Patriots of the Past

It’s September 9, 1776. I’m in Hartford, Connecticut, with Mrs. Roger Sherman. JG: “Mrs. Sherman, your husband helped work on the writings of the Declaration of Independence. What has life …

It’s June 7, 1776. I’m in Philadelphia. The Continental Congress is preparing to vote for independence. Richard Henry Lee of Virginia is introducing an independence resolution. RHL: “Be it resolved …

It’s April 18, 1776, almost midnight. The King of England wants to hang Samuel Adams and John Hancock. I’m at the church of the Reverend Jonas Clarke, the leader of …

It’s November 29, 1623. I’m with the Governor of Plymouth Colony, and he has just made an official proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving. JG: “Governor Bradford, could you read …

It’s December 23, 1775. I’m in Virginia at the church of Reverend Peter Muhlenberg, who is just about to conclude his sermon. Wait … he’s taking off his black preaching …

It’s June 17, 1775. I’m at the Battle of Bunker Hill with Peter Salem. JG: “Mr. Salem, you are a free Negro, and you were recommended by your commanding officer …

It’s March 23, 1775. I’m at St. John’s Church. An overflow crowd is listening to Patrick Henry; he’s in the middle of a very emotional speech. War in America is …

It’s April 19, 1775. I’m with Prudence Wright whose husband has just left with the Massachusetts Minutemen. JG: “Prudence, why are all these women dressed up like men and carrying …

It’s October 24, 1774. I’m at Elizabeth King’s house in the town of Edenton, North Carolina. A group of Patriot women are meeting to sign a declaration to not drink …

It’s June 1, 1765. I’m in the Virginia House of Burgesses with one of its members, Patrick Henry. JG: “Mr. Henry, you sound like you’re on the brink of calling …

It’s November 1, 1800. I’m in Washington, D.C. with two presidential candidates, President John Adams and Vice President Thomas Jefferson. JG: “Mr. President, what is the key Federalist position?” JA: …

It’s December 27, 1799. News of George Washington’s death has just reached London. I’m with King George III. JG: “Your Majesty, what are your thoughts on the passing of President …

It’s October 17, 1794. I’m at the Presidential House with the First Lady, Martha Washington. JG: “Mrs. Washington, as you enter into your husband’s second term, what are your thoughts …

It’s June 19, 1787. I’m at the Constitutional Convention with Maryland representative Luther Martin. JG: “Mr. Martin, why are you so upset?” LM: “Mr. Gillespie, how dare some of the …

It’s August 2, 1783. I’m in London, England, at the court of King George III with Lord Jones. JG: “Excuse me, Lord Jones, what would you attribute to the success …

It’s January 7, 1781. I’m in South Carolina riding along with Kate Barry. JG: “Kate, where are we going?” KB: “I’m helping General Morgan round up local militia to join …

It’s October 7, 1780. I’m at the Battle of Kings Mountain with Colonel Isaac Shelby. JG: “Colonel Shelby, British Major Ferguson said if you don’t surrender, he will kill you …

It’s October 2, 1780. I’m near Tarrytown, New York, where Major John Andre, aide-de-camp to British General Henry Clinton, will be executed. JG: “Major Andre, General Washington has agonized over …

It’s June 28, 1780. I’m in Charleston, South Carolina, with Patriot Martha Bratton. JG: “Martha, what are you doing?” MB: “Shhhh … John, I’m laying a trail of gunpowder to …

It’s December 20, 1779. I’m in Morristown, Pennsylvania, in the platoon tent of teenage soldier Joseph Martin. Almost all the soldiers in Joseph’s platoon are teenagers, and they long to …