With our victory over the French and Indians there are many new developments here in our colonies. Your loyal editor, call me Hedgehog, will endeavor to report the stories that affect our lives. No Westward Expansion! October 7, 1763 Enforcement! April 5, 1764 Some say that the high taxes on imported sugar and molasses produced by the Dutch and French have led to trouble. Some colonists have resorted to smuggling and bribing customs officials to avoid paying the taxes. Hedgehog has learned that Parliament plans to lower the tax, but will also strictly enforce it. British warships off the coast of New England will seize smugglers! Surely the Parliament must realize that without cheap sugar, the rum industry will suffer. Opponents say this new Revenue Act will be disaster for the colonial economy! Paper Currency Abolished September 1, 1764 Western territory, once held by the French, is now under British rule. But there will be no westward expansion! The Royal Proclamation forbids settlement in the Indian territory and even creates royal outposts along the Proclamation line. Some think that the King and his council are only trying to protect us from the Indians. Others think His Majesty should stop meddling in colonial affairs. Parliament passed the Currency Act granting them the right to control the currency system in the American colonies. Few can argue that there has been a shortage of hard currency in the colonies. French crowns, Spanish doubloons and Dutch ducats have become more common than the British pound sterling. Many colonies have even printed their own paper currency. British merchants complain that the value of the paper money is often doubtful. Parliament now agrees with the merchants. Colonists will use a hard currency system based on the pound sterling. No new paper currency may be issued. Stamp Act passed; takes effect on November 1 March 22, 1765 Passed by Parliament, the Stamp Act taxes all legal documents, newspapers, licenses, dice and even playing cards in the American colonies. A stamp must be attached to any of these documents to show that the tax has been paid. Those who refuse to pay the tax can be tried without a jury in the Admiralty Courts. Parliament will use the money to help pay for the cost of protecting the frontier near the Proclamation line. In the past, a tax like this would have come from our own legislatures. Some say that this is taxation without representation! Even this editor will be forced to pay a tax to publish Hedgehog’s Herald! Quartering Act March 24, 1765 Since the end of the French and Indian War there are more British troops in the colonies. No doubt they are here to protect us from the hostile French and Indians. This protection comes at a cost. The new Quartering Act demands that the colonial legislatures provide housing for the troops in barracks and public houses. The colonies must also pay for the soldiers’ bedding, cooking utensils, firewood, beer and candles. Violence! August 14, 1765 The Stamp Act has not even taken effect yet but there have been many protests. Some colonists have refused to buy British products. Other protests have turned violent. Today, a mob in Boston known by some as the Sons of Liberty, hanged and then burned an effigy of stamp agent Andrew Oliver. They broke into his home and burned his office, along with the stamps. held a funeral procession for liberty. March 18, 1766 Colonial Cooperation October 19, 1765 Representatives from nine colonies have been meeting in New York to discuss the Stamp Act. This Congress adopted the Declaration of Rights. According to a reliable source, this document contains some bold statements including the following: 1. Only the colonial legislatures have the right to tax the colonies. 2. Trial by jury is a right; the use of Admiralty Courts is unreasonable. 3. Colonists possess all the rights of Englishmen. Hedgehog will be the first to bring you His Majesty’s response to these statements. Speaking Out October 31, 1765 Parliament repealed the hated Stamp Act. It is a victory for the colonists! Benjamin Franklin spoke to the House of Commons on behalf of the colonists in January. He argued that the Americans would never accept the tax. Some colonists feel that the decision not to buy English products spoke as powerfully as Mr. Franklin. Whatever the reason, this editor is pleased that the tax on newspapers has been repealed! Declaratory Act March 18, 1766 Funeral for liberty October 5, 1765 The Royal Charlotte arrived in Philadelphia today. The stamp paper is aboard this ship. As the ship came into view, the bells at Christ Church and the State House rang solemnly. Men and boys of the city then REPEAL! My colleague, William Bradford, the publisher of The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, speaks for many citizens with today’s newspaper. Tomorrow, the Stamp Act begins! Images courtesy of Independence National Historical Park and The Library of Congress At the same time that they repealed the Stamp Act, Parliament passed the Declaratory Act. This new act says that Parliament has the right to make laws for the American colonies in all cases. Reaction to this new act has been mixed. Few believe that Parliament is really declaring they have unlimited power over the colonists. Look for more on this struggle in the next stamp free Hedgehog’s Herald. More taxes! June 29, 1767 Is this persuasive “Farmer” really John Dickinson, as some say? October 30, 1770 A Farmer? The verdict is in! The jury found Captain Preston not guilty. John Adams and Josiah Quincy ably defended Captain Preston, convincing the jury that there was no evidence that Preston gave the order to fire. According to testimony, the mob had been throwing stones, sticks and chunks of ice at the soldiers, all grenadiers of the 29th Regiment of Foot. After being hit by a large stick, Private Montgomery fired his musket into the air and yelled “Fire!” December 1767 – February 1768 December 14, 1770 Parliament continues to tax the colonies. The Townshend Acts now require colonists to pay taxes on lead, paper, paint, glass and tea imported into the American colonies. The money raised by this tax will help pay the salaries of royal officials in the colonies, including governors and judges. Colonists who break these laws will be tried without juries in three new admiralty courts. For ten weeks, Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania to the Inhabitants of the British Colonies have appeared in a Philadelphia newspaper signed only by “a Farmer.” The Farmer argued the unconstitutionality of taxation without representation and the need for unity among the colonies. He also called for a peaceful resolution of the arguments between the colonies and the Crown. These Letters have led to other petitions and a call for nonimportation of English goods. Massacre in Boston March 1770 British troops under Captain Thomas Preston fired into an angry mob in Boston on March 5th, killing three and mortally wounding two others. Ropemaker Samuel Gray, mariner James Caldwell and the black sailor Crispus Attucks all died instantly. Samuel Maverick and Patrick Carr died soon after. Captain Preston and eight soldiers have been arrested. The jury found six of the eight soldiers tried for manslaughter not guilty. Sheriff Greenleaf branded the two convicted soldiers, Privates Montgomery and Killroy, on their right thumbs. Success! April 12, 1770 The colonists’ protests, especially refusing to buy English products, proved successful. Today the Parliament repealed the Townshend Act taxes on all items except tea. Tea Act Coercive. Intolerable! May 1773 May – June 1774 In an effort to help the British East India Company avoid bankruptcy, Parliament has granted them a monopoly on the importation of tea into the colonies. The company will be able to sell their tea at a low price. Some say that the price is even lower than the price of smuggled tea. Many colonists say the new lower priced tea is difficult to swallow. Parliament has responded to the Boston Tea Party with the Coercive Acts. Many colonists are calling these acts Intolerable. The four acts include: Boston Tea Party December 16, 1773 Boston Port Bill – The port of Boston is closed until damages from the Boston Tea Party are paid. After meeting for two weeks, the delegates received the Suffolk Resolves. Written by Dr. Joseph Warren, these 19 items included no trade with England and a defensive war, if necessary. There was much excitement when Paul Revere of Boston rode into Philadelphia carrying the Resolves. After much debate, the radicals won out and the delegates endorsed the Suffolk Resolves. Quartering Act – Colonial authorities must now provide British troops with housing in not only public and empty buildings, but also in occupied houses. The delegates signed the Continental Association, pledging to refuse to conduct trade with Great Britain. They also signed the Declaration of Rights and Grievances, a petition addressed to the King. The Massachusetts Government Act and the Administration of Justice Act seek to suspend our elected legislatures and allow British officials to escape justice for their wrongdoings. They have agreed to meet in the spring to see if relations between Great Britain and the colonies have improved. Look for more on these taxing issues in the next Hedgehog’s Herald. Meeting in Philadelphia September – October 1774 From The Editor An undercover source tells us that three groups of men in Boston dressed as Mohawk Indians boarded the Dartmouth, the Eleanor and the Beaver. All three ships were loaded with crates of tea from the East India Company. The men then opened 342 crates and dumped the tea into Boston Harbor! Our source tells us that these men were members of the Sons of Liberty, organized by Samuel Adams. Look for more on the British reaction to this tea party. Dear Readers, Delegates from twelve colonies met in Carpenters’ Hall in Philadelphia to discuss the growing crisis with Great Britain. Peyton Randolph of Virginia presided. Mr. Randolph is known to be a moderate. Images courtesy of Independence National Historical Park and The Library of Congress Many readers will ask, “Who is Hedgehog?” Famous people throughout history have used pseudonyms. Some say that my esteemed colleague Ben Franklin used the pen name Silence Dogood. For now I will simply say that you know more about me than you think. Shots Fired! April 19, 1775 About 700 British Redcoats marched towards Concord, Massachusetts, to seize the patriots’ military supplies and arrest leaders John Hancock and Samuel Adams. Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott warned the patriots of the British advance. At Lexington, Massachusetts, a small force of Minutemen exchanged fire with the Redcoats. This editor would like to know who fired first. Was it the British or the Minutemen? Redcoats died. Sadly, almost 100 patriots also died. May 24, 1775 Congress convenes in the Pennsylvania State House May 10, 1775 Delegates convened in the State House in Philadelphia to debate the escalating crisis with Great Britain. Many issues divide the group. Will the men seek reconciliation with His Majesty, King George III, or will they declare independence? Secrecy! May 11, 1775 After the skirmish, the British moved on to Concord where they met an American force of about 300 patriots who forced the British to retreat. The Redcoats will not soon forget their march back to Boston. Colonists fired at them from behind barns, trees and walls. Some say that close to 275 A New President A reliable source informed this editor that the following resolution just passed in Congress: “Resolved, That the Doors be kept shut during the time of business, and that the Members consider themselves under the strongest obligations of honour to keep the Proceedings secret, until the majority shall direct them to be made publick.” John Hancock has replaced Peyton Randolph of Virginia as the President of the Congress. Mr. Hancock is a well known merchant from Massachusetts. Battle of Breed’s Hill June 17, 1775 For two and a half hours, the greatly outnumbered patriots fought against the British Redcoats. The people of Boston could see the battle taking place only a half mile away. The patriots held their fire until the British troops were at close range. The British front line fell on the first two attacks. On the third attack, the patriots ran out of powder and retreated over and around Bunker Hill to safety. The great patriot Dr. Joseph Warren fell in the final charge. He will be missed. George Washington new Commander in Chief June 20, 1775 An unnamed source reported that Maryland delegate Thomas Johnson nominated George Washington to be commander in chief of the newly named Continental Army just five days ago. All knew of Washington’s military service in the late war against the French and Indians. Some say that Washington, who wears his military uniform to the meetings of Congress, left the room during the discussions. When Washington accepted the commission on June 16, he said humbly “…I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with.” Will he lead the patriots to victory? (of the Lee family of Virginia) will take this offering of peace, this “olive branch” to the King. that the printed word is just as powerful as the musket. Long live the power of the press! No Response Independence? September 2, 1775 June 7, 1776 According to an informed source, Richard Penn and Arthur Lee report that “…we were told that his Majesty did not receive it on the throne, no answer would be given.” The King refused to hear the plea for peace! Moderates have failed to bring about peace by reconciliation. What will happen? Common Sense fuels the fire! January 1776 Petition to King George III adopted by Congress July 5, 1775 Confidential sources tell us that Richard Henry Lee, delegate to the Continental Congress from Virginia, said something today that frightened some and delighted others: “Resolved, That these United Colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.” His resolution also called for a plan of confederation. Look for more on this shocking development in the next Hedgehog’s Herald. From The Editor Dear Readers, Drafted by John Dickinson, this petition is a plea to His Majesty King George III to agree to a cease fire until the problems between the colonies and the Mother Country can be settled. Richard Penn and Arthur Lee Everyone is talking about the pamphlet Common Sense. The mystery author argues that “we have the power to make the world anew.” This inspires many Americans to support the patriot fight against Great Britain. Just who is this anonymous author? Could it be that Englishman, Thomas Paine? Common Sense proves Images courtesy of Independence National Historical Park and The Library of Congress To me it is common sense. The message is more important than the messenger. Yet you persist. “Who is Hedgehog?” You have spoken my name many times. For now I will simply say I am the one who seeks answers. Independence? Independence! July 1, 1776 July 2, 1776 Hedgehog has received some important news from a confidential source. The Congress meeting in the State House in Philadelphia discussed Richard Henry Lee’s resolution for independence. Delegate John Dickinson of Pennsylvania spoke against the resolution, saying that it was too soon to take such drastic action. John Adams of Massachusetts disagreed. For two hours, he argued that the colonies must seek independence now. News of independence now spreads through the city! The delegates voted again today on the resolution for independence. Caesar Rodney of Delaware caused much excitement when he arrived. He rode 80 miles from Dover through a terrible thunderstorm on horseback. He voted for independence, breaking Delaware’s tie. The delegates from Pennsylvania who opposed independence did not attend. Some say that Edward Rutledge of South Carolina persuaded his fellow delegates to vote for independence. New York continues to abstain. Today, the American colonies declared independence! Pennsylvania State House, the men continued debate. The delegates now seek to agree on the words in their declaration to the King. A source tells us that the drafting committee included Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Franklin, Mr. Adams, Mr. Sherman and Mr. Livingston. Many say Mr. Jefferson spent a fortnight drafting the document in his rooms at Mr. Graff’s home. Two major sections cut from Jefferson’s draft July 3, 1776 Debate on the Declaration of Independence After Adams’ speech, many expected a unanimous vote for independence. That was not the case. Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted against independence. The two men present from Delaware tied. The men from New York abstained, saying they were waiting for instructions from their colony. July 2, 1776 Some sources believe the men will vote again tomorrow. After voting for independence in the Assembly Room of the Someone close to the story tells us that debate continued on the document that will explain the Congress’ decision to separate from England. Jefferson sat in silence as the delegates made about 80 changes. The delegates cut two sections entirely. One section accused the King of forcing the slave trade upon the colonies. The other deleted section accused the English people of allowing the King and Parliament to send over English and Scotch soldiers, as well as foreign mercenaries, to invade our colonies and harm our people. First Public Reading in Philadelphia July 8, 1776 Declaration of Independence Adopted! July 4, 1776 All of the colonies except New York voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence. An unnamed person told Hedgehog that the document has three main parts: a preamble, a list of grievances and a conclusion. The preamble is about human freedom and the rights of mankind. Our source says that the most stirring part says, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Many readers will notice how similar this preamble is to George Mason’s “Declaration of Rights,” published this past June. The longest part of the document is the list of grievances against the King. Sources say this list is almost identical to the one in Jefferson’s draft of the Virginia constitution. The last section includes Richard Henry Lee’s resolution for independence. A most remarkable document! At noon, militia Colonel John Nixon climbed atop a wooden platform in the State House Yard and read the Declaration of Independence to an excited crowd. A group of men then entered the State House and removed the King’s Coat of Arms from the Supreme Court Room. After parading it through the city, the men tossed the King’s Arms onto a bonfire on Center Square. Bells rang throughout the city all day and almost all night! Signing of the Declaration of Independence August 2, 1776 Images courtesy of Independence National Historical Park and The Library of Congress With a stroke of the pen today, the men signed the Declaration of Independence. In this Declaration, they said, “…we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” A source tells us that the signed document looks a little different from the printed versions. It is engrossed, or handwritten, by Timothy Matlack. Its heading is different too. It is now a “unanimous declaration.” New York has voted for independence. This Hedgehog wonders if the delegates used the silver inkstand made by Philip Syng of Philadelphia to sign that important document. It normally sits on the Speaker’s table in the Assembly Room. Everyone now wonders who signed the document. At this time, the names of John Hancock and the secretary Charles Thomson are the only two known to this editor. Look for more on this story of human events in the next Hedgehog’s Herald. From The Editor Dear Readers, I have declared that my identity is unimportant. Yet all men are endowed with curiosity. You have continued to try to put a face with my name. For now I will simply say you know my face as well as you know your own. Defeat and Retreat August-December, 1776 The British army defeated General Washington’s troops in the Battles of Long Island and Harlem Heights in New York. The British have taken New York City! Washington’s army retreated through New Jersey and crossed the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. Hedgehog has heard some people say that General Washington does not have the ability to lead the Continental Army to victory. captured over 900 Hessian soldiers! The Hessian commander, Colonel Johann Rall, died in the battle. The Continental Army suffered few losses. French Officer Arrives in Philadelphia July 27, 1777 Philadelphia today. It is a sad day for the patriots. But, it did not come as a surprise. After Washington’s defeat at the Battle of Brandywine this past September 11, many feared a British occupation. Patriots removed valuable items from the city, even the State House bell, before the British arrived. Congress now sits in Lancaster, but Hedgehog has learned that they may move to the York County Court House. British Surrender at Saratoga! October 17, 1777 Victory in Trenton! December 26, 1776 The Continental Army scored a decisive victory over the mercenary Hessians in Trenton. General Washington’s army crossed the Delaware River late on Christmas night. As some readers know, heavy snowfall made the crossing very dangerous. The Continental Army surprised the Hessians around 8 a.m. Less than one hour later, Washington’s army The Marquis de Lafayette has arrived in Philadelphia. This 19 year old officer trained at the Military Academy at Versailles. Some say that the Congress plans to commission him as a major general in the Continental Army. All who have met him say he is devoted to the cause of liberty. Philadelphia Falls to the British September 26, 1777 British Major General William Howe led his troops into British General John Burgoyne surrendered his army at Saratoga, New York. Washington’s army battled the British and Hessian forces twice in the past three weeks near Saratoga. Surrounded by American soldiers, the retreating British forces surrendered. The battlefield bravery of the American General Benedict Arnold will not soon be forgotten. Huzzah! Continental Army Winters at Valley Forge December 19, 1777 – June 19, 1778 Encamped outside Philadelphia this winter, the Continental Army had few supplies. They lacked food and clothing, and many soldiers became sick. Camp fevers took the lives of nearly 2000 men! Some say that Congress is to blame for the poor treatment of our soldiers. Others doubt that General Washington can hold the army together. One source at Valley Forge told Hedgehog that a Prussian officer named Baron von Steuben trained the soldiers all winter. Do they now have the discipline to succeed? The French Alliance February 6, 1778 France have agreed to help each other into the indefinite future against a British attack. British Surrender at Yorktown October 19, 1781 A Traitor Discovered! September –October, 1780 A shocking tale of deception grips America. The hero of Saratoga, General Benedict Arnold, offered to give away the fort at West Point to the British. He gave documents to British Major John Andre. Patriots caught Andre and discovered the documents in his boot. General Washington ordered that Major Andre be hanged. The hated Benedict Arnold has escaped. Fighting in the South General Washington, Marquis de Lafayette and French General Comte de Rochambeau led the American and French forces to victory over the British at Yorktown, Virginia. Surrounded on land and sea, British General Cornwallis surrendered his army. Many hope that England will soon recognize our independence. American Independence! September 3, 1783 American and British representatives signed the Treaty of Paris today. These united colonies are now free and independent states. Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah! 1780-1781 The major battles between the British and American forces have moved to the Carolinas and Georgia. Nathanael Greene commands the Southern unit of Washington’s army. Articles of Confederation Ratified King Louis XVI of France pledged the assistance of his country to the American cause this day! Dr. Franklin, Mr. Silas Deane and Mr. Arthur Lee met with French officials to negotiate the Treaty of Alliance and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce. Sources tell Hedgehog that America and March 1, 1781 All thirteen states have finally approved the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union. This “league of friendship” creates a loose confederation to deal with war, diplomacy and the western territories. Images courtesy of Independence National Historical Park and The Library of Congress From The Editor Dear Readers, The world has changed much since first you read the name Hedgehog. Who penned these words is not important. It is more important that my voice continue to be heard. Indeed, my name and face are as familiar as your own because you are Hedgehog. Pick up your pen and continue the story.