The Oneida Alliance

On this day, 250 years ago, General George Washington penned a letter to Massachusetts General Court introducing a chief of the Oneida tribe.

The Oneida chief, accompanied by missionary Samuel Kirkland, visited Washington’s camp out of curiosity. Washington treated the chief with great respect. He then offered to write a letter of introduction to the Massachusetts government. In his letter, Washington asked the Court to “join with me in shewing him all proper Civilities”

An AI interpretation of Washington meeting with the Oneida

Why was Washington so gracious? He recognized the importance of Native alliances.

The Oneida lands held a crucial strategic position in western NY. Their support would benefit the Patriot cause.

Washington’s early gesture of respect laid the groundwork for an alliance, as the Oneida eventually joined on the American side.

Three Big Things

Let's look at three big things the Oneida during the Revolution.

1. Loyal Allies - They were loyal allies throughout the war. Their contributions were vital: 
• Oneida warriors fought at key battles like Oriskany and Saratoga.
• Their scouts provided critical intelligence on British movements.
• They even provided food to the starving army at Valley Forge
2. Together as One - Again, the Revolution shows the power of diverse groups joining together for a common cause. Here, natives and colonists fought together to forge an independent America.
3. Bitter Results - Unfortunately, this new nation did not always treat the Oneida well. Future generations forgot this crucial alliance and took over much of the Oneida’s land. This reminds us that this new nation was not without flaws. Instead, we must learn from our past and seek to uphold our fundamental beliefs in liberty, justice, and equality.

"Opened and Avowed Rebellion"

I'm a couple of days late on this one. Apologies.

On August 23rd, 250 years ago, King George III issued a proclamation declaring the American colonies to be in a state of "open and avowed rebellion.“ 

With this proclamation, King George authorized the use of force to suppress the rebellion.

And what of the Olive Branch Petition, which we mentioned last month? American delegates delivered a copy to the colonial secretary on August 21st followed by the original on September 1. But King George refused to receive it. He already decided that there could be no compromise.

Three Big Things

1. Escalating Events - The proclamation escalated hostilities between the British government and the colonists. It closed the door to negotiations. Instead, both sides would prepare for war.
2. Blame Shifts to the King - The colonists shifted blame to the king. Until now, they saw Parliament as the agitator. But now, more colonists blamed the king himself. Loyalty to the Crown began to unravel, and support for independence grew.
3. Divided Colonies - The proclamation deepened divisions—not just between Britain and the colonies, but within the colonies themselves. Some colonists remained loyal to the King. These Tories found themselves at odds with their rebellious neighbors. Tensions rose, and in some places, violence broke out. The path to independence was not only against Britain—it was also a struggle among Americans.

The Olive Branch Petition

On this day 250 years ago, the Second Continental Congress approved the Olive Branch petition.

A fanciful AI imagining.
It did not really happen this way, as we shall see.

Addressed to King George the Third, the petition sought to avert further hostilities. In it, the colonists expressed their loyalty to the king. Yet they affirmed that they had grievances with some of Parliament’s actions. They asked the king to intervene, with the goal of ending conflict and resolving the issues peacefully. The tone of the petition was conciliatory, asking the king to mediate between the colonies and Parliament.

You can imagine how King George took the petition. But we’ll talk about that next time.

Three Big Things

Let’s look at 3 big things about the Olive Branch Petition

1. Hope for Peace - Despite the battles at Lexington-Concord and Bunker Hill, most colonists still hoped for peace. Therefore, they were willing to seek diplomatic solutions to their grievances.
2. Problem with Parliament - The colonists primarily blamed Parliament for those grievances. They claimed that it had usurped authority that properly belonged to the colonial legislatures. Thus, they hoped that the king would step in and redress their issues. That’s why they still considered themselves loyal subjects of the king.
3. John Dickinson - John Dickinson, no relation to the state park, was the primary author of the petition. He was a steadfast proponent of reconciliation with Britain. Like many other Americans, he had to wrestle with conflicting loyalties as independence loomed nearer. He refused to sign the Declaration of Independence but still served as a militia officer for Pennsylvania.

And there you have it – America 250 years ago. Stay tuned for more updates leading to America’s 250th birthday.

The Battle of Bunker Hill

On this day, 250 years ago, the battle of Bunker Hill raged just outside the city of Boston.

This battle occurred in the aftermath of the clash at Lexington-Concord. After that battle, British troops retreated to their headquarters in Boston. Colonial forces took up positions around the city, including Bunker and Breed’s Hills across the river.

Boston is circled in red
Some of the colonial positions are circled in blue
Bunker and Breed's Hill are in the circle just above  Boston

The British decided to drive the colonists off the hills. On June 17th, they launched their attack – a frontal assault against colonial defenses.

The colonial commander, Colonel William Prescott, told his men “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.”

The British closed. The colonists unleashed a devastating volley, forcing the British to retreat.

Being professionals, the British tried again. And again.

After three assaults and with colonial ammunition running low, the British finally succeeded.

Three Big Things

Let’s look at 3 big things about the Battle of Bunker Hill.

1. Wrong Name - The name of the battle is technically wrong. Fighting primarily took place at Breed’s Hill. Bunker Hill was behind the lines in colonial territory.
2. Costly Victory - Technically, the British were victorious. They took the hill and drove the colonists away. But it was costly – the British suffered over 1,000 casualties compared to less than 500 for the colonials. This disparity in casualties bolstered colonial confidence. As such, it was an American strategic and psychological victory.
3. Diverse Defenders - The colonial defenders displayed a surprising degree of class and ethnic diversity. Although many were of English descent, there were also immigrants from Ireland, Scotland, and Germany. About a dozen African Americans participated. One, Peter Salem, reputedly shot Maj John Pitcairn, the British commander at Lexington Concord. And the defenders came from all social classes – professionals, farmers, artisans, and workers. This shows that the fight for independence required Americans of all types to come together for the cause of freedom.

Today, a monument stands on the site of the battle. It’s there to remind us what happened in America 250 years ago.

Stay tuned for more updates leading to America’s 250th birthday.

Congress and Ticonderoga

On this day 250 years ago, two major events occurred that would further the American cause.

Second Continental Congress

In Philadelphia, the Second Continental Congress convened at the Pennsylvania Statehouse, now known as Independence Hall. 

This Congress represented  a unified colonial response to British policies. Going forward, the 13 colonies would work as one to defend themselves.

Fort Ticonderoga

In upstate New York, a force under the command of Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold approached Fort Ticonderoga. In a surprise pre-dawn raid, Allen’s Green Mountain boys captured the fort from the small British garrison without firing a shot.

This was an important victory because the fort dominated the route into the 13 colonies from Canada. It also held much needed supplies for the colonial army.

Three Big Things

Let’s look at three big things about these events.

1. Together as One - These events showcase efforts among the disparate colonies to unite in a common cause. The Second Continental Congress brought 13 colonies together. This would be the beginning of a common identity as Americans. Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold united to capture Ft Ticonderoga.
2. Not All Rosy - But not all was rosy. There were tensions between Arnold and Allen. Eventually, the two would split. Fortunately, this occurred after their victory. But it foreshadows the kind of personal conflicts that would jeopardize the cause in later years.
3. Agile Armaments - In addition to the fort itself, the colonists captured nearly 20 cannon weighing a combined 60 tons. Later, Col. Henry Knox would display agility by leading an expedition to transport these cannon across 300 miles of wilderness to Boston. One historian called this effort “one of the most stupendous feats of logistics” of the war.

And there you have it – America 250 years ago. Stay tuned for more updates leading to America’s 250th birthday.

Lexington Concord

On this day, 250 years ago, shots were fired that would change the course of history.

British regulars marched on Concord to seize colonial military stores.

At Lexington, the colonial militia known as Minutemen made their stand. A shot rang out - no one knows who fired it. Then more shots. The brief skirmish left eight Minutemen dead and several wounded. The British continued their march to Concord

At Concord's North Bridge, the British met a larger force of Minutemen. This time, the colonists stood their ground and forced the British to retreat.

As the British retreated, colonial militia from surrounding towns harassed them, inflicting heavy casualties.

Let’s look at 3 big things about Lexington Concord:

1. The Shot Heard 'Round the World - The skirmish at Lexington is known as the Shot Heard ' Round the World, because of the global significance of the American Revolution and its impact on the fight for independence and democracy worldwide.
2. America's First Victory - The victory at Concord boosted the morale of the colonists and proved that they could stand up to the British army.
3. Guerilla Warfare - The colonial militia used guerrilla tactics to harass the British troops during their retreat to Boston. This unconventional warfare was effective in inflicting heavy casualties on the British. But this strategy would have its limits. Ultimately, George Washington would have the Continental Army trained in the linear tactics of the day so that they could stand toe-to-toe with the British.

And there you have it – America 250 years ago. Stay tuned for more updates leading to America’s 250th birthday.

Paul Revere's Ride

"Listen, my children, and you shall hear Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere."

With these stirring words, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow began the tale of Paul Review.

On this day, 250 years ago, the subject of Longfellow’s poem rode into immortality. Silversmith Paul Revere set out to warn the Massachusetts countryside that British troops were on the march. 

Their objective was to seize military stores that the colonists were stockpiling in Concord, about 20 miles away from Boston.

Revere set out from Boston, spreading the alarm across the countryside. 

Thanks to his warning, the colonial militia was ready. His ride ensured that the patriots were prepared to face the British troops.

Three Big Things

Let’s look at 3 big things about Revere’s Ride

1. He was not alone - Another man, William Dawes, also left Boston with the news. A third, Samuel Prescott, joined them in Lexington. And they passed the word to numerous other messengers who spread the word throughout the countryside.
2. He failed - Sort of. Revere's goal was to reach Concord. But a British patrol stopped and detained him before he got there. But, He did make it to Lexington and warned them. And with help from others, word reached Concord.
3. Not the British - He wouldn’t have cried “The British are coming!” In 1775, the citizens of Massachusetts considered themselves as British too! He likely warned that “The regulars are coming!” referring to the regular troops of the British army.

And a bonus one.

1. Fame took time - His ride was not well known, until Longfellow published his poem in 1861.

So there you have it. April 18th , 250 years ago.

What happened next? Just wait for the next installment of our semiquincentennial minutes.