The climatic battle of the war. Moses’ brother Cato, a soldier on the British side, is sent into harm’s way by Cornwallis and is aided by a sympathetic Hessian soldier. After a long siege, Cornwallis surrenders. It’s a huge victory for the Americans, but Washington is not yet convinced the war is over (10/19/81). Moses joins the American mining corps and tries unsuccessfully to find Cato. Sarah, James and Henri witness the siege and victory at Yorktown.
Ben Franklin and John Adams sign the peace treaty with England, ending the Revolutionary War (11/30/83). At Newburgh, New York, some members of Washington's officer corps want him to become King and take over the country. Washington puts down the revolt -- with his eyeglasses (3/15/83). He then...
With the signing of the Treaty of Paris, loyalists are forced to leave their homes. Many slaves move to Canada to avoid being returned to slavery. American soldiers return home, many of them to abject poverty. Shays’ Rebellion and other events make it clear that the United States requires a st...
Massachusetts slave “Mum Bett” sues for her freedom (5/28/1781). When she wins, she renames herself Elizabeth Freeman (8/81). With this decision and that in the case of another slave, Quok Walker, Massachusetts has abolished slavery (1783). In Great Britain, a bitter, recalcitrant King George ...
