Patriots of the Past

It’s April 30, 1789, I’m at Federal Hall in New York City at the inauguration of George Washington. JG: “President Washington, how exciting that many want to call you “His …

It’s January 5, 1788. I’m with James Madison, who is busy writing Federalist Paper #51. JG: “Excuse me, Mr. Madison, could you share some of #51 with us?” JM: “Why, …

  It’s November 3, 1787. I’m in New York City with Alexander Hamilton. JG: “Mr. Hamilton, what are you writing?” AH: “Mr. Gillespie, I’m helping write the Federalist Papers. They …

It’s September 17, 1787. I’m in Philadelphia standing outside Independence Hall. Our Founding Fathers have just signed America’s rulebook, the Constitution. Here comes Benjamin Franklin. JG: “Mr. Franklin, sir, what …

It’s June 28, 1787. I’m at the Constitutional Convention and the delegates are embroiled in a bitter debate over how each state is to be represented in the new government. …

It’s December 23, 1783. I’m at the Maryland State House where General George Washington is resigning his commission as Commander of the Continental Army. The general is speaking … GW: …

It’s September 2, 1783. I’m in Paris, France, with Ambassador John Adams. Mr. Adams is working out the details of the Treaty of Paris which will conclude the American War …

It’s June 1, 1782. I’m visiting with Betsy Ross. At the request of General George Washington, she made “Old Glory,” the first flag of stars and stripes in 1776. JG: …

It’s April 24, 1782. I’m inside Fort Henry near Wheeling, Virginia. A large force of Indians and British are firing at us. Gunpowder is almost gone. I fear we will …

It’s December 12, 1781. I’m in the study of Reverend James Caldwell. He’s preparing his Christmas sermon on God’s presence in the victory of the American Revolution. JG: “Reverend Caldwell, …

It’s November 29, 1781. I’m in cold St. Petersburg, Russia with 14-year-old Secretary to the U.S. Minister to Russia, John Quincy Adams. JG: “Master Adams. You’re very young to be …

Experience the American dream with today’s Patriots of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie. It’s November 1, 1777. I’m in a British prison camp with Elizabeth Jackson, the …

It’s October 19, 1781. I’m with General Washington at the Yorktown surrender, watching the British troops march away. JG: “General Washington, why is the band playing Yankee Doodle?” GW: “Mr. …

It’s October 19, 1781, I’m at the Battle of Yorktown with French General Rochambeau. JG: General Rochambeau, General Washington respects you and is very appreciative of you joining the American …

It’s September 7, 1781. I’m in a session of the Continental Congress with 13-year-old Elizabeth Cartwright. JG: “Miss Cartwright, who is that young man you’ve been watching?” EC: “Why, Mr. …

It’s August 29, 1781. I’m at Chesapeake Bay with a commander of the French fleet. Admiral Francois de Grasse. JG: “Admiral, why do you have 29 ships blockading the bay?” …

Experience the American dream with today’s Patriots of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie. It’s September 25, 1780. I’m on the British vessel, Vulture, in the Hudson River …

Experience the American dream with today’s Patriots of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie. It’s July 9, 1780. I’m with Grace and Rachel Martin in South Carolina. We’re …

Experience the American dream with today’s Patriots of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie. It’s June 28, 1780. I’m in Charleston, South Carolina, with Patriot Martha Bratton. JG: …

Experience the American dream with today’s Patriots of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie. It’s June 2, 1780. I’m in Philadelphia with the governor of Pennsylvania’s wife, Esther …