Patriots of the Past

It’s July 2, 1776. I’m at Independence Hall, Philadelphia, with John Adams, the voice of independence. JG: “Mr. Adams, why is everyone so excited about the vote that just took …

It’s July 1, 1776. I’m in the home of John Adams visiting with his nine-year-old son, John Quincy, and ten-year-old daughter, Nabby. JG: “John Quincy and Nabby, where is your …

It’s May 17, 1776. I’m at Princeton University. Its president, John Witherspoon, has just finished giving a stirring sermon calling for Americans to defend liberty. JG: “Reverend Wetherspoon, why were …

It’s May 16, 1776. I’m with Princeton President John Witherspoon. JG: “Reverend Witherspoon, British loyalists charge that you have poisoned the minds of your students and created the fire behind …

It’s May 8, 1776. We have a battle going on in Congress over independency. The fiery John Adams is chastising the cowards of the Continental Congress for refusing to demand …

It’s December 9, 1775. I’m in Auburn, New York, at Fort Ticonderoga with General Henry Knox. It’s bitterly cold! JG: “General Knox, what are you doing way up here in …

It’s December 6, 1775. I’m in London at the court of King George III. ATTENDANT: “Mr. Gillespie, you may see the King now.” JG: “Your Majesty, in the spirit of …

It’s October 8, 1775. I’m riding back to South Carolina with John Rutledge, a vociferous member of the Continental Congress. JG: “Mr. Rutledge, why are you in such a hurry?” …

Experience the American dream with today’s Patriot of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie. It’s January 15, 1775. I’m in London at the English Parliament. The arrogant John Montagu, the …

Experience the American dream with today’s Patriot of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie. It’s July 8, 1775. I’m with John Dickenson, a member of the Continental Congress and author …

Experience the American dream with today’s Patriot of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie. It’s July 1, 1775. I’m with Martha Washington who is reading a letter from her husband, …

Experience the American dream with today’s Patriot of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie. It’s June 18, 1775. I’m at the home of John Adams. I’m visiting with nine-year-old, Nabi, …

Experience the American dream with today’s Patriot of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie. It’s June 17, 1775. I’m at the Battle of Bunker Hill with Joseph Warren, a close …

Experience the American dream with today’s Patriot of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie. It’s April 19, 1775. I’m at the Battle of Lexington with Captain John Parker. JG: “Captain …

Experience the American dream with today’s Patriot of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie. It’s April 18, 1776, almost midnight. The King of England wants to hang Samuel Adams and …

Experience the American dream with today’s Patriot of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie. It’s September 7, 1774. The First Continental Congress has just received news that the world’s most …

Experience the American dream with today’s Patriot of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie. It’s June 1, 1774. I’m with John Adams in his carriage approaching the top of Boston …

Experience the American dream with today’s Patriot of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie. It’s December 17, 1773. It’s the day after the Boston Tea Party, and I’m with John …

It’s August 1, 1786. I’m with John Trumbull, a famous painter and son of the governor of Connecticut. JG: “Mr. Trumbull, what is the latest painting you’re working on?” JT: …

Experience the American dream with today’s Patriot of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie. It’s December 16, 1773. I’m on the British ship Dartmouth in Boston Harbor with …