Patriots of the Past

It’s April 11, 1767. I’m with wise old Benjamin Franklin, who is a visionary of American liberty. JG: “Mr. Franklin, you’ve helped secure the repeal of the oppressive Stamp Act. …

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 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 February 1, 1800. I’m at the first official White House ball with Abigail Adams. JG: “Mr. President, may I have the honor of dancing with the First Lady?” JA: …

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 19, 1780. I’m on Wall Street in New York City with new Swiss immigrant, Albert Gallatin. JG: “Mr. Gallatin, why did you move to America during our War …

It’s August 1, 1780. I’m with the captured American teenage Patriot, Andrew Jackson. JG: “Andrew, why are you in this British jail?” AJ: “John …” Redcoat: “Andy, get in here …

It’s November 19, 1779. I’m in South Carolina at the home of 12-year-old Andrew Jackson. JG: “Andrew, what are your thoughts about your mother passing away last week in a …

It’s July 16, 1779. I’m with the regiment of Mad Anthony Wayne. We’re about to attack the British fort at Stony Point, New York. AW: “Shhhh … John, we had …

It’s December 17, 1778. I’m with General Baron Von Steuben at the dock. He has just arrived from Germany. JG: “General Von Steuben, are your Christmas traditions in Germany anything …

It’s February 28, 1778. I’m with Prussian General Baron von Steuben at Valley Forge. JG: “General, why are you here training our troops?” BVS: “Your army has a passion and …

It’s December 14, 1777. I’m with Continental Army surgeon Dr. Waldo at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, JG: “Dr. Waldo, are you able to help our wounded boys?” AW: “Mr. Gillespie, I …

It’s October 10, 1777. I’m on horseback with Anne Bailey, who had been riding up and down the Potomac River recruiting for the Continental Army. JG: “Anne Bailey, why are …

It’s January 3, 1777. I’m on horseback with Scottish-American Major General Arthur St. Clair at the Battle of Princeton. JG: “General St. Clair, look out! The British cavalry is attacking! …

It’s March 31, 1776. I’ve just stopped at the home of John and Abigail Adams. John is at the Second Continental Congress. Abigail is writing words of encouragement to her …

It’s April 20, 1775. I’m in Lexington, Massachusetts, at the home of Billy Diamond, drummer boy for the Lexington Minutemen. Yesterday, Billy and thirty-seven brave patriots fought for freedom. Eight …

It’s November 2, 1754. I’m in Paris, France, with Baron de Montesquieu. JG: “Monsieur, in your classic book, The Spirit of the Laws, what is your main argument?” BDM: “Mr. …

It’s July 19, 1776. I’m with Commander John Berry on the deck of the Continental ship Lexington, and we’re in a fierce battle against the British ship Edward. JG: “Commander …

It’s December 13, 1752. I’m with Benjamin Franklin. We’ve just finished listening to the famous evangelist George Whitefield. JG: “Mr. Franklin, what did you think of his preaching?” BF: “Mr. …