Patriots of the Past

It’s June 4, 1813. I’m on the USS Chesapeake with Captain James Lawrence. We’re in battle with a British frigate, the HMS Shannon, which has been blockading Boston Harbor. JG: …

It’s July 1, 1813. I’m in New London, Connecticut, and we’re fighting the British who are shelling the American troops. Here comes American Revolutionary War heroine, Anna Warner. JG: “Anna! …

It’s August 19, 1812. I’m with Captain Isaac Hull on the 44-gun frigate USS Constitution. We’re in a battle against the British frigate Guerriere. JG: “Captain Hull, can your ship …

It’s June 29, 1808. I’m in Hawkins County, Tennessee, with Davy Crockett. JG: “Davy, why are you fighting alongside General Andrew Jackson?” DC: “Johnny, you can bet your bottom dollar …

It’s July 11, 1804, I’m with Alexander Hamilton on the banks of the Hudson River at Weehawken, New Jersey. JG: “Mr. Hamilton, why are you having this duel with Aaron …

It’s December 11, 1802. I’m in a classroom with President Thomas Jefferson. He has authored the first plan of education for Washington, D.C., public schools. “Mr. President, what textbooks are …

It’s November 28, 1800. I’m in the newly opened White House with its first occupant President John Adams. JG: “Mr. President, sir, what are your thoughts about our new president’s …

It’s December 15, 1799. George Washington died yesterday. I’m in the carriage of President John Adams. JG: “Mr. President, you served as his vice president and with him in the …

It’s December 14, 1799. This Christmas holiday is saddened with the news that President George Washington has died today. I’m in Philadelphia at Christ Church. Washington’s pew is draped in …

It’s March 4, 1797. I’m in Philadelphia at the inauguration of President John Adams. Let’s listen in as President Adams reads his inaugural address. JA: “And may that Being who …

It’s November 15, 1796. I’m at the presidential house with Deborah Sampson. JG: “Tell me, Mrs. Sampson. Why have you been invited to dine with President Washington and the First …

It’s September 19, 1796. I’m listening to President Washington’s Farewell Address. Let’s see if we can pick up some of his parting advice to America. GW: “Of all the dispositions …

It’s September 17, 1796. I’m with President George Washington who has just finished his farewell address. JG: “Mr. President, what is your definition of an American?” GW: “Mr. Gillespie, the …

It’s January 1, 1796. I’m with President George Washington and the Minister of France. GW: “Monsieur, it is my purest wish to the Supreme Being, that the citizens of our …

It’s January 2, 1795. I’m with the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Jay. “Chief Justice, sir, what keeps this country strong?” “As I stated in Federalist Paper …

It’s New Year’s Day, 1795. I’m in the halls of Congress listening to President Washington’s National Thanksgiving proclamation. GW: “Americans, our duty as a people, with devout reverence and affectionate …

It’s August 20, 1794. I’m with Mad Anthony Wayne at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. JG: “General Wayne, what is the reason for this battle?” AW: “Mr. Gillespie, our settlements …

It’s July 1, 1791. I’m with Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury under President Washington. I’m at the opening of the First Bank of the United States. JG: “Mr. Hamilton, …

It’s November 1, 1790. I’m with Harvard graduate John Quincy Adams, the son of John Adams. JG: “John Quincy, what are you writing?” JQA: “Mr. Gillespie, that radical Thomas Paine …

It’s August 7, 1789. I’m with President George Washington. He has just signed the Northwest Ordinance. JG: “President Washington, what does the Northwest Ordinance state about the key to good …