lancaster Pike, a heavy storm ruined the ammunition and led to a retreat to Yellow Springs and thence across the Schuylkill River near Phoenixville. Howe advanced at his leisure, covering a wide stretch of rich country. Upon the night of Sept. 19th, a body of Wayne's men, detached to operate in the rear of the British left flank, was surprised at Paoli, many being bayonetted.
Sept. 21 Howe's columns reached the Schuylkill River in force, crossing at several points above and below Valley Forge. Upon the 26th they marched into Philadelphia, leaving a strong force in Germantown.
Oct. 4 Battle of Germantown, retreat of Americans to White Marsh, about six miles north from Chestnut Hill.
Nov. 10 Lord Howe's ships invested Fort Mifflin and Fort Mercer below the city. An incident of this movement was the Battle of Red Bank, N. J., in which Count Donop, the Hessian commander, was mortally wounded.
Dec. 19 After an exhausting march from White Marsh via Gulf Mills, Washington's troops arrived upon the hills at Valley Forge. Four days later nearly 3000 men of this force were sick or too nearly naked to do duty.
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:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<::: |
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05-28-2004 07:19 PM
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Lawless
All About Brad!
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(From the Diary of a British Sergeant, expanded with explanations)
Aug. 25 Army landed at Elk Ferry, ist under Cornwallis at Elk Ferry, Rd under Kuyphausen at Cecil Court House.
Aug. 28 Army marched, arrived at Head of Elk.
Aug. 31 Cornwallis and Grant marched 4 or 5 miles to a small place called "Iron Works," returned to camp.
Sept. 3 Troops reached Pencador 4 miles east of Elk on road to Christiana Bridge. Americans made a stand at the bridge, but retreated to main body.
Sept. 6 General Grant from Elk, with his troops, joined the army.
Sept. 8 Whole army marched from the left by Newark 6 miles and encamped in the township of Hokesson. The two armies, British and American, 4 miles apart.
Sept. 9 One third of army marched toward New Market, Cornwallis with his Division to Hokesson Meeting House, others to Kennett Square.
Sept. 10 All met this morning and moved toward Brandywine Creek.
Sept. 12 Knyphausen's men remained on Heights. General Grant moved to Concord.
Sept. 13 Cornwallis joined and proceeded to Ashton, 5 miles from Chester and encamped. 71st Regt. to Wilmington.
Sept. 16 Army in 2 columns moved from Ashton toward Goshen Meeting House and Downingtown.
Sept. 17 Early A.M. to Yellow Springs and at night to White Horse, Cornwallis 2 miles beyond.
Sept. 18 Army joined and marched to Tredyffryn. Light Infantry to Valley Forge.
Sept. 20 Paoli affair.
Sept. 21 Army at Valley Forge, line extended from Fatland Ford to French Creek. Moved to Pottsgrove.
Sept. 22 Part of army crossed at Fatland Ford, others at Gordon's Ford.
Sept. 23 Whole army encamped, left to Schuylkill and right on Manatawny Road, with stony run in front. A force detached to Swede's Ford.
Sept. 26 Force under Cornwallis took Philadelpliia.
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:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<::: |
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05-28-2004 07:22 PM
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Lawless
All About Brad!
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Location: Freezing in Colorado
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• 1754-1763
The French and Indian War
• 1764
April 5 The Sugar Act
• 1765
March 22 The Stamp Act
May 29 Patrick Henry's "If This Be Treason" speech
Oct. 7-25 The Stamp Act Congress
• 1767
June 29 Townshend Act
• 1770
March 5 The Boston Massacre
• 1773
Dec. 16 The Boston Tea Party
• 1774
Sept. 5-
Oct. 26 The First Continental Congress (Philadelphia)
• 1775
Apr. 18 The Rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes
Apr. 19 Minutemen and redcoats clash at Lexington and Concord
May 10 Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys seize Fort Ticonderoga
May 10 The Second Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia
June 15 George Washington named Commander in Chief
June 17 Battle of Bunker Hill: The British drive the Americans from Breed's Hill
July 3 Washington assumes command of the Continental Army
Nov. 13 The patriots under Montgomery occupy Montreal in Canada
Dec. 30-31 American forces under Benedict Arnold fail to seize Quebec
• 1776
Jan. 15 Paine's "Common Sense" published
Feb. 27 The patriots drive the Loyalists from Moore's Creek Bridge, North Carolina
March 3 The Continental fleet captures New Providence Island in the Bahamas
March 17 The British evacuate Boston
June 28 British defence of Fort Moultrie, South Carolina
July 2 The Declaration of Independence is finalized and sent to the printer
July 4 The Declaration of Independence adoption date on document
July 8 The Declaration of Independence is read publicly
Aug. 2 The Declaration of Independence signed
Aug. 27 The redcoats defeat the patriots in the Battle of Long Island
Sept. 15 The British occupy New York City
Sept. 16 The British win the Battle of Harlem Heights
Oct. 11 Benedict Arnold defeated at Lake Champlain
Oct. 28 The Americans retreat from White Plains, New York
Nov. 16 The British capture Fort Washington, NY and Fort Lee, NJ
Dec. 26 Washington crosses the Delaware and captures Trenton
• 1777
Jan. 3 Washington victorious at Princeton
Jan. 6-
May 28 Washington winters in Morristown, NJ
June 14 Flag Resolution
July 5 St. Clair surrenders Fort Ticonderoga to the British
July 27 Lafayette arrives in Philadelphia
Aug. 6 The redcoats force the patriots back at Oriskany, but then have to evacuate
Aug. 16 American Militia under General Stark crush the Hessians at Bennington
Aug. 25 British General Howe lands at Head of Elk, Maryland
Sept. 11 The British win the Battle of Brandywine, Pennsylvania
Sept. 16 Rain-out at the Battle of the Clouds, Pennsylvania
Sept. 19 Burgoyne checked by Americans under Gates at Freeman's Farm, NY
Sept. 21 Paoli Massacre, PA
Sept. 26 British under Howe occupy Philadelphia
Oct. 4 Americans driven off at the Battle of Germantown
Oct. 7 Burgoyne loses second battle of Freeman's Farm, NY (at Bemis Heights)
Oct. 17 Burgoyne surrenders to American General Gates at Saratoga, NY
Oct. 22 Hessian attack on Fort Mercer, NJ repulsed
Nov. 16 British capture Fort Mifflin, Pennsylvania
Dec. 5-7 Americans repulse British at Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania
Dec. 19 Washington's army retires to winter quarters at Valley Forge
• 1778
Feb. 6 The United States and France sign the French Alliance
March 7 British General William Howe replaced by Henry Clinton
May 20 Battle of Barren Hill, Pennsylvania
June 19 Washington's army leaves Valley Forge
June 28 The Battle of Monmouth ends in a draw
July 4 George Rogers Clark captures Kaskaskia, a French village near Detroit
Aug. 8 French and American forces besiege Newport, RI
Dec. 29 The redcoats occupy Savannah
• 1779
Feb. 14 Militia beat Tories at Kettle Creek, NC
Feb. 25 American George Rogers Clark captures Vincennes on the Wabash in the Western campaign
June 21 Spain declares war on Great Britain
July 8 Fairfield, CT, burned by British
July 11 Norwalk, CT, burned by British
July 15-16 American "Mad" Anthony Wayne captures Stony Point, NY
Aug. 19 "Light Horse" Harry Lee attacks Paulus Hook, NJ
Sept. 23 John Paul Jones, aboard the Bonhomme Richard, captures British man-of-war Serapis near English coast
Sept. 28 The Tappan Massacre ("No Flint" Grey kills 30 Americans by bayonet)
Oct. 9 American attempt to recapture Savannah, GA fails
• 1780
May 12 British capture Charleston, SC
May 29 British crush Americans at Waxhaw Creek, SC
June 20 Patriots rout Tories at Ramseur's Mill, NC
July 11 French troops arrive at Newport, RI, to aid the American cause
Aug. 6 Patriots defeat Tories at Hanging Rock, SC
Aug. 16 British rout Americans at Camden, SC
Sept. 25 Benedict Arnold's plans to cede West Point to the British discovered
Oct. 7 King's Mountain, SC: battle lasted 65 minutes. American troops led by Isaac Shelby and John Sevier defeated Maj. Patrick Ferguson and one-third of General Cornwallis's army
Oct. 14 Washington names Nathanael Greene commander of the Southern Army
• 1781
Jan. 1 Mutiny of unpaid Pennsylvania soldiers
Jan. 17 Patriot Morgan overwhelming defeated British Col. Tarleton at Cowpens, SC
March 2 Articles of Confederation adopted
March 15 British win costly victory at Guilford Courthouse, NC
April 25 Greene defeated at Hobkirk's Hill, SC
May 15 Corwallis clashed with Greene at Guilford Courthouse, NC
June 6 Americans recapture Augusta, GA
June 18 British hold off Americans at Ninety Six, SC
July 6 "Mad" Anthony Wayne repulsed at Green Springs Farm, VA
Sept. 8 Greene defeated at Eutaw Springs, SC
Sept. 15 Cornwallis surrounded on land and sea by Americans and French and surrenders French fleet drove British naval force from Chesapeake Bay
Oct. 19 at Yorktown, VA
• 1782
March 20 Lord North resigns as British prime minister
July 11 British evacuate Savannah, GA
Nov. 30 British and Americans sign preliminary Articles of Peace
[Dec. 14 British leave Charleston, SC
• 1783
April 19 Congress ratifies preliminary peace treaty
Sept. 3 The United States and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Paris
Nov. 25 British troops leave New York City
Dec. 23 Washington resigns as Commander
• 1787
Sept. 17 U.S. Constitution ratified
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:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<::: |
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05-28-2004 07:24 PM
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Lawless
All About Brad!
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by J. Aubrey Anderson, Esq.
at the Presentation of the Overhanging Rock, Gulph Mills, Pa., December 19, 1924
This spot marks the last prolonged encampment -- from Dec. 13 to Dec. 19, 1777 -- of Washington and his army before going into permanent winter quarters.
It has never been satisfactorily explained just why the army lingered here. Most historical accounts pass over this period of seven days without mention at all. But Mr. W.S. Baker, an eminent historian, has suggested that "in all probability this locality was taken into consideration" as a place for passing the winter. He points out that contrary to the general belief the matter of winter quarters was still under consideration while the army lay at Gulph Mills. On Dec. 13, the day upon which the troops arrived at the Gulph, Timothy Pickering wrote:
"The great difficulty is to fix a proper station for winter quarters. Nothing else prevents our going into them...it is a point not absolutely determined."
On Dec. 15, John Laurens wrote to the President of Congress:
"The precise position is not as yet fixed upon, in which our huts are to be constructed; it will probably be determined today; it must be in such a situation as to admit of a bridge of communication over the Schuylkill for the protection of the country we have just left."
On Dec. 17th, Washington wrote as follows:
"The General ardently wishes it were now in his power to conduct the troops into the best winter quarters; but where are they to be found? Should we retire to the interior of the State, we would find it crowded with virtuous citizens, who, sacrificing their all, have left Philadelphia and fled hither for protection; to their distress humanity forbids us to add. This is not all. We should leave a vast extent of country to be despoiled and ravaged by the enemy, from which they would draw vast supplies, and where many of our firm friends would be exposed to all the miseries of an insulting and wanton depredation. A train of evils might be enumerated, but these will suffice. These considerations make it indispensably necessary for the army to take such a position as will enable it most effectually to prevent distress, and give the most extensive security; and in that position we must make ourselves the best shelter in our power.
"These urgent reasons have determined the General to take post in the neighborhood of this camp, and influenced by them, he persuades himself that the officers and soldiers, with one heart and one mind, will resolve to surmount every difficulty with a fortitude and patience becoming their profession, and the sacred cause in which they are engaged."
A further indication that Gulph Mills was considered for winter quarters is seen in the march of the army itself. When Washington broke camp at Whitemarsh on Dec. 11th, it was his intention to cross the Schuylkill at Matson's Ford, but quoting his own language:
"When the first division and a part of the second had passed, they found a body of the enemy, consisting from the best accounts we have been able to obtain, of four thousand men, under Lord Cornwallis, possessing themselves of the heights on both sides of the road leading from the river and the defile called the Gulf. This unexpected event obliged such of our troops as had crossed, to repass..."
The army then moved up the river to Swedes Ford and on the following night, Dec. 12th, crossed over the river, and on the morning of the 13th, marched to the Gulf. Had Valley Forge been definitely decided upon for winter quarters at this time, then the march to Gulph Mills was apparently without purpose. The logical course would have been to proceed direct from Swedes Ford at Norristown to the winter encampment because the army was already exhausted, without provisions and in a pitiable condition. From all of the foregoing circumstances we are led to the conclusion that the strategic value of the Gulph hills appealed strongly to Washington. These heights stretch from the Schuylkill River at Matson's FOrd for miles into the interior of the country. They offered the first considerable barrier to an approach by the enemy from Philadelphia. Moreover they commanded the Matson's Ford and the Swedes Ford at which points the army could be thrown across the river in case of necessity. The position met the requirements set forth in Laurens' letter of the 15th and in Washington's Orders of the 17th. It was evidently only after careful deliberation for many days that the final decision was formed to retreat to the next great range of hills, the hills of Valley Forge, for the establishment of permanent winter quarters.
During the encampment at Valley Forge the Gulph remained an important outpost. Troops were stationed here to guard the pass, and part of the time were under the command of Lieutenant Aaron Burr, the man who later at the height of his career just missed becoming president of the United States.
Gulph Mills is a spot to be venerated by every true American. The entire army under Washington was concentrated here, "encamped on the heights." Washington's letters written at this time were headed "Headquarters Gulf Mill" -- others "near the Gulf," and one to the Board of War "Headquarters Gulf Creek 14 Dec. 1777." It was in his message of the 14th that the graphic description occurs -- "the defile called the Gulf."
Here indeed was the beginning of the darkest, saddest, most tragic period in American History. Never since have the fortunes of America sunk so low. WIth the exception of Burgoyne's defeat in the North, the campaign of 1777 had been disastrous. The battles of Brandywine and Germantown had been lost. Philadelphia was in possession of the British. Congress had fled to Lancaster and later to York, and was virtually demoralized. A treacherous conspiracy seeking the overthrow of Washington had reared its head. A large part of the population was lukewarm in its adherence tot he patriotic cause, or openly aided the enemy. The commissary department had become so inefficient that food, clothing and supplies for the army virtually ceased. Then ensued that chapter of piteous suffering commencing on the march to Gulph Mills and not ending until months later at Valley Forge. Suffering so intense that it still wrings a cry of anguish from us who contemplate it today.
You will recall that on Dec. 11th the army had reached Swedes Ford on the east side of the river. From there on let the participants tell their own story.
John Laurens writes: "The next morning (December 12) the want of provisions -- I could weep tears of blood when I say it -- the want of provisions render'd it impossible to march until the evening of that day."
Lieutenant McMichael writes: "Dec. 12 -- at 6 p.m. we march to the bridge (made of wagons) which we crossed in Indian file and at 3 a.m. encamped near the Gulph where we remained without tents or blankets in the midst of a severe snow storm."
And good Dr. Waldo writes: "We are ordered to march over the river. It snows -- I'm sick -- eat nothing -- no whisky -- no baggage -- Lord-Lord-Lord -- . Till sunrise crossing the river cold and uncomfortable."
And on the 13th he records: "The army marched three miles from the west side of the river and encamped near a place called the Gulph and not an improper name either. For this Gulph seems well adapted by its situation to keep us from the pleasure and enjoyments of this world, or being conversant with anybody in it."
And again he writes: "Dec. 16, cold rainy day -- baggage ordered over the Gulph, of our division, which were to march at ten, but the baggage was ordered back and for the first time since we have been here the tents were pitch'd to keep the men more comfortable."
Listen to his description of a soldier: "There comes a soldier -- his bare feet are seen thro' his worn out shoes -- his legs nearly naked from the tattered remains of an only pair of stockings -- his breeches not sufficient to cover his nakedness -- his shirt hanging in strings -- his hair dishevell'd -- his face meagre -- his whole appearance pictures a person forsaken and discouraged."
Yet it was at this moment of his country's weakness and in the midst of an army suffering from cold and dying from neglect and hunger that Washington wrote his memorable Orders of Dec. 17th in which he expresses his thanks to the officers and soldiers for the fortitude and patience with which they have sustained the fatigue of the campaign; in which he asserts -- "although in some instances we unfortunately failed yet upon the whole Heaven hath smiled upon our arms." And in these he makes the confident prediction "that, by a spirited continuance of the measures necessary for our defence, we shall finally obtain the end of our warfare, Independence, Liberty and Peace." But above all it was in these same orders that he announced his determination not to retire into the interior of the country but to place the army -- think of it, this army of wretched, ragged Continentals -- in such a position "as will enable most effectually to prevent distress, and give the most extensive security," and he concluded with the declaration that he himself would "share in the hardships and partake of every inconvenience." Was ever sacrifice more heroic or patriotism more sublime?
On the 18th, the day was spent by the army as a day of thanksgiving and prayer. On the 19th the camp moved to Valley Forge where four days later, in despair, Washington wrote:
"I am now convinced beyond a doubt, that, unless some great and capital change suddenly takes place in that line (the commissary's department), this army must inevitably be reduced to one or other of these three things: starve, dissolve, or disperse in order to obtain subsistence in the best manner they can."
It is narrated in the Bible that when Joshua marching against Jericho came to the River Jordan, the river parted and Joshua and his people crossed over. And the Lord commanded Joshua to set up twelve stones:
"That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come saying what mean you by these stones?
"Then ye shall answer them -- and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the Children of Israel forever."
One hundred and forty-seven years ago when Washington's army, defeated and in despair, passed up the Gulph Road on their memorable and piteous march to Valley Forge, those half frozen, half naked, half starving men were not thinking of memorials. They were thinking most likely of death and the ruin of their cause. But God himself even then had set up a memorial eternal and lasting as the very hills of which it forms a part -- the Overhanging Rock at Gulph Mills. Just as it witnessed the sufferings of Washington and his army so has it seen the progress and glory of this mighty Nation. No man-made monument can surpass it in beauty, or equal its power to arrest attention and fire the imagination. It is unique. It is impressive. It is one of Nature's wonders. It tells a story which even he who runs may read -- the story of the upbuilding of the American Republic. It proclaims Gulph Mills as no other marker ever can or will. Once gone not all the art and science of our boasted 20th Century civilization can replace it.
Yet there are some people who lightly talk of destroying this historic landmark because it encroaches somewhat on the highway, asserting that it interferes with progress. Let those who would tear it down in the name of progress remember that the progress of which they are so proud was purchased for them by the blood and the suffering of the men who tramped under this very stone in their striving for that Independence, Liberty and Peace which was to become the foundation of America's greatness.
To destroy this marker would be to defame ourselves. It would convict us of forgetfulness of sacrifices made for us by our forefathers.
Let this memorial stand. Let it be a sign among you so that when your children ask "what means this stone"? tell them that an army of immortals passed through this gorge in defeat and despair, to even greater despair at Valley Forge, but that the spirit which sustained them here, sustained them there, and out of it "the life of America arose regenerate and free."
Let us widen the road. Let us bridge the Gulph Creek itself if necessary but at all costs let us preserve this God given memorial to the best traditions of America.
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:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<::: |
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05-28-2004 07:28 PM
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Lawless
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The winter at Valley Forge was a rough one. But, a winter encampment at Morristown, New Jersey was worse. The Valley Forge Encampment was difficult because the soldiers lacked proper clothing and proper meals. There were seven winters during the Revolutionary War.
The winters could be rated on the following scale: severe, moderate and mild.
1775-1776 Moderate
1776-1777 Moderate
1777-1778 Moderate
1778-1779 Mild
1779-1780 Severe
1780-1781 Mild
1781-1782 Severe
There are two excellent resources providing an account of the weather situation in the Philadelphia region during the winter of 1777-1778. One is that of Thomas Coombe, from his residence "two miles west of Philadelphia" (which would be in the city today) and that of Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, from Providence (now Trappe, approximately 10-12 miles from Valley Forge), near the Perkiomen River in Montgomery County.
The Encampment saw basically two periods of severe cold. The end of December with a low of 6 Degrees and the end of March with a low of 8 Degrees. The low in January reached 12 Degrees and February was 16 Degrees. The troops arrived at Valley Forge on the 19th of December and eight days later, the deepest single snow of the season fell, which was followed by the severest cold. They were plagued by boughts of cold, which would thaw and then refreeze. You can imagine what a muddy mess it would have been working on drills.
There were three continued snowstorms, but not of a blizzard-like quality. More moderate to heavy covering. "There was heavy snowfall" according to Dr. Muhlenberg on the 8th of February, "deeper now than we have had the whole winter," but was washed away by a heavy rainfall within the next 2 to 3 days. The heavy snowfall of the 8th, compounded by the heavy rainfall brought some flooding conditions...which made roads impassable.
Between the cold and freezing temperatures, there were even some above average warm temperatures during the encampment when some thaws set in. These included some days around Christmas and then approximately three periods in January lasting for several days at a time.
With a lack of proper clothing, and the inadequacies of the temporary military housing in the log huts, built during some foul weather, it was not a pleasant winter for the Continental Army. But through it all, they persevered, and we can thank them for our freedom.
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:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<::: |
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05-28-2004 07:29 PM
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Lawless
All About Brad!
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Because the traditional Valley Forge story includes images of men starving, freezing, and dying of sickness, visitors to the site in Victorian times imagined that perhaps thousands of Revolutionary soldiers lay buried there.
One area then acknowledged as a camp burying ground was south of Route 23 near the sites now known as Varnum's and Huntington's Quarters where a lone headstone marked with the initials "JW" appeared to stand among many other unmarked graves. The other supposed burial ground was within the arc made by Outer Line Drive as it winds downhill from Wayne's Woods. An 1898 letter described how this sloping ground had been eroded to reveal the knee bones of soldiers buried in a crouched position.
Both these areas were duly honored with monuments. In 1901, the National Society of the Daughters of the Revolution of 1776 raised a shaft near the lonely headstone which had by then been identified with John Waterman. Still popularly called the Waterman Monument, this was really dedicated to all the soldiers "who sleep in Valley Forge." The Valley Forge chapter of the DAR erected a second monument to the dead in 1911 below the hill surmounted by Wayne's Woods.
The Victorian interest in graves naturally led to the creation of Valley Forge ghost stories. In 1895, there were reports of ghostly campfires and the spirits of Revolutionary soldiers were said to be visible on the hillsides on stormy nights.
Other graves were identified in the 1930s by the Veterans' Graves Registration Division of the WPA, though the basis for their identification is today unknown. As late as 1975, when the Veterans' Administration considered locating a cemetery at Valley Forge, it was still believed that digging new graves might disturb the unknown resting places of Revolutionary soldiers.
However, recent studies of eighteenth-century documents reveal few references to burials at Valley Forge -- since soldiers who became ill in camp would have been taken to outlying hospitals. Recent archaeological investigations turned up no graves -- but many offal pits, where soldiers would have buried bones and refuse from the livestock slaughtered for their rations.
Could the graves of Valley Forge hold the remains of cows and pigs?
According to National Park Service historian Joseph Lee Boyle, no substantiated human graves have ever been found in the park. It cannot even be proven that John Waterman was buried at Valley Forge, since his headstone was removed from its original position in 1939 and its original location is now unknown.
The graves and ghosts of Valley Forge remain one of the park's interesting mysteries.
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:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<::: |
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05-28-2004 07:30 PM
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Lawless
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The Treaty of Alliance between France and the United States was concluded at Paris, February 6, 1778 and ratified by Congress May 4, 1778. The treaty provided for a defensive alliance to aid France should England attack, and that neither France nor the United States would make peace with England until the independence of the United States was recognized. The knowledge of the Alliance came to Washington on May Day, 1778.
One week later General George Washington issued the following general order:
"It having pleased the Almighty Ruler of the universe to defend the course of the United States, and finally raise up a powerful friend among the princes of the earth, to establish our Liberty and Independence upon a lasting foundation, it becomes us to set apart a day for gratefully acknowledging the Divine goodness, and celebrating the important event which we owe to His Divine interposition. The several brigades are to assemble for this purpose at nine o'clock tomorrow morning, when their chaplains will communicate the information contained in the postscript of the Pennsylvania Gazette of the 2nd instant, and offer up a thanksgiving and deliver a discourse suitable to the event. At half past ten o'clock a cannon will be fired which is to be a signal for the men to be under arms. The Brigade Inspectors will then inspect their dress and arms, and form the battalions according to the instructions given them, and announce to the commanding officers of the brigade that the battalions are formed. The commanders of brigades will then appoint the field officers to the battalions, after which each battalion will be ordered to load and ground their arms. At half past seven o'clock a second cannon will be fired as a signal for the march; upon which the several brigades will begin their march by wheeling to the right by platoons, and proceed by the nearest way to the left of their ground by the new position. This will be pointed out by the Brigade Inspectors. A third signal will then be given, on which there will be a discharge of thirteen cannon; after which a running fire of the infantry will begin on the left of the second line and continue to the right. Upon a signal given, the whole army will huzza, 'Long Live the King of France.' The artillery then begins again and fires thirteen rounds; this will be succeeded by a second general discharge of musketry, in running fire, and a huzza, 'Long Live the Friendly European Powers.' The last discharge of thirteen pieces of artillery will be given, followed by a general running and huzza, 'The American States.'"
The Commander-in-Chief and staff were the guests of the Jersey troops during the religious services of the day, after which the general officers of the command joined him at the Potts mansion, whereat was served one of those famous dinners for which Washington always manifested a fondness.
The length and breadth of Washington's exuberance upon the arrival of the good news can not be more effectively shown than in the fact that two soldiers awaiting execution in camp were pardoned and restored to the ranks by him in testimony of his joy. When we consider how rarely the Commander-in-Chief modified or reversed the finding of his courts martial, we may realize the meaning of this gift of life to men who, perhaps, did not deserve it.
From The Picket Post, 1953.
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:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<::: |
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05-28-2004 07:31 PM
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Lawless
All About Brad!
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Of all the representatives sent abroad by the Congress of the thirteen states in the early part of the Revolutionary war to secure aid of various kinds from certain friendly nations, no one has equaled Benjamin Franklin in ability, tact, common sense, diplomacy, and reputation that was national as well as world wide. Any government to which he was assigned received an unusual personality.
He began as a printer, became a publisher, founded papers, served as editor and reporter, and also printed an almanac known as "Poor Richard's Almanac" which is indeed historical. His wise sayings and maxims show an unusual common sense philosophy.
He established in Philadelphia better plans of transportation and also aided throughout Pennsylvania and improved communication. He helped save property from destruction and aided insurance plans against fire.
As an inventor, his accomplishments were unusual. He also aided in changing our standards of life by the invention of the Franklin Stove and started the pioneer work to harness electricity to be an agent for the benefit of mankind. In Philadelphia, he also founded one of the great universities of the world. In government, he made contributions in developing unity and democracy in our colonies, and he also served for many years as official colonial agent in London for Pennsylvania. He pointed out for a long time to the British Government that taxation without representation was a principle upon which America stood firmly.
When Franklin went to France in the early part of the Revolution as the official diplomat and ambassador of the thirteen colonies, he came as a man of maturity, brilliance, ability, and as a world statesman. Upon his arrival in Paris, there was no other statesman or philosopher who could equal him in his ability and accomplishments. His presence in Paris annoyed the British minister and staff. Franklin enjoyed the situation. The years he remained in Paris were unusually fruitful ones for America and helping to work out the future destiny of the United States of America. In the early 1950's the United States published ten volumes of the United States Foreign Affairs during the Revolution, and the major part of the ten volumes covers the work of Franklin.
The colonies indeed needed help of every description--men, money, equipment, ships, and all things to fight a successful war. The long years of enmity between France and Britain opened the way for the leadership of Franklin. And he was not only the man to exploit it, but also the reason for the acceptance of thirteen states as a recognized nation in the world of nations.
During his long career of service, we shall never know how many men sought commissions in the Revolution. But this much we do know--that Franklin was never deceived, as he never held out any hope for a commission unless the applicant had the ability in his chosen field. One of the men aided very early was John Paul Jones; and as an Admiral in the little American Navy composed of two ships under his command, he took those two ships and sailed into English waters for a fight. In a terrific battle, two proud English ships surrendered; and they were brought into French waters as American prizes.
When the United States flag, the red, white, and blue, became the official flag of the country in June, 1777, the French Navy saluted it as the first of all nations.
Another important selection was Baron Von Steuben who came to be an important leader at Valley Forge during the tragic winter of 1777-1778 in the reorganization of the Continental Army. Franklin wrote Washington a long personal letter about Steuben. When his services were accepted by Congress, he showed that he was thoroughly dependable; and his military ability and leadership were likewise shown in the reorganization of the Army in the days ahead. His devotion to Washington and earnestness to his new country constitute fine commendation of Franklin's aid.
In the final stages of the war, after long weeks of hard campaigning, Cornwallis was bottled up in Yorktown, Virginia. Lafayette, who had done so much for the American cause out of his own private fortune and by his persistence to his own government for men, equipment, and ships, always backed up the entire procedure of Franklin.
As the conditions became ripe and favorable, then Washington and his Continentals came down from the North and by rapid marches joined the French soldiers under Rochembeau; and the last great battle of the war entered its final phase. DeGrasse, Commander of the French fleet, kept reinforcements away; and the armies, under the supreme command of Washington, in a series of successful attacks upon the British forces led to the final conclusion and surrender of Cornwallis in October, 1782.
There were times during the long residence of Franklin in Paris when events were pleasant and joyful instead of war planning and persuading the French officials to be more generous in their gifts to America. There were meetings of scholars, writers, and scientists in which Franklin was invariably the center of attraction. The plainness of his dress, the simplicity of his personality, and his tact, agreeableness, and responsiveness were always appreciated; and there was nothing haughty about him. Under all conditions, he was a friend of man, a world benefactor, and the representative of a cause which appealed to people all over the world--a living exponent of American democracy. He had a wonderful story to tell of the conquest of a continent by a people through thrift, endurance, sacrifice and grit. He was always a welcomed guest at the Royal receptions, and the king and queen appreciated his ready wit.
When the war was over, the great problem remained to conclude the peace. The French politicians determined to make the American alliance turn in every way to their own advantage. When the news of the glorious alliance was made in early Spring, May 1778, which brought so much cheer and new faith to the officers and men alike, just as the new life of Spring was bringing green grass and bursting buds to the naked trees of Valley Forge, which was symbolical of the improved conditions of the American soldiers as they had suffered on the bleak hills of Valley Forge during the tragic winter.
Now the war was over and there were those in power who thought they could use Franklin, the American alliance and the United States to their own advantage. The French politicians were opposed to a separate peace treaty for the United States, but they proposed to have a treaty in which American independence and sovereignty would be tied directly to the French treaty. And then they could hold the United States under their own direction.
Franklin knew French politicians too well, and he resolved such conditions should not result. Franklin was courageous, bold and had a definite sense of vision plans in diplomacy. consequently, he met the leaders of the British commission and secured a separate treaty with them. He secured just what he wanted for his country; namely, the absolute independence of the United States, recognition of it as a distinctive government, and at the same time the exact boundaries of the United States were generally established. Some of the American members were fearful lest all plans should be ruined, but not so Franklin.
The French commission was furious and spoke unkindly to Franklin. Again undaunted, he met them and convinced them they could not hold the United States to their own plans; and thus he succeeded.
In conclusion, with excerpts of four important Franklin letters as follows:
"We must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately."
-In the Continental Congress just before signing the Declaration of Independence, 1776.
"It is a common observation here (Paris) that our cause is the cause of all mankind, and that we are fighting for their liberty in defending our own."
-Letter to Samuel Cooper, 1777
Thus the great and hazardous enterprise we have been engaged in is, God be praised, happily completed***. A few years of peace will improve, will restore and increase our strength; but our future will depend on our union and our virtue***. Let us, therefore, beware of being lulled into a dangerous security; and of being both enervated and impoverished by luxury; of being weakened by internal contentions and divisions***."
-Letter to Charles Thomson, from Paris, 1784, just after signing the Peace Treaty
"Our Constitution is in actual operation; everything appears to promise that it will last; but nothing in this world is certain but death and taxes."
-Letter to M. Leroy, 1789.
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:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<::: |
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05-28-2004 07:33 PM
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Lawless
All About Brad!
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