Main Characters
Peddler: Harvey Birch - Father of Harvey: John Birch - Housekeeper:
Katy Haynes
Widower: Mr. Wharton - Son: Capt. Henry Wharton - Daughters:
Sarah & Frances - Their Aunt: Jeanette Peyton - Wharton Caretaker: Caesar
American Troopers: Major Peyton Dunwoodie, Capt. John Lawton,
Lt. Tom Mason, Sgt. Hollister, Tribunal Judge: Col. Singleton & Son:
Capt. George Singleton, Am. Lt. Wharton Dunwoodie & Tom Mason.
Isabella Singleton - Mr. Harper - Inn Owner: Betty Flanagan
- Dr. Archibald Sitgreaves - English Col. Wellmeyer. |
"General George Washington is with the main American
forces outside New York City, locked in a stalemate with the British army
stationed there. He has suffered two devastating winters at Valley Forge
and Morristown by this sixth year of war.
"1780 was a low point; both militarily and politically
things looked bad. There is no money. States are broke, and the army is
in terrible condition, not being supported.
"General Benedict Arnold has become convinced Americans
are losing the war and goes over to the British. He had accomplished incredible
feats in battle. With him gone, people thought, 'Can we last? Can we survive?'
"General Washington fought in nine battles and won three,
but Marquis de Lafayette (19 years old) admired Washington and was intoxicated
with this theoretic love of liberty. He requested a regiment of Frenchmen
for Washington. Count Rauchambeau was placed in charge.
"He wrote his analysis: 'The country is ruined; have
nothing. Washington's troops grow and shrink, sometimes has 13,000 troops,
sometimes 3,000. [Due to casualties and all-volunteer army not reenlisting]
Send men, money and ships.' In the South (especially) roaming gangs of armed
partisans prey on the population, pillaging and murdering."
[Of 11,000 American soldiers captured, held aboard a British
prison ship were two ancestors of website owner's husband.] |
