fall, Fort Ticonderoga in Northern New York was captured by EthanAllen and a band of Patriots. As for us, we stood atop Dorchester Heights andbombarded Boston. The British, now under the command of Thomas Gage, retreatedwith about one thousand Loyalists. March 2, 1776Dear Elizabeth,The other day a pamphlet was circulating around the men. It was Common Sense,by Thomas Paine. He argues that The American Colonies deserve independence, which isthe only remedy. The longer this is delayed, the harder it will be to win the war. Thatalone will make an American union possibe. He calls the King a Royal Brute arguing thatall monarchies are corrupt. A particular quote on Americas destined independence:Every thing that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of theslain....cries , Tis time to partI strongly urge you to purchase a copy of this pamphlet. It gives meaning to the war I amfighting. June 17, 1776Dear Elizabeth,Life is tough. We are either without or in need of proper guns, horses,ammunition, shoes, clothes, tents, and food. The money we have ids worthless so we areunable to buy more supplies. Early in April we attempted to hold Manhatten and LongIsland. As it was assumed the British arrived in New York shortly after but in much largernumbers than we anticipated. With the help of the Hessians, the British took this land andwe were forced to retreat to New Jersey. July 9, 1776Dear Elizabeth,Five days ago, the Congress adopted a Declaration of Independence. It declaresthe colonies to be free and independent states. It was put together by a group ofAmericas finest representitives including Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and ThomasJefferson, who is rumored to be the primary author. A particularily striking part of this is;We hold these truths to be self-evedident; that all men are created equal;that they areendowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty,and the ...
