To what extent did the American Revolution serve the interests of ‘Americans’?

Patriot

Document A: Chauncy, Charles. “A Discourse On ‘the Good News from a Far Country.’”A ‘Thanksgiving’ Sermon delivered in Boston, July 24th, 1766

*This sermon was delivered in 1766 after the repeal of the Stamp Act.“Another thing, in this ‘news,’ making it ‘good,’ is the hopeful prospect it gives us of being continued in the enjoyment of certain liberties and privileges, valued by us next to life itself… Whether the Colonists were invested with a RIGHT to these liberties and privileges, or whether they were not, tis the truth of fact that they really thought they were, by being born subjects to the British Crown… And they imagined, whether justly or not, that their RIGHT to the free and full enjoyment of these privileges was their righteous due in consequence of what they and their fore-fathers, had done and suffered in subduing and defending these American lands… And as it had been early and deeply impressed on their minds [that] it could not but strongly put in motion their passion of grief, when they were laid under a Parliamentary restraint as to the exercise of that liberty… It was this that filled their minds with a settled fear, lest they should gradually be brought into a state of the most abject slavery….We may now be easy in our minds, contented with our condition… All ground of * complaint, that we are “sold for bond-men and bond-women,” is removed away; and instead of being slaves we are indulged** the full exercise of those liberties which have been transmitted to us from our fore-fathers. We have now greater reason that ever to love, honor and obey our gracious King, and pay all becoming reverence and respect to his two houses of Parliament…*reasons for** granted, given

Document B: Paine, Thomas. Common Sense. 1776

I have heard it asserted by some, that as America hath flourished* under her former connection with Great Britain, the same connection is necessary towards her future happiness, and will always have the same effect. Nothing can be more fallacious** than this kind of argument. We may as well assert that because a child has thriven upon milk, that it is never to have meat, or that the first twenty years of our lives is to become a precedent for the next twenty. But even this is admitting more than is true; for I answer roundly, that America would have flourished as much, and probably much more, had no European power taken any notice of her. The commerce by which she hath enriched herself are the necessaries of life, and will always have a market while eating is the custom of Europe… I challenge the warmest advocate for reconciliation (between Britain and the colonies) to show a single advantage that this continent can reap, by being connected with Great Britain. I repeat the challenge, not a single advantage is derived. Our corn will fetch its price in any market in Europe, and our imported goods must be paid for, buy them where we will.*grown, developed** false

Document C: (FROM A BRITISH PERSPECTIVE REGARDING PATRIOTS) Political Memoirs; or, a View of Some of the First Operations of the War, After the French Notification, as They Were Regarded by Foreigners, Particularly by Frenchmen, 1783.

Lastly, it is a part of the object of this publication, justified by facts, to bring people to view the American war, as it now is, in its true light: that is to say, as a branch of the war with France, both standing on one issue. We think it cannot but be manifest*, that it is no more, what in the beginning it was, unadvisable and ungovernable, in defiance of all right reason, sound policy, and common sense, drove the action against its will into with their brethren in America. The war, in its present state, is with a Congress, which is nothing but the tool of France, and by no means representative of the people of America, who are unable, if they were willing, to contribute to the maintenance of the power which forces them to submit to its tyranny. We are now at war with a General, the master of that Congress, himself the actual servant of the French court, a Marshal of France. Both [Continental Congress and the General] perhaps are under the sway of their ambassador in France, who is actuated by pique**, and moved by resentment, against this country. * clearer** irritation

To what extent did the American Revolution serve the interests of ‘Americans’?

Document D: A Poem Containing Some Remarks on the Present War, &c., 1779Selected stanzas from the poem

The Harbor [Boston] was block’d up Brave Washington did comeNo ship could sail, To our relief;Our fishery was stopt, he left his native home,A doleful tale! Filled with grief,Of tyrants cruelty; He did not covet [desire] gain,Their banners lifted high, The cause [Liberty] he would maintainMade sons of freedom cry And die among the slainUnto their God… Rather than flee…

The Congress that we chose Britons and Hessian troops,Bid us unite, A brutish throng,And to withstand our foes, To prosecute their hopes,For freedom fight; They’ve sailed along,They bid us ready stand The Tories [Loyalists] ask’d them o’er,Fight for our fathers’ land, To come and try once more,Though we a feeble band, Some landed on the shore,Bid us not fear,… Near Charlestown bay…

Loyalist

Document E: Wells, Louisa Susannah. The Journal of a Voyage from Charlestown, S.C. to London undertaken during the American Revolution by a Daughter of an Eminent American Loyalist in the Year 1778 and Written from Memory only in 1779. New York: New York Historical Society 1906. Pg. 4, 6-8

*This excerpt is about the beginning of her voyage and the troubles they ran into.

Every Person on board the Providence [the ship] were banished except Captain Stevens. Never did any of us experience joy, so truly, as when we found ourselves in the wide Ocean, out of the dominion of Congress [Continental Congress]. You know the many difficulties the poor Tories [Loyalists] had to encounter in procuring* ships, men etc… Poor Stevens had just thrown himself into his cot, with his clothes on when the watch cried out, “A Sail, a Sail!” Guess our alarm. We dreaded more our American “Friends” and our new "Allies, the French” at that time… The gentlemen went upon deck, and we were within hail of the other ship, when a gun was fired, it flashed, a second was fired, and the ball went through our rigging. They then hailed us “Whence from, where bound etc.” to which we answered without hesitation. They then hoisted out a boat, which was well manned to take us, as a prize. The boat passed under our stern, at this moment a volley of musketry was poured on the deck from the ship. The shot whistled over the passengers’ heads, upon which they came below, not being yet willing to leave this world. Mr. Lock, for that was the name of the [British] officer, supposed us to be French... Lock had orders to carry every male on board of the Rose, the name of our captor ship.** Mr. Manson*** left the Rose and returned to us, with his heart full of pride, indignation****, and resentment at being thus treated by the servants of that King for whom we all had suffered so much. It seemed necessary to treat us as Enemies until he chose to consider us as French!

*getting**The Providence was taken captive by a British ship, the Rose*** leader of the Providence***** anger

To what extent did the American Revolution serve the interests of ‘Americans’?

Document F: Macknight, Thomas. Testimonies of Mr. Macknight’s case, contained in letters… London, 178?Pg. 21-22

*An account of one loyalist’s attempts to get reimbursed for his role in the war.

The Commissioners will be pleased to observe that I have clearly proved the following facts: That I had fully discharged* the duty of a loyal subject, by zealously** opposing, from the beginning, those measures of the seditious*** which led the Americans to revolt from his Majesty’s government… That the influence which I derived from my property, my trade, and the share which I had in the management of the public affairs, together with my personal character, induced Governor Martin to apply to me, as a person capable of giving him considerable assistance in supporting his Majesty’s government in the province of North Carolina.That in compliance with Governor Martin’s earnest solicitations^, and trusting to the promises held forth by Government, I continued my exertions, and actually performed the services required of me in support of the constitution [British constitution], and with considerable effect for some time, in consequence of which I was proscribed^^, and many attempts were made on my life.That the services required of me by Governor Martin were of such a nature, that, so far from bringing me any reward, they actually involved me in very great expenses, for which I have never received reimbursement.Lastly, that having narrowly escaped being assassinated in my own house, my property was seized, confiscated, and sold by the rebels, so that I am reduced from opulence^^^ to a state of indigence ^^^^^.From these facts, it evidently follow, that I am entitled to full compensation for the loss I have sustained in the service of the public:…

* carried out** passionately*** rebellious^ requests

^^ condemned^^^ wealth^^^^ poverty

French

Document G: English Translation Letter from the King (Louis XVI) to Monseigneur the Admiral (of the French Navy), Delivering a Commission, July 10, 1778

My cousin, the insult made to my royal person by a ship of the King of England to my ship the Belle-poule, committed by the English fleet in defiance of international law; seized at sea along with the confiscation of ships belonging to my people. England brings continuous trouble and damage to the maritime commerce of my kingdom and of my American colonies. All these injurious methods, and principally the insult made to my person, has forced me to limit the moderation that I had intended, and does not allow me to suspend the effects of my resentment any longer. The dignity of my crown, and the protection that I owe my people, require that I finally retaliate, that I act hostilely against England, and that my ships attack and strive to capture or destroy all vessels, frigates, or other ships belonging to the King of England. I am writing this letter to tell you that having ordered all the commanders of my fleets and of my ports, to order the captains of my vessels that, in addition to seizing and bringing to the ports of my kingdom the hounds* of the King of England, they should seize ships belonging to his subjects as well. My intention is retaliation for the offenses made to my people by the English, I am assured of finding the justice in my cause, in the courage of my officers and of the crews of my vessel, in the love of my subjects that I always have always felt from them, and I rely principally on the protection of God. I hope, cousin, that God keeps you in health and His holy care. Written at Versailles, July 10, 1778. Signed, Louis* warships

To what extent did the American Revolution serve the interests of ‘Americans’?

Document H: Charles Gravier, Charlemagne Tower, Jr.. From The Marquis De La Fayette in the American Revolution with Some Account of the Attitude of France Toward the War of Independence, 1895.

*An excerpt from M. Charles de Gravier, comte de Vergennes, one of Louis XVI’s ministers, on his belief as to why France should help the colonies. Written around 1777.

England is the natural enemy of France. She is an enemy at once grasping, ambitious, unjust, and perfidious*. The steady and most cherished purpose in her politics has been, if not the destruction of France, at least her overthrow, her humiliation, and her ruin. This condition of things, as well as the care which France is bound to take of its own preservation, authorizes and even invites her to seize every possible opportunity to reduce the power and the greatness of England; whilst, on the other hand, our policy makes it a duty for us to do so. It becomes necessary for us to inquire whether the attitude and the present circumstances of the Colonies are such as to lead us to this result. They are at open war with the central Government; their purpose is to throw off the yoke of domination; they appeal to us to give them aid and succor**. If we accede*** to the wishes of the Colonies, and presupposing that we give them effective assistance, it would seem that the following advantages must result: 1st, the power of England will be reduced, and our own increased; 2nd, her commerce will suffer an irreparable loss, whilst our will be increased; 3rd, it is very probably that, in the course of events, we should be able to recover a part of our possessions in American which the English have taken away from us.

* sneaky** relief*** give in

Black / Slave

Document I: Stuart, Mrs. Frank Ross. Black Soldiers of the American Revolutionary War. Vol. I. Pg 30-31 “Anthony Gilman Sold Into Slavery While Wearing the Uniform of the United States”

Anthony Gilman was inscribed on the Massachusetts Roll at $48 per month on 25 may 1818. He had served in Captain Gilman’s Company, he said. He was a colored man and his certificate, issued 10 December 1818 was signed by John C. Calhoun, Secretary of War. At the hearing before Judge Minot, Anthony Gilman told his story in a convincing way. He was aged 75 years, and a resident citizen of Manchester, County of Essex, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In the latter part of December, 1775 he enlisted as a fifer into the Army of the Revolutionary War for one year. He again enlisted for “during the war”, and was sent in command of a detachment of about 1500 men to go to Morrisena in New York State. He did not remember the exact time, but stated that he was one of the men, and was with about 40 others taken by the British and carried into New York. There they were kept a few weeks as prisoners, and then “being a man of color”, he said, “I was sold for a slave to one John Falkingham, and kept as a slave for more than a year”. He was then sent to St. John’s, from whence “after about six months, I made my escape”. The war was then over. He testified that he was in reduced circumstances and in need of assistance. A pension was granted to Anthony Gilman 25 May 1818.

To what extent did the American Revolution serve the interests of ‘Americans’?

Document J: Stuart, Mrs. Frank Ross. Black Soldiers of the American Revolutionary War. Vol. I. Pg 12 “The Story of Jack Anthony”

Jack Anthony lived in the State of Connecticut in 1777. He was a slave, for life, and belonged to Nathan Dibble, of Danberry. He enlisted in the Continental service as a private in 1777. Mrs. Margaret Dibble testified on 29 March 1806 that Jack Anthony entered the service to save her husband and son Eli Dibble from drafts and service. She said that he returned at the conclusion of the War and had his discharge and some notes, and received his freedom by that service. In the sworn statement of Jack Anthony before James Clark, Justice of the Peace in January 1806, he said that that he served with Captain Bill’s Company. He swore that he served as a substitute for his Master and his Master’s son, Nathan Dibble and Eli Dibble. In 1806 Nathan Dibble was already deceased, but both Eli and Margaret gave depositions*.James Clarke, Justice of the Peace, stated: “Jack Anthony is an African and infirm and in need both body and mind”, but says that he “has never heard his veracity** called in question”.*statements**honesty

Document K: Map

To what extent did the American Revolution serve the interests of ‘Americans’?

Native American

Document L: A Speech by the Mohawk to the Majestrates and Committee of the Town of Schenectady, and Major Corporation of the City of Albany &c. Delivered by Little Abraham— May 20, 1775*Speech by the Mohawk chief, Abraham regarding reports that a large body of New Englanders planned to kidnap the tribe’s superintendent, Guy Johnson. (During the Revolution, Abraham was initially favored neutrality, but his close relationship with the superintendent was one factor that led him to support the British.

Brother, our present situation is very disagreeable and alarming therefore we desire to know what is designed by* the reports that are spread amongst us- we hear that companies and troops are coming from one quarter to another to molest us – particularly that a large body are expected from New England to apprehend and take away by violence our superintendent** and extinguish our council fire for what reason we know not.Brothers we shall support and defend our superintendent and not see our council fire extinguishedWe have no inclination or purpose of interfering in the dispute between old England and Boston. The white people may settle their own quarrels between themselves we shall never meddle in these matters or be the aggressors – if we are let alone- We have for a long time lived in great peace with one Another and we desire ever to continue so

Abraham Chief (Interpreted by Sam Kirkland, May 20- 1775)*what is the purpose of** white liaison to the tribe

Document M: Oath taken by the Indians, Menaguashe near Fort Howe (Canada), Sept. 24, 1778*At the beginning of the American Revolution, many Mi’kmaq supported the Americans against the British. In June 1779, Mi’kmaq attacked and plundered some of the British in the area. The following month, British Captain Augustus Harvey, arrived and battled with the Mi’kmaq. One Mi’kmaq was killed and 16 were taken prisoner to Quebec. They were released on 28 July 1779 after signing this Oath of Allegiance to the British Crown.

I do promise to bear faith and true allegiance to His Majesty King George the ThirdI do promise to make known to the Kings’ officers and magistrates any designs of the enemy against his Majesty’s garrisons, troops, or good subjects that may come to my knowledge.I do promise that I will not take part directly or indirectly against the King in the troubles now subsisting between Great Britain and His Majesty’s rebellious subjects of America but that I will follow my hunting and fishing in a peaceable and quiet manner I do promise that I will hold any Communication with the Rebellious Subjects of his Majesty All these things I do promise on the Holy Scripture before God upon the faith of a good Christian, so help me God.A list of Mi’kmaq Indians who have taken the Oath.List of names and where they were from

Document N: This speech Delivered to the Oneidas, By Skenodre and Petrus, to His Excellency General Schuyler (Commander of the Continental Army), July 21, 1783

Brother, we are sent here by the Six Nations to find out the messages they have heard now three times from General Schuyler and General Washington. They sent some of their great men to have conversation with them. [The Oneida are trying to get information about the war from the Continental Army.]Brother, they heard good news from the Americans which made their heart feel glad; that they may return every Nation to their native land. They have also heard bad news with the good by some young men from the Oneida. They sent us to find out the matter they heard so many times. Col. Butler has a great desire that the Americans should make up with the Six Nations; The Six Nations want to hear from General Schuyler as quickly as possible.Now I speak a little. I want General Schuyler to write to me, if he is for peace and he use me well, I will take hold his hand and I shall ever be a strong friend to the Americans, as my grandfathers were to the king, whose firm friendship to the king has undone [ruined] me.

Six Nations – Part of the Iroquois Confederacy: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, Tuscarora