I recently ventured into the world of book writing, and my first novel has been released! My intention with this novel is to provide kids, or really anyone, the opportunity to travel even if they cannot due to a variety of circumstances. As a child, I was unable to travel and visit places as my friends did, but by reading books, I reached the far edges of the world and experienced many historical events! Those books shaped my lifelong passion for learning and travel! Today I

“Here is a revolution as radical as that which separated us from Great Britain. It is as radical, if in this transition our rights and privileges are endangered, and the sovereignty of the states be relinquished.” Patrick Henry, Virginia Ratifying Convention - June 4-5, 1788

Marquis de Lafayette in battle In 1586, Walter Raleigh brought the first tobacco to England from Virginia. In 1776, Washington writes to John Hancock about recruitment. He fears officers will have little success in raising men for a new three-year army unless Congress provides stronger incentives. Washington recommends offering the men land. In 1776, on Long Island, Nathanael Greene detains four Queens County men trying to slip toward Staten Island. They insist they are not

“...we shall find that we are not in so deplorable a situation as a people have been taught to believe, from the suggestions of interested men, who wish to force down the proposed plan of government without delay, for the purpose of providing offices for themselves and their friends.” An Old Whig Essay VII, 28 November 1787

This is the last in the series of biographies on the signers of the Declaration of Independence. I hope you have enjoyed learning about them and have been inspired by their stories. George Walton was born sometime between September 1749 and February 1750[1] to Robert and Mary (Hughes) Walton, in Farmville, Prince Edward County, Virginia. The exact date of his birth is unknown. His family history can be traced to England, where his paternal Grandfather, George Walton, immigrat

Pullman Strike Cartoon In 1776, Washington receives a British adjutant general, serving under General William Howe, at headquarters in New York. Under a flag of truce, Paterson explains that the Howes mean no disrespect by addressing their letters to “George Washington, Esq., etc., etc.,” claiming “etc.” implies Washington’s rank. Washington is courteous but firm: “etc.” may imply everything, but it may also imply anything. A public officer must be addressed by his public ran

Button[1] Gwinnett’s exact birthdate is unknown, but he was born in 1732 in Gloucestershire, England, to Reverend Samuel and Anne (Eames) Gwinnett. The family name was originally Gwynedd, a Welsh surname, but over time had changed to Gwinnett. Not much is known about his early life. His first name was his godmother’s last name, and the type of education he received is unknown. He was the son of a clergyman, so it is probable he had some classical education. It is also unknown

“Under their own construction of the general clause at the end of the enumerated powers, Congress may grant monopolies in trade and commerce, constitute new crimes, inflict unusual and severe punishments, and extend their power as far as they shall think proper; so that state legislatures have no security for the powers now presumed to remain to them, or the people to their rights." George Mason Objections to the Constitution, October 1787* *Some of this has been rectified wi

Edward Rutledge was born on November 23, 1749, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Dr. John and Sarah (Hert) Rutledge. His family ancestry can be traced back to Ireland and England. His father, Thomas Rutledge of Callan, County Kilkenny, was born in Ireland, and Dr. Rutledge came to America in 1735. Rutledge’s maternal great-grandfather, Hugh Hert, came to America in 1686 from Dorsetshire, England. Rutledge’s childhood is largely unknown. We do know David Smith tutored him, and

Arthur Middleton was born on June 26, 1742, at Middleton Place, near Charleston, South Carolina, to the Honorable Henry and Mary (Williams) Middleton. He was the eldest son, and his family ancestry can be traced back to England. His paternal great-grandfather, John Middleton, immigrated to America in 1668, after having first landed in Barbados in 1635. Middleton was privately tutored in Charleston as well as being sent to local schools. In 1754, when he was twelve years old,

“It seems to be generally felt and acknowledged, that the affairs of this country are in a ruinous situation. With vast resources in our hands, we are impoverished by the continual drain of money from us in foreign trade; our navigation is destroyed; our people are in debt and unable to pay; industry is at a stand; our public treaties are violated, and national faith, solemnly plighted to foreigners and to our own citizens, is no longer kept. We are discontented at home, and

Augustus O. Bacon, Former U.S. Senator from Georgia In 1776, Washington was absorbed by the danger on the Hudson. From Fort Montgomery, General George Clinton reports that he has called out neighboring militia after British ships move upriver. Men are leaving their harvest fields with “surprizing alacrity,” but Clinton worries that their absence, just as grain is ready for the sickle, will distress the countryside. In 1776, from Boston, Major General Artemas Ward tells Wash

Thomas Lynch Jr. was born on August 5, 1749, at Hopseewee Plantation in Prince George’s Parish, South Carolina. The home is still in existence today and sits on 58 acres of the original 13,000 acres. The home has been preserved rather than restored and has been owned by five different families since it was built sometime in the 1730s. His parents were Thomas Sr. and Elizabeth (Allston) Lynch, and he was the third of four children, two of whom were half-siblings. Lynch was the