Ben Franklin, appointed to a commission to negotiate a treaty with the French, sails for France aboard the Reprisal (10/24/76). Fort Washington surrenders, a catastrophe for the American cause (11/12/76). To this date, General Washington has lost every battle.Sarah travels to Fort Tryon and meets the courageous “Captain Molly,” who takes up her husband’s cannon when he falls. James sees his confidence in George Washington shaken, then hears the General vow determinedly to never again make a decision that goes against his own instincts. Henri agrees to let Moses give him reading lessons.
The low point of the war for the Americans. Washington’s adjutant, General Joseph Reed, questions the Commander’s ability to lead. General Lee ignores Washington’s orders and is eventually captured by the British (12/13/76). The Continental Congress, anticipating attack, flees Philadelphia for...
Washington re-crosses the Delaware River on Christmas Day. His troops defeat the sleeping Hessians at Trenton (12/26/76). Washington lights campfires to make it look like his men are bunking down for the night, then marches to Princeton and another victory (1/2/77). The country celebrates; mora...
Ben Franklin sets up residence in Paris and begins his uphill battle to enlist France in the American cause (12/28/76). Franklin’s hopes are bolstered when news of the victories at Trenton and Princeton reach France (3/77). In America, civilians and soldiers alike fight the scourge of smallpox ...
