Don’t Tread On Me MUNCH 2016 Chair:​
Brian Angelino Co­chair:​
Brian Tanner Crisis Director:​
Keegan Hines Letter from the Dais Welcome to MUNCH XVI! I speak for all of us here at MUNCH when I say we are very excited to have you here this weekend, it’s sure to be a great one. This committee has been in the works since early October, and we are very excited for what we have in store for you all this weekend. In the pages that follow, you will find a brief background on the topic, as well as a list of committee positions and portfolio powers for each position. Please note: the background information ​
is not exhaustive. All delegates are expected to do outside research to supplement the information contained in this background guide. What we have provided here is only a general outline of the topic and is not intended to be encyclopedic. This committee will be run as a perpetual moderated caucus. This will be different than what most delegates are used to in GA committees. There will be no speakers list, no setting of an agenda, and no well­defined topic areas. Instead, delegates will enter into the committee not knowing how it will start. A “crisis” will be introduced, and using the knowledge you have gained through your research, the committee as a whole will react to it. But this does not mean parliamentary procedure will not be observed. As noted, the committee will be run in a perpetual moderated caucus. When the committee convenes, the Chair will ask for “any points or motions on the floor” at which point a delegate will “motion for a X­minute moderated caucus with a X­minute speaking time to discuss X.” Once all points and/or motions have been made, a vote will be taken on a points and motions on the floor. Once we enter into a moderated caucus, the delegate that made the motion will speak first, and the Chair will continue to call on delegates until the time for the moderated caucus has ended. A note on historical accuracy All events leading up to the year 1774 will be true to history as well as the background of the different positions in this committee; however, the year 1774 will be used as a cutoff between reality and the decisions the committee makes during the 1 weekend. Anything that happens after 1774 should not be expected to happen during committee. This does not mean that the crisis staff cannot choose to use it, but delegates should not be under the impression that something will happen just because it happened in history. This committee is meant to rewrite history, for better or for worse. At the start of the war, many of the people represented in this committee did not hold the positions they are known for holding in the history books. This is reflected in their character descriptions, with portfolio powers kept purposefully vague, as they will change throughout committee. The American Revolution is a defining moment in our history. It is illustrative of who we are as a nation and what we strive to be. It is a time of immense patriotism and dedication to something larger than ourselves. As such, it is extremely topical in the world today, surrounded by uncertainty, turmoil, and hatred. Through the debate that takes place this weekend, let us all keep these ideals in mind. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about anything contained in this background guide, please feel free to contact me at ​
[email protected] Your Chairs, Brian Angelino Brian Tanner 2 Background Information 13 Colonies Population in 1776:​
3,000,000 GB Population in 1750: ​
6,500,000 UK Population 1801:​
16,500,000 (8,900,000 in England) ­ Unclear stats on 1776 population of GB International Support for the Revolution France, Spain, Netherlands (combatants) [Portugal was long­time British ally and other than Russia, virtually no other European powers would’ve had the political will or military capacity to fight GB in favor of the colonies] Russia (Policy of Armed Neutrality under Catherine the Great) ​
Russia traded with the colonies and Catherine unofficially favored colonial independence, believing the war to have been caused by George III and thinking that the colonies had ‘told England goodbye forever.’ Despite trading with the colonies, Russia decided to stay out of the war militarily as they didn’t want to increase tensions with Britain and were dealing with a war of their own in the Pugachev Revolt. Russia, France, and Spain had all fought against Britain, Prussia, and Portugal in Seven Years War (Austria and Sweden also fought against Britain and its allies) Revolutionary War Weaponry and Tactics Combatants ­ British Empire and Hessian Mercenaries ­ American Colonies (1775), France (1778), Spain (1779), Netherlands (loaned money to the colonies, England declared war in 1780 because of a secret treaty of trade and friendship which became official once Netherlands recognized American independence. The 4th Anglo­Dutch war lasted until 1784 and cost the Netherlands its colonies in India) 3 Naval Forces Britain: ​
At the beginning of the war, the British navy had 131 ships of the line (ships of the line: many 102­gun men of war with crew compliments of 1,000 and a top speed of 8­9 knots [about 10 mph]), many of which were hastily and poorly constructed during and after the Seven Years War. Of these, only 39 ships of the line could be ready for battle in the first year of the conflict. Colonies:​
Navy insufficiently strong to mount effective defense against British navy, focused instead on privateering operations to disrupt British shipping (the navy was sufficiently strong to make a sneak attack on the port of Whitehaven on the Cumbrian coast (Southern Scotland), sending waves of hysteria through England in 1778 and causing fortification of British port towns). American privateers took 600 British ships through the course of the war. France:​
In 1778, 12 French ships of the line were sent to the New World to fight the British under d’Estaing; they focused on West Indies rather than Halifax, which the Americans hoped to capture. Little heavy naval engagement between British and French in West Indies or in Europe (except 1778 Battle of Ushant off Brest). French naval blockade at Yorktown strong enough to prevent relief for British army under Cornwallis in decisive battle of war. Spain: ​
British navy put on defensive in 1780­1782 as allied forces attack Minorca and Gibraltar in Mediterranean. British fare well in naval operations around India and end up occupying Mahe, causing war to break out between E.I.Co. and southern Indian Kingdom of Mangalore, a French ally. Ground Forces British Army: ​
56,000 soldiers (24,000 killed) Hessian Auxiliaries:​
30,000 Continental Army:​
80,000 soldiers at height (25,000 KIA, 17,000 lost to disease) 4 Artillery Cannon ­ Field Guns: lightweight and mobile, shot solid shot, grapeshot, and canister rounds against infantry ­ Heavy Siege Guns: fired solid shot against buildings and fortifications. Hot shot fired against ships (superheated cannon ball that could catch ship on fire, dangerous to use and load, so only used against ships) or bar shot or chain shot to pull down a ship’s masts and rigging Mortars ­ Fired explosive shells at high angle; fired properly, it would explode over the heads of infantrymen in fortifications or trenches, raining shrapnel. Mortars could also fire at low angle and shoot solid shot Howitzers ­ Short guns firing shells on high trajectories at low velocities Ranges (Effective­Maximum) Cannon: 1,000­2,000 yards Mortars: 750­1,400 yards Howitzers: 750­1,300 yards At Yorktown, Washington had 131 artillery pieces crewed by skilled gun crews such as Col. Lamb’s Artillery; British at Yorktown had 244 pieces (mostly light field cannon, ineffective against American earthwork fortifications) http://www.nps.gov/york/learn/historyculture/revolutionary­war­a
rtillery.htm Shot types​
: Canister:​
iron balls ­ Lethal range of 200­300 yards Case​
: musket balls ­ Lethal range of 200­300 yards 5 Grape shot​
: lead or iron balls larger than musket balls ­ Lethal range of 600 yards Iron guns were stronger and could withstand higher powder charges and therefore had more range than bronze guns Bronze guns could be melted down and recast; iron guns had to be scrapped when badly damaged Bronze cannons lost or damaged at sea when submerged could be recovered; iron cannons could not be recovered even after a relatively short while submerged in seawater Battery of 3 pieces should have 2 gunners and 6 soldiers to each piece and 4 artillery officers altogether (28 people in total for 3­gun battery) Artillery could fire up to 4 times per minute with good gun crews; individual cannon should not be fired more than 100 or so shots per day or risk damage, though some were fired up to 138 or even 150 times per day. Cannon could be fired more times per day in summer than in winter, when the cold caused the metal to become more brittle. Balls fired at low elevation had chance of hitting ground and bouncing, causing more damage over wider area to enemy foot rather than just sticking in ground Colonial iron production widespread, lots of production in Pennsylvania ­ ​
​
One of the largest colonial iron production facilities was Batsto Furnace in pine barrens region of southern New Jersey Powder​
: The ingredients are saltpetre, sulphur, and charcoal, in equal parts by weight (more saltpetre in the mixture will produce powder for muskets, even more will give you pistol powder.) 6 http://www.americanrevolution.org/artillery.php Infantry Weapons​
– BRITISH Pattern 1776 Infantry Rifle – Only 1,000 produced. Given to light infantry companies. Ferguson Rifle​
– First breech­loading rifle adopted by military. Rapid fire rate, but high cost. Accurate range of 100 yards within 3­4 inch inaccuracy. Only 100 produced. Brown Bess Musket​
– Flintlock musket of British manufacture, used by both sides. Could fire single musket ball or multiple small projectiles. Bayonet could be affixed. 10.5 pounds. 43.31 inch length. Accurate range 50 yards, maximum range 175 yards. AMERICAN Long Rifles​
– American design, produced by gunsmiths in Pennsylvania. Used by snipers and light infantry. Accurate range of 300 yards. Low rate of fire, high weapon cost, bayonet could not be affixed. American snipers would disrupt British operations by targeting British officers from afar. Tactics​
: Well­organized battle lines would be formed, usually two or three rows deep. Front line would fire, then move to back and reload as new front line aimed and fired. Eventually, there would sometimes be a bayonet charge and hand­to­hand fighting. Bayonet charges often caused few casualties because they often caused retreat of enemy forces who did not have armor to protect them or enough room to defend themselves from enemy bayonets by parrying. Thus bayonets were useful in attaining tactical victory but not in causing casualties. FRENCH Charleville Musket​
­ .69 caliber round, 50 yard accuracy. 60 inch length, 10 pounds loaded. Capable of firing two rounds per 7 minute. Muzzle­loaded. Iron sights. Superior to British Brown Bess due to lighter weight and better accuracy. About 48,000 Charleville muskets of various models shipped to American colonies. Many infantrymen used 15­inch bayonet. Up to 1/3 of all kills caused by bayonet (effective because of its greater length than the British Brown Bess). NATIVE AMERICAN 4 of the 6 Iroquois tribes fought for the British (Oneida and Tuscarora wanted to remain neutral). Shawnee, Delaware, and Mohawk delegates convinced Cherokee to take up arms against the colonists, causing Thomas Jefferson to remark that he hoped the Cherokee would be driven west of the Mississippi as an example to other native tribes of what would happen if they fought the colonists. http://www.americanrevolution.org/ind1.php Tomahawk​
– Good hand­to hand weapon, could also be thrown. Effective at short distances. Bows and Arrows Muskets Cavalry forces not widely used by any combatants due to forested environment and lack of good roads http://www.revolutionarywararchives.org/cavalry.html United States Background (1770­1774) From the 1700s onward the American colonies’ population grew dramatically driven by immigration and natural birth rate. While the United States grew in population and economy, the nations of France and England were continuously at war from the late 1600s onward. These were global wars often taking place regarding the European nations’ colonial holdings. 8 During the times of European warfare, the American colonies continued to evolve. The Great Awakening would cause substantial changes in how colonists practiced their religions. The Great Awakening would fully run its course by the Revolutionary War, but its influence on religious life in the colonies would remain strong. The colonies finally joined in the European wars on the side of the British during the French and Indian war (or Seven Years’ War) in which the two sides fought over land that both the French and Britain claimed in the Ohio river valley. The British sent General Edward Braddock and two regiments to help the colonies fight against the French and Native Americans. Braddock and 1000 of his men would die attempting to secure land rights in the colonies. The Treaty of Paris would end the war and establish land rights in the colonies. All of America east of the Mississippi River and Canada became British territory. Following the French and Indian War the colonies fell into a recession. The economy at this point was 90% agricultural, with a focus on cash crops and timber. The recession was not serious, and the standard of living was still relatively high in the colonies compared to Europeans. The relationship between the colonies and England involved minimal interaction after the French Indian War. The colonists paid minimal taxes and the British Government limited its involvement to defense and trade; however, this relationship would not remain. The British had been involved in near constant war since the turn of the century and were experiencing high economic costs for these wars. In order the pay for the wars they began to impose taxes and increase rule over their colonies. The American colonies had grown used to the previous arrangement and wanted increased ability to self rule. In 1763­1764 the British began to exercise their newly established rule over the colonies. The Proclamation of 1763 and The Revenue Acts (1764)​
barred colonist from expanding beyond the Appalachian mountains and imposed new taxes to pay for defense. The colonists fired back in the economic battle by boycotting taxed goods and increasing smuggling. In reaction, the British imposed ​
The Stamp Acts (1765). ​
The Stamp Acts levied new taxes on many new items including taxes on all legal 9 documents. Once again, the colonists retaliated by refusing to pay the new taxes. The first battles of the economic war ended in 1766 when the British removed the taxes. Unfortunately, this economic freedom was short lived. The Townshend Act would reintroduce taxes on glass, paper, paint, and, most famously, tea. Charles Townshend sent two British regiments in order to enforce these new taxes. The two regiments would famously clash with the colonists in 1770 during the Boston Massacre during which a mob attacked British soldiers and they began firing, killing or wounding 11. Far more damaging than the death toll was the ability of anti­British colonists to sensationalize the event. The colonies and England existed in relative peace for the next few years until the Boston Tea Party during which angry colonists boarded ships in the Boston Harbor and threw taxed tea overboard. Once again, the British responded with a new tax, this time dubbed the “Intolerable” Acts. These acts closed the Boston Harbor until the British received compensation for the tea. Meanwhile, rights for colonists in Canada were expanding, further angering American colonists. Representatives, upset with the situation and lack of unity among the colonies,met to form the First Continental Congress. They agreed that an attack on any one of the colonies was an attack on all of them, and petitioned Parliament to remove the Intolerable acts and grant the colonists additional rights. Positions Ethan Allen­ Militia leader of The Green Mountain Boys (Vermont militia) Ethan Allen was born on January 21st, 1738 in Litchfield, Connecticut. A father of five, Allen played a large role in the early history of Vermont, which at the time was known as the New Hampshire Grants. Allen is best known for his leading role in the formation and function of the Green Mountain Boys, an active militia group during the Revolutionary War. Allen was also a self­made philosopher, though he was from the northern frontier and never attended college. 10 During the conference, Allen will have control over the Green Mountain Boys militia group, numbering around 500 members by 1774 (this number is subject to change pending the actions of the delegate in this position.) Allen will also have access to political figures in the northern frontier. Daniel Morgan­ Commander of a rifle company from Virginia in the Continental Army (Morgan’s Riflemen) Daniel Morgan was born on July 6, 1736. His place of birth is is thought to be either Hunterdon County, NJ, or Bucks County, PA. A bit of a drinker and a fighter, Morgan started his military career as a teamster in the British Army during the French and Indian War. Morgan soon became disillusioned with the British Army after being court­martialed in 1756 for knocking out a lieutenant and sentenced to 500 lashes (though he claims they only gave him 499). Morgan was later injured during a Native American ambush near Hanging Rock when a bullet struck him in the neck, knocking out several of his teeth. After recovery, Morgan returned to military service in 1774, taking part in Dunmore’s War against the Shawnee Indians. As the Revolutionary War began to gain momentum after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the Continental Congress formed ten rifle companies. Of these ten, two came from Virginia, one under the command of Daniel Morgan. Daniel Morgan will have complete control of these riflemen during the conference, numbering just under 100 at the beginning of the war (though this number does not have to stay constant throughout the conference and depends on the actions of the delegate). http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/americanrevolutio1/p/America
n­Revolution­Brigadier­General­Daniel­Morgan.htm Andrew Williamson­ Commanding officer in the South Carolina militia Born in 1730, Andrew Williamson immigrated to America from Scotland at a young age, settling in what was known as “Ninety­Six” South Carolina­­the western frontier. Despite 11 being illiterate, Williamson quickly became known as a prominent trader in the region, and eventually bought a plantation called Hard Labor, renaming it White Hall. Williamson was also contracted to build Ft. Charlotte on the Savannah River, near North Carolina. Adding to his prominence in the region, Williamson was commissioned as a lieutenant in the colonial militia in 1760. In his early years of military service, Williamson participated in several raids against Cherokee indians who had been harassing settlers. Williamson also supported enslaving the Cherokee tribe. In 1774, along with being promoted to the rank of major in the colonial militia, Williamson was elected to South Carolina’s Provincial Congress. During the conference, Major Andrew Williamson will have control over one company of the South Carolina Militia, numbering 100 men. Williamson will have control over the troop movements of this company. Williamson will also have political sway with prominent politicians and figures in South Carolina as part of its Provincial Congress. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Williamson_(soldier) Thomas Sumter­ Brigadier General in the South Carolina militia Thomas Sumter was born in Virginia on August 14, 1734. Sumter grew up working in his father’s mill and caring for the family’s sheep and plowing fields. Sumter’s first military experience was as a sergeant in the Virginia Militia campaigning against the Cherokee Indians. Later, in the winter of 1762, Sumter spent the winter with the Cherokee, and during that time single­handedly captured a French emissary meant to stir up tensions between the Cherokee and the British. A few years later after escaping debtors prison, Sumter moved to Eutaw Springs, SC and invested in land and slaves. Sumter came to be respected by the community, and in 1766 was made Justice of the Peace. To start the conference, Sumter will be in charge of a self­raised militia, numbering roughly 120 well­armed men. 12 http://www.sumtersc.gov/general­thomas­sumter.aspx Andrew Pickens­ South Carolina militia Born in Bucks County, PA, on September 13, 1739, Pickens came from an ordinary Scots­Irish family, periodically moving around the east coast until settling in South Carolina in 1752. Around 1764, Pickens established Hopewell Plantation, where several treaties with Native American tribes were constructed, each called the Treaty of Hopewell. A proficient trader, even trading with the Cherokee at certain points, Pickens first saw military action serving in the provincial militia against the Cherokee in 1760. When the Revolution started Pickens was commissioned as a captain. During the conference, Pickens will start commanding one company of men in the South Carolina militia, numbering 85 men. The delegate will have control over troop movements of these men, and will be able to add resources and weaponry through actions taken in committee. Being a prominent figure in South Carolina, Pickens will also be able to curry political favors. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Pickens_(congressman) http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=P000320 http://www.nps.gov/cowp/learn/historyculture/andrewpickens.htm Nathaneal Greene­ Continental Army Nathaneal Greene was born on May 27, 1742 in Potowomut, Rhode Island. A father of 5, Greene was a patriot from the start. Matters became personal when one of his family’s sloops was seized by the British. In August of 1774, Greene helped found the Kentish Guards, a militia company from East Greenwich county. As a founding member of the Kentish Guards, Greene will have control of the entire company, numbering 150 troops. Greene will have complete control over troop movements, as well 13 as the size of the company resources. This post may be short­lived, however, as American top brass has been keeping an eye on him for a promotion. Early success will be key for the young military leader. http://www.theamericanrevolution.org/peopledetail.aspx?people=17 John Stark­ New Hampshire militia John Stark was born on August 28th, 1728 in Nutfield, New Hampshire. In 1752, Stark was captured by Indians while on a hunting trip with his brothers­­a capture for which Stark would be emotionally scarred for the rest of his life. Stark would see his first military experience in 1757 when he was commissioned as First Lieutenant in the famed Roger’s Rangers. This militia was initially established to patrol the French­British border and to keep the peace during the French­Indian War. According to local legend, within ten minutes of word reaching Manchester, New Hampshire, Stark was on his way to join the cause. Stark left a note instructing his neighbors to join him in Medford, Massachusetts, where twelve hundred men joined him. Stark was later appointed colonel of the 1st New Hampshire Regiment. As colonel, Stark will have control of 1,500 men, including their movement and resources. http://www.revolutionarywararchives.org/stark.html Henry Knox­ Chief Artillery Officer of the Continental Army One of the younger revolutionaries, and one of the more portly, Henry Knox was born on July 25th, 1750 in Boston, Massachusetts. Forced to be the sole supporter of his mother after the untimely death of his father, Knox is self­reliant and more than able to fend for himself. Although he had to drop out of school, Knox continued to read and was a history buff. By 1772, Knox became a member of the Boston Grenadier Corps. As such, Knox is well­versed in artillery matters and a 14 close eye has been kept on him by the top brass for a promotion to be placed in charge of artillery. For the beginning of the committee, Henry Knox will be in charge of the Boston Grenadier Corps. http://www.theamericanrevolution.org/peopledetail.aspx?people=19 Israel Putnam­ Most senior general in the Continental Army Putnam was born in Danvers, Massachusetts in 1718. Putnam grew up in a Puritan home, and his family opposed the Salem witch trials. Putnam moved to Connecticut in 1740 at the age of 22 to an area with cheaper land in an attempt to expand his economic opportunities and eventually settled in Mortlake. Like Stark, Putnam started his military career as a part of the Rogers’ Rangers during the French and Indian War. Putnam led his own company and was promoted to captain in 1756, becoming a major only two years later. In what would have been a fortunate turn for the British, Putnam almost did not live to see the Revolutionary War. In the late summer of 1758, Putnam was captured by a band of Mohawk Indians and was saved of being burned at the stake by a chance rainstorm and conveniently­timed intervention by a French officer. Putnam was a part of several more adventurous excursions and eventually settled in Brooklyn, Connecticut. Putnam ended up becoming a founding member of a chapter of the Sons of Liberty in Brooklyn and was also elected to the Connecticut General Assembly in 1766. Putnam will begin the conference as an influential politician in Brooklyn, Connecticut, but the Continental Army will be keeping a close eye on Mr. Putnam. It shouldn’t be long until his services are called upon. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Putnam Horatio Gates 15 One of the few patriots born in England, Horatio Gates was born in 1727 in Maldon, Essex, England. His exact parentage is unknown, but one theory is that his parents were the housekeeper and butler for the Duke of Leeds. At the age of 22 Gates joined the British army. His first military action was the protection of the one and only Edward Cornwallis in Nova Scotia. Gates stayed in the British Army until he achieved the rank of major. His military career was briefly interrupted during the French and Indian War when he was badly wounded and taken out of commission for some time. Gates returned to military action in 1760 as a brigadier general serving under General Monckton at Fort Pitt. After the war was over, Gates decided to settle down in Berkeley County, Virginia and to focus on cultivating land and being a father. This is the position that Gates will have at the beginning of the conference, but as with Putnam, given Gates’ military experience, his services will surely be be summoned to the colonies’ defense. http://www.revolutionary­war.net/horatio­gates.html Samuel Adams One of the greatest figures in American history, Samuel Adams was born on September 27, 1722 in Braintree, Massachusetts. A noted scholar, Adams was a thinker and great legal mind, pondering, “Whether it be lawful to resist the supreme magistrate, if the commonwealth cannot otherwise be preserved?” According to Adams, it is­­signaling his passion for liberty. Adams was instrumental in leading the first opposition to the British system of taxation on the colonies in the 1760s, and in 1765 Adams was elected as a representative to the general court of Massachusetts. Gaining political expertise and influence, Adams was also responsible for the first inklings of a Continental Congress, calling for its first gathering in New York; in this way, Adams is instrumental to the foundation of the very core of our nation. 16 A gifted negotiator, Adams was instrumental in the removal of British troops from Boston following the Boston Massacre in 1770. As this committee begins, Samuel Adams is in Philadelphia as a delegate to the first Continental Congress in 1774. Adams must keep his guard up, though, as his position as such a vocal supporter of the revolution has put him on the radar of British officials. As the official envoy of the colonies, Adams must be sure to watch his back. http://www.theamericanrevolution.org/peopledetail.aspx?people=7 Benjamin Franklin Born in Boston just after the turn of the century on January 17th, 1706, Benjamin Franklin was the son of a soap boiler. From these humble beginnings Franklin was destined for a theological career, but after only a year in Boston’s Latin school, it became evident that this was not to be. Franklin’s love for books led him to his future career as a printer, though he would have a much larger impact on the colonies than printing books. While Franklin is known for his many inventions, Franklin is arguably most well­known for his feats as a statesman. Early in his career, Franklin was an advocate for the rights of Native Americans, and tried to make peace between the British and the Native Americans following the French and Indian War. Much like Adams, Franklin became disillusioned with the haughty nature of the British, and soon took to the cause of independence as well. Like Adams, Franklin will act as diplomatic emissary between the colonies and England, trying to pursue a diplomatic solution to the war, but also a solution that ends in independence. http://www.theamericanrevolution.org/peopledetail.aspx?people=6 John Hancock John Hancock was born on January 23, 1737 in Braintree, Massachusetts. Hancock was quite good with his finances, though 17 a large part of his wealth came from the death of his uncle, who bequeathed him a sizeable estate. Much like Adams, Hancock caught the negative attention of the British, who wanted his voice silenced. To the dismay of the British, the exact opposite happened when Hancock was unanimously elected to the chair of the presidency of the provincial congress of Massachusetts. At the time of this conference, Hancock will have this position as president of the provincial congress. In such a position, Hancock will possess significant sway over the legislation of the colony, and may curry political favors with ease. But this power does not come without a price. There have been two attempts on Hancock’s life in the past month and a half and rumor has it something bigger is in the works. http://www.theamericanrevolution.org/peopledetail.aspx?people=8 Patrick Henry Patrick Henry was born on May 29, 1736 in Cedar Hill, Virginia. In what seems to be a trend among our founding fathers, Henry was a failed businessman, as his two endeavors into the field failed. His first business attempt was cut short after a fire engulfed his farm where he had tried his hand as a planter. Henry finally decided to become a lawyer in 1760. In 1765, Henry was elected to the House of Burgesses from Louisa County, Virginia. Not wasting any time, Henry soon introduced the Virginia Stamp Act Resolutions, illustrating his passion for liberty. It is in this position as a member of the House of Burgesses that Patrick Henry will start the conference. But it is not certain that his membership in this congress will last throughout the war. A change of post may be in order for Mr. Henry, though no one knows for certain what it will be. http://www.theamericanrevolution.org/peopledetail.aspx?people=9 18 John Jay John Jay was born on December 12, 1745 in New York City. Jay came from a rather prosperous background and began practicing law in New York in 1768. Jay’s legal services were highly sought after in the years leading up to the revolution, and he was appointed to membership of the New York Committee of Correspondence, the Continental Congress, and the New York Provincial Congress. During the conference, John Jay will serve as the official legal representative of the colonies. Jay will work to draft legislation for our new nation, though any legislation he proposes must be approved by ⅔ of the committee. An eye should be kept on Mr. Jay by the rest of the committee, as it is no small secret that Mr. Jay is not in favor of independence. http://www.theamericanrevolution.org/peopledetail.aspx?people=18 Paul Revere Paul Revere was born on January 1st, 1735 in Boston, Massachusetts. Originally a silver and goldsmith under the instruction of his father, Revere volunteered to fight the French during the French and Indian War in 1756 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the colonial militia. After the war, Revere, one of the few successful businessmen in the committee, returned to his business ventures working as a goldsmith, silversmith, and dentist for a short time. It is through his business contacts that his political career began. Revere primarily operated as a courier for these political contacts as a member of the Boston Committee of Correspondence and the Massachusetts Committee of Safety. In this position as courier, Revere has become quite skilled at acquiring confidential information and has built up quite a network of contacts. As the committee’s “resident spy,” Revere’s network will prove invaluable. http://www.theamericanrevolution.org/peopledetail.aspx?people=11 19 Click this link for useful map of Native tribes pre­colonization http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/united_states/early_indian_east.j
pg Abigail Adams Abigail Smith Adams, wife of President John Adams, was born November 11, 1744 in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Daughter of John Quincy, Abigail was introduced to the world of politics at a young age. Quincy served as the Speaker of the Massachusetts Assembly for 40 years and was also involved in the colonial Governor’s council. In her early years, she has been recorded to have been in poor health, which left her ample time to correspond with family members and read. At the age of 20, she married lawyer John Adams — who would later become President of the United States. She is financially savvy after aiding with the management of her finances and those of her husband while he was employed as a lawyer. She then was a choice for appointment for the Massachusetts Colony General Court in 1775, which represented her own foray into the working world. She encouraged John to consider equal status for women during the Second Continental Congress. http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biograph
y=2 Alexander Hamilton Born in 1755, Alexander Hamilton left the British West Indies for the colonies when he was only a teenager. He then enrolled in King’s College, which is now known as Columbia University — and he became educated in artillery. Hamilton’s career then entered the military realm, as he was commander of a battery of artillery during the Battle of Yorktown. Hamilton later served in New York’s state legislature and is well­known for his work with the Federalist Papers — written 20 with James Madison and John Jay. Though he was not afraid to express criticism of the Constitution, Hamilton lobbied for its ratification in 1787. Having served as Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton has vast experience financing large­scale projects and working within governmental and private organizations. http://www.history.com/topics/american­revolution/alexander­hami
lton 21