Patriots of the Past

It’s April 19, 1775. I’m at the Battle of Lexington with Captain John Parker. JG: “Captain Parker, do you really have any chance to defeat the world’s most powerful army?” …

It’s June 28, 1778. I’m at the Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey. The Continental Army is in a terrible fight. A cannoneer no more than 10 feet from me …

It’s July 15, 1775. I’m in Philadelphia at a meeting of the Continental Congress with Nabby Adams, the 10-year-old daughter of John and Abigail Adams. JG: “Miss Adams, who is …

It’s March 23, 1775. I’m outside St. John’s Church in Richmond, and the second Virginia convention is in progress. The church is packed, and even my press pass won’t get …

It’s March 23, 1765. I’m in London, England, in the court of King George III. He has just issued his infamous Quartering Act. JG: “Your Majesty, why have you decided …

It’s March 4, 1805. I’m in Washington, D. C., at the second inaugural address of President Thomas Jefferson. JG: “Mr. President, to whom will you go for assistance to guide …

It’s June 20, 1782. I’m with Thomas Jefferson, who has been working with Benjamin Franklin over the design of the Great Seal of the United States. JG: “Mr. Jefferson, what …

It’s February 23, 1747. I’m with 15-year-old George Washington who has just finished writing his booklet titled Rules of Civility. JG: “Master Washington, could you give us an example of …

It’s September 15, 1776. I’m in New York City with Rebecca Murray, the wife of wealthy Tory merchant Robert Murray. JG: “Mrs. Murray, last week General Washington was your guest. …

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 February 24, 1761. I’m in a Boston, Massachusetts, court with lawyer James Otis Jr. JG: “Mr. Otis, what are you so stirred up about?” JO: “Mr. Gillespie, it is …

It’s December 26, 1776. I’m at the Battle of Trenton with 18-year-old Lieutenant James Monroe. JG: “Lieutenant Monroe, can you beat these elite Hessian forces?” JM: “Mr. Gillespie, defeat is …

It’s September 17, 1764. I’m in Virginia outside the stable of James Madison. JG: “James. I know you’re being homeschooled. What are some of the subjects you’re learning?” JM: “Mr. …

It’s October 7, 1780. I’m in South Carolina with 16-year-old Patriot soldier, James Collins. JG: “James, what was the attack on the British like?” JC: “Mr. Gillespie, we attempted to …

It’s August 17, 1777. I’m at the headquarters of General Lafayette with Patriot spy James Armistead. JG: “Mr. Armstead, why do you risk your life in the American fight for …

It’s September 17, 1777. I’m at the home of 10-year-old Jacob Morgan. JG: “Hi, Jacob. What’s that book you’re reading?” JM: “Mr. Gillespie, sir, this is my New England Primer. …

It’s December 19, 1775. I’m in the Newburyport Massachusetts Presbyterian Church. It houses the remains of the Great Awakening evangelist, George Whitefield. Aaron Burr and a number of American officers …

It’s June 18, 1775. I’m at the John and Abigail Adams’ farm in Braintree, Massachusetts. John has been gone several months to Philadelphia serving in the Second Continental Congress. Abigail …

It’s May 21, 1775. I’m with Abigail Adams. We are watching several boatloads of British troops sail into Boston Harbor. JG: “Mrs. Adams, as your husband is away with the …

It’s August 1, 1776. I’m in Philadelphia with Samuel Adams at the signing of the Declaration of Independence. JG: “Mr. Adams, what are your thoughts on this historical day?” SA: …