Patriots of the Past

It’s January 29, 1777. I’m in New York with British General John Burgoyne. JG: “General Burgoyne, why are you studying those maps of New England?” JB: “Mr. Gillespie, I have …

It’s January 27, 1777. I’m at General Washington’s winter quarters at Valley Forge. Martha Washington is with her husband. JG: “Martha, why are you here in such deplorable conditions?” MW: …

It’s January 3, 1777. I’m with 17-year-old Joseph Martin. Joseph has just fought under General Washington at the Battle of Princeton. JG: “Tell me, Joseph, how did General Washington win …

It’s December 26, 1776, the day after Christmas and the day after the famous crossing of the Delaware. I’m in the captured Hessian camp with Jacob and Joseph Martin. JG: …

It’s October 17, 1765. I’m in London, England, with Parliamentary Leader, Sir William Pitt. JG: “Sir Pitt, what are your thoughts about Congress meeting in New York City to challenge …

It’s Christmas Eve, December 24, 1776. I’m near the Delaware River in New Jersey with Joseph and Jacob Martin. We’re huddled around the campfire waiting for General Washington’s orders. JG: …

It’s December 22, 1776. I’m in Braintree, Maine, at John Adams’ house. We’re having dinner and the family is going around the table giving Christmas thanks. JG: “Nabi?” NA: “Thank …

It’s December 11, 1776. I’m in Burlington, New Jersey, with Quaker Margaret Hill Morris. JG: “Mrs. Morris, what was it like when the Hessian soldiers took over Burlington?” MHM: “Mr. …

It’s December 10, 1776. I’m with the Edenton Tea Party Ladies, Penelope Barker and Elizabeth King. They are in great spirits even though we’re at war. TEA PARTY LADIES: “… …

It’s December 1, 1776. The Yankees have just lost New York City, and it looks bleak for the American cause for liberty. I’m in Hannah Arnett’s house. Her husband and …

It’s November 17, 1776. I’m with General Washington’s wife, Martha. JG: “Mrs. Washington, why do you look so upset?” MW: “Mr. Gillespie, British rumormongers have said that I am opposed …

It’s November 16, 1776. I’m with Margaret Corbin and her husband, John, at the Battle of Fort Washington, Margaret is helping her husband load his cannon. JG: “Margaret, look out!” …

It’s August 27, 1776. I’m at the Battle of Long Island with Joseph Martin. JG: “Joseph, hundreds of Yankees are dying out there. Is there any hope?” JM: “John, it …

It’s August 1, 1776. I’m at Princeton University Chapel listening to Reverend John Witherspoon’s sermon. Reverend Witherspoon was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and taught thirty Founding Fathers, …

It’s July 27, 1776. I’m in London, England, with Lord Charles Cornwallis, who has just been ordered to America by the king. JG: “Lord Cornwallis, congratulations on your promotion by …

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

It’s July 17, 1776. I’m visiting with John and Abigail Adams in their Braintree, Massachusetts, home. JG: “Mr. Adams, with all due respect, sir, how can America proclaim to defend …

It’s July 9, 1776. I’m in New York City with teenage soldier Joseph Martin. JG: “Joseph, why are you pulling down the statue of King George III?” JM: “Mr. Gillespie, …

It’s July 3, 1776. I’m in Braintree, Massachusetts, with John Quincy and Nabby, the children of John Adams. JG: “John Quincy and Nabby, I understand your father is away with …