Ben Franklin is named the first Postmaster General of the colonies (7/26/75). When Patriot mail falls into the hands of the British, James and Sarah agree to carry important letters safely to New York. On the way they evade British troops and get help from the New Jersey Committee of Correspondence.
Thomas Paine publishes his famous pamphlet. It is an instant best seller, read by everyone from General George Washington to the lowest private in the army. James, Sarah and Henri meet Thomas Paine and learn of his belief that the common man can rule himself. The Kids also hear Paine’s stand fa...
The first attempt to sink a ship with a submarine fails (9/6/76). Still, the blockade of New York is weakened by another example of Yankee ingenuity. The Kids, thinking they’re reporting on the sighting of a “sea monster” in New York harbor, instead meet David Bushnell, the father of the submarine.
As Hessians arrive off the coast of Staten Island (7/4/76), John Adams finally convinces Congress that independence is the only answer to the colonies’ problems. They ask Thomas Jefferson to write the first draft of a “Declaration of Independence.” Shortly after the Declaration is signed on Jul...
