Nathan Hale

I had planned to end the Semiquincentennial updates with Independence Day. But there are some interesting anniversaries coming up so I decided to mention them.

On this day, 250 years ago, Nathan Hale was executed for espionage. He was 21 years old.

The summer of 1776 was trying for the American cause. The British attacked and seized New York City. Heavily pressed by the British, Washington desired intelligence on enemy troop movements. Hale volunteered for the job.

Disguised as a Dutch schoolmaster, Hale traveled into British-controlled territory on Long Island. For several days he observed military positions and recorded information that could help Washington plan future actions. Unfortunately, before he could safely return to American lines, he was captured by the British.

The penalty for espionage was death. Reportedly, his final words before the sentence were: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

Three Big Things

Let’s look at three big things about Nathan Hale.

1. Intelligence Matters - Hale’s mission reveals the importance of organized intelligence gathering. Washington recognized that accurate information was essential to winning the war. This led to the development of more effective spy networks later in the Revolution, including the Culper Spy Ring. 
2. What Did He Say? - Historians are not sure Hale said his famous line. It was recorded by an eyewitness years after the execution. One account written a few days after Hale’s death never mentions this statement.
3. Inspirational Hero - Nevertheless, Hale has become an inspirational hero in American history. He is a powerful symbol of patriotism and sacrifice. Statues, schools, and memorials across the nation continue to honor his courage. His story continues to remind us that freedom often comes at a great personal cost.

Independence!

On this day, 250 years ago, Congress approved the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration arose from the Lee Resolution. Congress had formed a committee of 5 to draft a declaration explaining to the world why the Resolution and American independence was justified.

The committee included Thomas Jefferson, the principal author, with John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston. Jefferson finished the first draft by June 18th. The committee then helped him edit and polish it.

After receiving the draft on June 28th, Congress spent the next several days debating and revising the declaration. Congress approved it on July 4th – Independence Day.

FIVE Big Things

Let’s look at FIVE big things about American independence and the Declaration.

1. It had to be unanimous - Congress decreed that all 13 colonies had to approve independence for it to take effect. Otherwise, there might have been a civil war, with colony fighting colony.
2. The wrong date? We celebrate independence on July 4th but but Congress approved the Lee Resolution on July 2nd. Why celebrate the 4th? That’s when Congress approved the Declaration, explaining why they declared independence.
3. The Declaration was just the start - Declaring independence was the easy part. Securing it took several more years of war and hardship. At times, it looked like America would fail. But Patriot perseverance ultimately triumphed.
4. Unfinished work - The Declaration made a bold statement that “all men are created equal.” But the new nation did not always live up to that ideal. Instead, as Abraham Lincoln once said, “It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work....”
5. Immense impact - The Declaration has had an immense impact, both here in the US and abroad.
• American abolitionists, suffragists, and civil rights leaders all used its language to argue that the nation must live up to its founding ideals.
• In 1789, the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen drew inspiration from the American Declaration. Jefferson even helped the Marquis de Lafayette draft it.
• Later independence movements, such as those in Latin America in the 1800s, were inspired by the American example.
• And the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights embraced the same core principle of inherent rights found in the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence played a fundamental role in the development of the modern concept of human rights and sovereignty of the people.

And there you have it – America 250 years ago.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

The Lee Resolution

On June 7th, 250 years ago, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced a formal motion for American independence to the Continental Congress.

Richard Henry Lee

Prompted by the VA legislature, the Lee Resolution went a step further than NC’s Halifax Resolves.

It called on the Continental Congress to vote on a formal break from Great Britain.

The Lee Resolution was clear and bold:

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.

Three Big Things

Let’s look at 3 big things about the Lee Resolution.

1. Another Step Towards Independence - It marked a crucial moment where the idea of American independence became an actionable proposal. By formally calling for separation from Britain, it pushed the colonies beyond earlier petitions and grievances, moving them closer to freedom.
2. Debate and Delay - Although the resolution was bold, its adoption was not immediate. Many delegates hesitated, concerned about the consequences and their colonies’ readiness. This led to intense debate and a delay as Congress sought consensus among the colonies before proceeding.
3. The Declaration Committee - To build support and clarify their intentions, Congress appointed a committee to draft a statement explaining the reasons for independence. This committee, which included Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin, would soon produce the Declaration of Independence, laying out the colonies’ case to the world.

The Halifax Resolves

On this day, 250 years ago, the American colonies took a bold step towards independence with the Halifax Resolves, issued by the North Carolina legislature.

Eight days earlier, the North Carolina Provincial Congress met in Halifax. The congress then formed a committee to explore measures to protect the colony.

On April 12th, the committee introduced the Resolves. They instructed colony’s delegates to the Continental Congress to support independence from Britain—and even more importantly, to push the other colonies to do the same. The North Carolina legislature unanimously approved the Resolves.

Three Big Things

Let's look at three big things about the Resolves.

1. Path Towards Independence - The Resolves were an important step on the path towards independence. It was the first official action by an American colony to call for complete separation from Britain.
2. Stopped Short - However, it stopped a little short. It did not authorize the North Carolina delegation to propose independence in the Continental Congress. It only authorized the delegation to support other independence proposals. A vote on independence would wait until another colony stepped forward.
3. State Celebrations - Nevertheless, North Carolina takes great pride in the Halifax Resolves. The state flag includes the date that the legislature approved them. The state’s slogan, “first in freedom,” references their lead in proposing independence. And Halifax holds a festival celebrating the Resolves every April.

The British Evacuate Boston

On this day, 250 years ago, George Washington and the Patriot forces won a major victory.

After the battles of Lexington and Concord the previous April, British troops withdrew to Boston and fortified the city. The Continental Army under George Washington surrounded them, beginning the Siege of Boston.

Lacking artillery, however, the Patriots could not force the British out. That changed when Henry Knox led a winter expedition to transport cannons captured at Fort Ticonderoga—hauling more than 50 pieces of artillery across snow, ice, and mountains to Boston.

Washington placed artillery on the hills around Boston and the harbor.

Realizing that his forces were vulnerable, British General William Howe decided to evacuate the city. 

On March 17, 1776, British troops and Loyalists boarded ships bound for Nova Scotia.

Boston was now in Patriot hands.

Three Big Things

Let’s look at 3 big things about the British evacuation of Boston.

1. A Major Victory - Boston was one of the British army’s key strongholds in the colonies. Forcing them out was a major victory that helped build up American confidence.
2. Knox's Contribution - We mentioned this last year, but it bears repeating. Knox’s efforts to transport captured artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston was a stupendous feat of logistics. His leadership was crucial to the victory.
3. Washington's Leadership - George Washington’s planning, fortification of the heights around Boston, and brilliant use of artillery also demonstrated great leadership. This success strengthened trust in him as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.

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

Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge

On this day, 250 years ago, the fate of North Carolina was decided. Tensions between Patriots and Loyalists had simmered over the past several months. By February, a large force of Loyalists had organized in the interior. They planned to march on the coast and link up with British troops.

The Patriots learned about the plan and were determined to stop them. They erected their defenses at Moore’s Creek Bridge, a small wooden crossing just north of Wilmington.

Reconstructed bridge. Photo from the National Park Service website

The battle was decisive. The Loyalists charged across the bridge. The Patriots responded with a hail of musketry that stopped the Loyalists in their tracks. 

Also from the NPS website

The battle was over in minutes – 30 Loyalists were killed and another 850 captured. The Patriots suffered two casualties.

Three Big Things

Let’s look at 3 big things about the battle.

1. Last Highland Charge - Long before the American Revolution, the Scottish Highlands were home to fierce warriors—Highlanders. They were famous for terrifying battlefield charges with broadswords raised. In the 1700s, many of these warriors resettled in North Carolina, carrying their traditions with them. At Moore’s Creek Bridge, some of the Loyalists were Highlanders.  They charged with broadswords like their forefathers. But the Patriot musketry stopped them cold. The attack collapsed—marking not only a Patriot victory, but the last Highland charge.”
2. Preparation Leads to Success - Patriot preparations were crucial in the victory. The Patriots recognized the bridge as a perfect defensive position. They set up earthworks on the far side and prepared for battle. As one final touch, they removed the planks from the bridge and greased the remaining beams with lard — turning it into a slippery trap. These preparations blunted the Loyalist attack and led to victory.
3. Momentum for Independence - The Patriot victory thwarted the Loyalist uprising and deterred the British from invading the colony. This preserved North Carolina for the cause. In turn, it would be in the forefront of the independence movement. In April 1776, North Carolina’s legislature issued the Halifax Resolves, the first official colonial action calling for full independence from Britain.

And there you have it – America 250 years ago.

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

Common Sense

On January 10th, 250 years ago, a relatively unknown immigrant from England published a 47-page pamphlet called Common Sense. It would change the course of American history.

This immigrant, Thomas Paine, outlined a common sense case for revolution against the British.

Three Big Arguments

Let’s look at Paine’s 3 big arguments for revolution.

1. Monarchy is unjust - Paine took direct aim at the king, declaring the whole concept of monarchy as unjust. After all, he pointed out, the British monarchy was founded by a "French bastard" landing with an armed band of robbers.
2. America needs independence - Furthermore, he argued, America didn’t need England. It needed to stand on its own. Britain dragged America into unnecessary wars, limited its trade, and treated the colonies as economic property. The only logical step forward was complete independence.
3. Democratic vision - Instead of reliance on monarchy, Paine offered a vision of a democratic republic with power vested in the people. Thus, Americans could create a more just system.

Impact

Common Sense was an instant hit, selling over 100 thousand copies in 3 months. By the end of the Revolution, nearly 1 in 5 American households owned a copy. Furthermore, it was commonly shared and read aloud, spreading its ideas throughout the colonies.

The impact was electric. Where once most Americans hoped for reconciliation with the king, 

now many fiercely took up Paine’s call for independence. In taverns across America, the traditional toast to the King’s health ended. Instead, patrons began toasting liberty and independence. Thus, Common Sense paved the way for the Declaration of Independence.

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