Entry 18: December 31, 1783

Dear Diary,
The strongest emotions of joy have been with me these past few months. War has ended, and all the suffering and hunger I've been through is at end. I feel so happy, so joyful, and that feeling has been mutually shared by my husband, who returned with us today. The scene was so beautiful it made tears form in my eyes: John and Jane were sitting in their bedrooms as their father rushed in, their faces glowing, as if they had forgotten that smiling face. I had never forgotten.

Pleasing me more is the fact that on November 25, the British finally left New York City. I can remember them walking out, their red uniforms impossible to miss. All is becoming well again, without the British presence trying to force us into things. There are no more Intolerable Acts, no more taxes on us without us being represented.

I suppose things are going to be quite different from here on out. My husband tells me that George Washington has resigned from his post in the military as of December 23, which makes me wonder as to what will come next in our country. There has been much destruction, and we still need to stabilize our government, all of which will come in time, I believe.

It began with "The Redcoats are Coming," and it has ended with Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Sources: "Tennessee United States History Beginnings to 1877 ." Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2008.

Kindig, Thomas. Independence Hall Association. "Revolutionary War Timeline." UShistory. 1999-2011. 
<http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm>


Picture: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:George_Washington_by_Peale_1776.jpg

Entry 17: September 23, 1783

Dear Diary,
The war is officially over! Congress ratified the peace treaty on April 19th, and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris on September 3. Britain has stated that we are independent, and our borders have also been set, making Florida a Spanish territory again. No longer are we at war with Great Britain. We are the United States of America! We've accomplished victory after so much hardship, and it was worth it.

The British Soldiers are still here in New York, but I am sure they will leave soon. I eagerly await the day, and also hope for my husband to come back, for I know he will.

Sources: Deverell White. "Tennessee United States History Beginnings to 1877 ." Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2008.
Kindig, Thomas. Independence Hall Association. "Revolutionary War Timeline." UShistory. 1999-2011. 
<http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm>


Picture:http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Treaty_of_Paris_1783_-_first_page_(hi-res).jpg

Entry 16: December 24, 1782

Dear Diary,
As of November 30, we are coming to peace. The British and we colonists have signed the preliminary Articles of Peace, and we are negotiating terms. Hope did shine through, and we are becoming independent. I feel glowing with happiness and radiance. Everything seems happy once more, something I cannot believe would happen. Even though troops are still here in New York City, I feel safe.

The British have also left Charleston, South Carolina on the 14th of this month, and many more troops are departing. There are no more major battles, and peace is around us on this Christmas eve, even though the war isn't all the way over. I had hoped that I would be able to see my husband this Christmas, but knowing he is alright is present enough.


Sources: Kindig, Thomas. Independence Hall Association. "RevolutionaryWar Timeline." UShistory. 1999-2011. <http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm>
Picture: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1799_Cruttwell_Map_of_the_United_States_of_America_-_Geographicus_-_UnitedStates-cruttwell-1799.jpg

Entry 15: July 20, 1782

Dear Diary,
Change is occurring so rapidly! On July 11th, the British evacuated Savanna, Georgia. Slowly, they are leaving the colonies. There are still British soldiers near me, but people are beginning to leave. Is the war over? I cannot say for sure; however, it seems as though things are becoming calm again. I have yet to see another large, raging battle take place.

The following news took a while to get here, but it astonishes me as well. Lord North has resigned as Prime Minister of England, as of March 20. Is he resigning because he lost America?

Also, I received a letter this morning, coming from quite far southward. It was in my husband's handwriting, which I could recognize from a mile away. The letter had few words, but read, "All is well."

Sources: 
Kindig, Thomas. Independence Hall Association. "Revolutionary War Timeline." UShistory. 1999-2011. 
<http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm>


Picture:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lord_North.jpg

Entry 14: October 30, 1781

Deary Diary,

Finally, victory returns to us! After many losses, we finally had a victory on October 19th. And what a victory it was! The Continental Army forced Charles Cornwallis to go to Yorktown, Virginia so he could stay in communication. This was his downfall. George Washington, who was in my colony, ordered to block Cornwallis's escape. They cut off escape possibilities, and French ships got hold of Chesapeake Bay on September 15th. Battle raged, and the British began to struggle, and the British surrendered 8000 troops!
I cannot believe all the events taking fold. It feels so sudden, but so exhilarating all the same. This must be the greatest victory of the entire war. I am wondering if there shall be another, for how could there be something stronger?

No, I'm foolish to think so. I must concentrate on happier things, such as my children. John and Jane are of seven years now, and they don't quite understand what goes on around them, but they see a change. Their smiles mean the world to me. I love them dearly, and always shall.

Sources: Deverell White. "Tennessee United States History Beginnings to 1877 ." Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2008.
Kindig, Thomas. Independence Hall Association. "Revolutionary War Timeline." UShistory. 1999-2011. <http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm>


Picture: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Battle_of_Yorktown,_Pursuit_sketch.png

Entry 13: April 15, 1781

War still has not ended, to my dismay. Battles rage onward, bodies lie scattered, fields are smeared in the blood of losses, not just Patriot losses, but the losses of the British as well. Nobody wants this war. I wish Britain would let us go, rather than fight us. It would save so many lives, fix so many problems. There's been mutiny of unpaid soldiers in Pennsylvania, traitorous acts by those who we thought we could trust,  and so much I cannot bear to watch anymore.

We've had victories, but none great enough to win the war. In January there was a victory at Cowpens, South Carolina. All other recent war victories have been made by the British. It seems that even our allies from France and Spain have not been enough to pull us out of this mess.

Hope still exists in some form, however. On March 2nd, the Articles of Confederation were adopted. It sets many rules into place about the colonies and our government. Of course, the British will never acknowledge them until we end this war. They believe themselves better, but who are they to judge?

Sources: Kindig, Thomas. Independence Hall Association. "Revolutionary War Timeline." UShistory. 1999-2011. <http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm>


Picture: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Articles_page1.jpg

Entry 12: October 23, 1780

Dear Diary,
The wars in the south continue, and British presence is still in New York City. It takes quite a long time for word to carry, but sadly, I hear such unfortunate news. We won one battle, on August Sixth of this year at Hanging Rock, South Carolina, but from there we have been failing. In the same month, the British won at Camden because our attack was not carried out as it should have been. Starvation has done much damage to troops, but even more devastation is done to the countryside there.

More heartbreaking is the word I hear about Benedict Arnold, who served us well in the war. He became a traitor, and he had planned to give up West Point to the enemy. How crazy must one be to do something so foolish, to give up hope for freedom and liberty? For this I feel angered. If you support a cause, why must you betray it?

The British here in the city are threatening as always. I wish for my husband, but I doubt he'll be coming back.

Sources: Deverell White. "Tennessee United States History Beginnings to 1877 ." Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2008.
Kindig, Thomas. Independence Hall Association. "Revolutionary War Timeline." UShistory. 1999-2011. <http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm>

Picture: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Benedict_Arnold.jpg

Entry 11: July 25, 1780

Dear Diary,
Once again, war is no longer focused here in New York, but rather, the war has gone southward. Another messenger rode in on horseback, stating that the British took over Charleston, South Carolina on May 12. In the southern colonies there are many Loyalists who still swear fealty to the king, and Americans are having to fight other Americans. Redcoats are causing mass destruction as they weave their way through the colonies. If only the fighting could end. I plead for it to end, for Patriots to win, and that my may husband may come home to my two happy children. My hopes might only be fantasy, and perhaps they are future punishment when these hopes are broken, but I must think happily, so that I may keep moving through my problems.

I must think of something positive to write, before my eyes are all soaked and my hands are too shaky to write and my mind is about to explode. Something positive is that French troops arrived in Newport, Rhode Island on July 11th. I suppose our allies are something to look towards. Perhaps they will help bring us out of the mess we are in, to help us become independent. I must hope so.

Sources: Deverell White. "Tennessee United States History Beginnings to 1877 ." Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2008.
Kindig, Thomas. Independence Hall Association. "Revolutionary War Timeline." UShistory. 1999-2011. <http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm>

Picture: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plan_de_stationnement_des_troupes_francaise_et_de_la_marine_a_Newport_en_1780.jpg

Entry 10: August 30, 1779

                             Dear Diary,
Spain has now officially joined the war as of June 21, declaring their stance against Britain. Bernardo de Galvez, the governor of Louisiana, is serving as a great ally for us and is seizing many southern British forts. 


There has been more action closer to me as well. General Anthony Wayne captured Stony Point, New York in mid-July. The attack, I've heard, was a very carefully planned one, all the soldiers knowing what they were to do and the plan itself kept secret. Sixty-three British were killed, and only fifteen Americans died, though the number of wounds differs.


To provide for my children, I've been working very hard to earn money. I sew many things to sell to other colonists, and I've managed to earn enough to feed them. I miss my husband, whose job helped provide for everything. John and Jane are five years old now, and I love my family dearly. I'm holding on to what I have in hopes that he will return, though a doubt has risen in my mind. Is he even still alive?

Sources: Deverell White. "Tennessee United States History Beginnings to 1877 ." Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2008.
Kindig, Thomas. Independence Hall Association. "Revolutionary War Timeline." UShistory. 1999-2011. <http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm>


Picture: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bernardo_de_Galvez.jpg

Entry 9: March 20, 1779

Dear Diary,

Today I heard word that the war now continues in the west. Redcoats and patriots alike are both trying to win over the Indians. George Rogers Clark lead this western campaign, going to trading villages. They traveled 120 miles overland to the village of Kaskaskia, but the village surrendered. Other villages were also taken without fights.

Fort Sackville, near the village of Vincennes, was also taken by Clark in February. The army was actually quite small, with only 150 men, but they made it seem like there were more of them, and the fort surrendered, falling for the ruse. It takes not only strength to win a war, but cleverness and intelligence as well.

There have not been many battles near me, which I am thankful for, though I doubt things will stay that way. If the war ends soon I will be surprised.

Sources: Deverell White. "Tennessee United States History Beginnings to 1877 ." Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2008.

Picture: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:George_Rogers_Clark.jpg

Entry 8: June 20, 1778

Dear Diary,
I do not believe in good news, and while bad news may seem terrible at the time, you must keep your head up and try to make the best out of things.The Redcoats have left Pennsylvania, but are now back in New York. I hope that they shall not harm us, and I keep my children closer to me than ever.

I hear that the Redcoat General Howe has been replaced. The name of his replacement is Henry Clinton, and I haven't heard much about him in particular. I have heard that on Barren Hill, Pennsylvania, that the British did not defeat the French soldiers and Indians there on May 20. I suspect this is what led them to come back here.

I have been struggling to survive through all of this war, especially without my husband. Often times I am hungry, but I have tried my best to provide for John and Jane. I promised to be strong, and I will continue to be so.

Source: Kindig, Thomas. Independence Hall Association. "Revolutionary War Timeline." UShistory. 1999-2011. <http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm>.


Picture: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Barren-hill-map-image.jpg

Entry 7: February 12, 1778

Dear Diary,

We're officially allied to the French! The French Alliance has been signed on February 6th and they will help us with defense should the redcoats attack. Neither of us will make peace until us colonists are independent. Let freedom ring throughout the colonies. Slowly we are making our way back into things.

We should be glad of this alliance too, as the minutemen troops at Valley Forge had been camping there for an incredibly harsh winter in Pennsylvania. Low morale is never good for war, and I am sure that these soldiers will now be able to get supplies that they are in need of.

I have not heard from my husband, and I doubt that I will, at least not until the end of this war. I do not know what has become of him. I hope for the best, and I keep John and Jane safe near me.

Sources: Kindig, Thomas. Independence Hall Association. "Revolutionary War Timeline." UShistory. 1999-2011. <http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm>.

Picture: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Valley_Forge-Washington_%5Eamp,_Lafayette._Winter_1777-78._Copy_of_engraving_by_H._B._Hall_after_Alonzo_Chappel.,_1931_-_1_-_NARA_-_532877.tif

Entry 6: October 29,1777

Dear Diary,
Many more battles are happening in the colonies, including some in New York. Luckily, there has not been too much trauma here in New York City, but much has been happening in our colony. General John Burgoyne tried to push through our colony and try to cut off New England. However our troops blocked off the path with chopped down trees and other obstacles, the minutemen attacking constantly. Lucky for us, when he reached Saratoga, he was surrounded, his timing off, and his entire army surrendered to General Gates on October 17, 1777.

It was an amazing victory for us! The Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the war because a huge part of the Redcoats surrendered. I feel so happy that we have found victory.

Another good aspect coming is that we have allies from other countries. France and Spain are helping our cause because of the Battle of Saratoga. The French and the Spanish have been upset by the French and Indian War, where they lost much land. With their help, we will be unstoppable!

Sources:
Deverell White. "Tennessee United States History Beginnings to 1877 ." Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2008.


http://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:The_Surrender_of_General_Burgoyne_at_Saratoga._October_1777._Copy_of_painting_by_John_Trumbull,_1820-21,_1899_-_1932_-_NARA_-_512777.tif&page=1

Entry 5: August 14th, 1777

Dear Diary,

The Redcoats have departed from New York City, moving up the Hudson River and heading north in the direction of Albany.  but are still a heavy presence in our colony. I've heard that on August 6th at Oriskany with help from the Iroquois League,a group of Indians that were united together and allied, they held back the patriots. Eventually the Redcoats left from there, forced to flee. I wonder if my husband was with those who fought for the colonies.

I hear other word as well from those who pass through, such as some astonishing news about Fort Ticonderoga. The Redcoats have taken the fort, but the progress was slow moving. Apparently, they were ambushed by the Green Mountain Boys, who had taken Ticonderoga from the British in the first place, and the Redcoats lost a tenth of their army.

It is John and Jane's birthday today, and even though war is all around us, I try to find time for them. They are both four this year, and lucky to still be alive. I hope our family continues to prosper.

Sources:

Kindig, Thomas. Independence Hall Association. "Revolutionary War Timeline." UShistory. 1999-2011. <http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm>.

Michael Weber. "The Making of America: American Revolution." Steck-Vaugn Company, 2000.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Battle_of_Oriskany.jpg

Entry 4: September 22nd, 1776

Dear Diary,

I feel myself unable to speak, let alone write. My hand is shaky, ink blots dying entire pages of this diary. I feel alone and angry, desperate. 

The British made their move August 22nd of this year, a month ago, and went into the southeast shore of Long Island. Washington made a fatal mistake with positioning the troops and half the troops were not able to help during the raging battle. There were so many fatal casualties that George Washington tried to save the rest of the force. If they hadn't gone when they did the war could have been lost so early. They've lost the island, but saved the troops.

On the 15th of September, Washington left New York. I have not heard from my husband and do not know what has become of him. It is possible he is dead, or that he was saved and is now moving onward. This is not what enrages me, however. Two days ago, the city of New York was set ablaze, a great fire scattering through it. What's more, there has been a hanging in the city.

Even worse is the horror that occurred today, not far from the time I write this, there was a hanging.  Nathan Hale, a patriot spy and former schoolteacher, was caught and not even given a fair trial. William Howe demanded that he be executed, so his orders were carried out. I was not around when he died, but I hear the echoing whisper of his last words: "I only regret that I have one life to give for my country."

For once, I feel afraid. What will become of me? How will I manage?

Sources:

Kirk D. Werner. "The American Revolution." Greenhaven Press, 2000.

The Execution of Nathan Hale, 1776," EyeWitness to History, www.eyewitnesstohistory.com (2000)

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nathan_hale.gif

Entry 3: June 29, 1776

Dear Diary,
Life in New York is changing, perhaps not for the better. I feel endangered, my rights taken. Who do the redcoats think they are, after all? We are not just simple livestock to be killed whenever they feel in the mood for bacon. We should not be manipulated. And we have rights, do we not?

I hear exclamations in the streets, one New Yorker even saying, "No one loves Liberty more than I do, but of all Tyranny I most dread that of the Multitude." Everything around me is crazy. Will there ever be peace again?

The reason for my rage and fear is because today, Admiral Richard Howe and General William Howe, his brother, began sailing into our harbor. A patriot soldier saw the naval force, which was huge and unbelievable. It's not right to send warships here, and for such a reason, we will fight back. We will prevail, even though there are 32,000 Redcoats and Hessians, or Germans hired by the British Empire. There are 20,000 people in New York City, and we will fight.

My husband has taken this opportunity to join the military. I bid him farewell, and hope that he shall live through all this, and that I will be able to live without him. There is hope to create a better life for John, Jane and all the children that will be the next generation.  For this I pray, and for this I hold on to what I have.

Sources:

Kirk D. Werner. "The American Revolution." Greenhaven Press, 2000.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1776KingGeorgeStatueNYC.jpg 

Entry 2: July 24th, 1775

Dear Diary,
Though it's been several months since I've last written in your ink-blotted pages, much has happened since, so much it's hard to put to words. The most unbelievable things have taken fold, and I cannot express how astonished I feel. Peace has tried to strive, but it is failing.

My family and I are luckily well, though my husband has decided that next chance he gets he plans to leave for war. I am not sure of how John, Jane and I will manage financially, but I hope we will survive this. However, most of all I fear for my husband's life, though I know that he is willing to sacrifice it for freedom, for the people of today and the children of tomorrow. He would not stand for it if we were to be punished further.

Several days ago, I heard of another battle in Massachusetts from a man on horseback, this one on Breed's Hill, though I hear the British were actually heading towards Bunker Hill. The reason of such a great mistake is unknown to me. It could have been a mistake of maps, an error in the darkness, or any sort of problem, but its significance is little, besides the fact that the Battle of Bunker Hill was indeed on Breed's Hill.

In the battle, the minutemen stood at the top of the hill, guns pointed, ready to shoot. The redcoats came towards us, and we fired the first time, making them go down. They approached us a second time, but still we prevailed. However, the third time the redcoats came up the hill, us patriots ran out of ammunition. Our enemy still had quite heavy losses, and I consider this a moral victory. Imagine what would have happened if we had more bullets, more gunpowder? Imagine what we will become!


Sources:


Kindig, Thomas. Independence Hall Association. "Revolutionary War Timeline." UShistory. 1999-2011. <http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm>.


"The Battle of Bunker Hill 1775." British Battles. 2010. <http://britishbattles.com/bunker-hill.htm>.


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Battle_of_bunker_hill_by_percy_moran.jpg

Entry 1: April 30th, 1775

Dear Diary,
As many interesting occurences are happening in New York, I came to the decision to record my observations in a diary so that I can look upon past events. As doubtful as I am that these events will be forgotten, it is always better to be safe or sorry, or at least that is what I tell my two young children. Their names are John and Jane Miller, twins only of two years, and as time progresses, I worry for their safety.

My husband, a middle class worker, plans to go off to war, should the need arise, though he worries for me and our children. However, I assure him that I am fine and well, and that I can fend for myself. I hope he understands, because the importance of this war is enormous. The king of Britain and his army, which outnumber us greatly, intend to come in and fight colonists. Many doubt we'll succeed, but we must not give in to a tyrant!

The reason I worry most for my two children is the raise of conflict in the colonies. Parliament is against our favor. They pass many taxes, a group of which they call the Coersive Acts. I refuse to call them such, and many of us refer to these duties as the Intolerable Acts because of how much we absolutely despise them. These taxes were passed because of the Boston Tea Party on the sixteenth of December, two years back, where fellow patriots dumped tea into the ocean. I personally believe what they did was right, for where they the ones who asked for the tea? I think not!

What worries me even more is news that comes from Massachusetts. Word has spread that battle broke out in Lexington and Concord! I hear the battle broke out April 19th, and that a patriot, Paul Revere, was brave enough to exclaim, "The redcoats are coming!" I honor Mr. Revere's bravery, and hope that many will be able to share it. We must keep strong!

Sources:
Kindig, Thomas. Independence Hall Association. "Revolutionary War Timeline." UShistory. 1999-2011. <http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm>.


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boston_tea_party.jpg