This post is gonna be a bit long but it gives some context to the opening of 'American Crises' by my favorite Patriot writer, Thomas Paine. And it is important for all of the citizens of the world to read and understand. The ghosts of our past speak to us now through these poignant words.
The fall and early winter of 1776 was the low point of the war for the American cause. Beginning that summer, the British had struck with a vengeance in an attempt to end the American rebellion in one knock-out blow. In July, over 20,000 British and German soldiers landed on Staten Island in preparation to capture the vital port of New York. When the attacks finally began the following month, Washington and the Continental Army were nearly powerless to stop them. Washington was pushed off Long Island on August 27th, and his whole army only avoided capture through a miraculous night evacuation to Manhattan. The British did not relent, however, and on September 15th they landed nearly unopposed on Manhattan and secured New York City. The city would remain in British possession until the end of the war.
In the weeks and months that followed, Washington’s army suffered defeat after defeat at the hands of General Howe’s British and German forces. American defenses were outflanked by British landings in what is now the Bronx (October 18, 1776), forcing Washington to pull northward to avoid encirclement. Howe caught up with Washington ten days later at the Battle of White Plains (October 28, 1776), driving Washington further from New York and the remaining Continental troops there. Howe turned back to deal with these cut off garrisons, decisively defeating the Americans at Fort Washington (November 16, 1776) and capturing nearly 3,000 men. Washington’s army, which had numbered nearly 20,000 Continentals and militia in the late summer, was reduced to less than 5,000 effective soldiers as casualties and desertions began to mount. To make matters worse, many of those remaining had limited enlistments that were set to expire in the winter.
Recognizing that Washington’s situation was dire, General Howe continued to push onward into New Jersey. The Continental Army remained elusive, as Washington pushed his exhausted and demoralized men across New Jersey to deny Howe the opportunity for one final decisive battle. The American commander’s goal was to cross the Delaware River to the relative safety of Pennsylvania, and from there try to rekindle the American cause. Among the steadily waning column of soldiers following him was the 39-year-old English immigrant, Thomas Paine.
Born in Thetford, Paine initially followed in his father’s footsteps as a maker of lady’s stays (a corset-like undergarment). He was never successful in business, however, and by 1774 he had separated from his wife and prepared to move to the colonies to avoid debtor’s prison. Arriving in Pennsylvania with the help of Benjamin Franklin, Paine found work as the editor of the Pennsylvania Magazine. The magazine gave Paine a forum for his increasingly radical liberal politics, and he would advocate for the abolition of slavery, worker’s rights, and American independence. Although he personally abhorred war, Paine gradually began to see tyranny as a worse evil.
Thomas Paine became a household name in both the colonies and in Great Britain in January 1776 with the publication of Common Sense. Within a few months over 100,000 copies of the pamphlet had been printed and distributed. Its strength lay in Paine’s ability to discuss complex and important events in terms that the average person could readily understand. Today, Common Sense is recognized as an important catalyst for the rise in popular support for the revolution. He saw the American Revolution as just the beginning of a worldwide struggle against oppression and for the rights of the average man. Later that year, Paine joined the army as a staff officer for General Nathanael Greene. As he moved through the army camps, soldiers referred to him by the nickname “Common Sense” and adored him for the complimentary dispatches he wrote for the Pennsylvania Magazine.
In late November 1776, during the Continental Army’s darkest hour, Paine again picked up the pen with the hope of recreating the enormous success of Common Sense. “It was necessary” he later wrote, that “the country should be strongly animated.” As the wrecked army crawled across New Jersey, Paine took advantage of every stop to put words to paper. He often wrote late into the evenings by the flickering light of a campfire, as exhausted soldiers slept huddled nearby. As Washington’s army crossed the Delaware River into Pennsylvania, he put the finishing touches on his latest pamphlet – The American Crisis No. 1.
First published in Philadelphia on December 19th, The American Crisis No. 1 was an appeal to the patriotism and resolution of the American people. It’s opening lines are some of the most well-remembered and oft-quoted in American history.
“THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.”
The words electrified the demoralized army and became the rallying cry that Paine had hoped for. Within a day, copies were printed and distributed throughout the Continental Army, and officers read it to their assembled men. Militiamen who had returned home in disgust just a month before took up arms once again. Civilians up and down the Delaware River Valley reaffirmed their commitment to the cause of independence. Desertions among the Continentals slowed, and soldiers quoted The Crisis in their watchwords while on picket duty. On the night of December 25th, as Washington prepared to make a strike on Trenton, he ordered that Paine’s words be read to the entire army as a reminder of the importance of their task.
“I call not upon a few, but upon all: not on this state or that state, but on every state: up and help us; lay your shoulders to the wheel; better have too much force than too little, when so great an object is at stake. Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it.”
Their resolve renewed, the battered but not broken Continental Army went back on the offensive. The “Ten Crucial Days” that followed saw Washington and his men victorious at Trenton and Princeton, forcing the Howe to abandon much of New Jersey. Loyalists, emboldened by Howe’s earlier success, now found themselves abandoned to the wrath of their patriot neighbors. As winter gave way to spring, new enlistments from throughout the colonies poured into Washington’s army. The military victories at Trenton and Princeton changed the course of the war in a strategic sense, but The American Crisis No. 1 provided the ideological motivation that made them possible.
The American Crisis No. 1 was first of thirteen pamphlets published in the series, which would continue until the end of the war in 1783. Many of the future pamphlets reinforced the sentiments of the first, in their appeal to the patriotism of the American people to see the war through to its end. Others were ostensibly to “Lord Howe” or the “People of England” and highlighted what Paine saw as the injustice of the British government and the futility of trying to conquer America. These future volumes of The American Crisis continued to sell well and were distributed across the nation, but none would share the widespread recognition of the first. From the darkest days of the revolution came a piece of legendary American writing that continues to provide inspiration nearly two and a half centuries later.
Most Americans think that the Battles of Trenton and Princeton and "The Ten Crucial Days" were the climax of the American Revolution in late 1776 and early 1777. And they were indeed very important to the Cause. The Declaration of Independence was signed in July of that year and until Christmas 1776 we saw nothing but defeat.
But the Battle of Yorktown wasnt until more than 4 years had passed in October 1781. This effectively ended the war because the British didnt have the money to raise another army. The Treaty of Paris though wasnt signed until 1783.
The events that began our quest for Independence were the Stamp Acts of 1765. The Boston Tea Party was in 1773 and the first shots fired were at Lexington and Concorde in 1775.
The War for Independence was an 18 year long struggle and I can see the parallels of waking the People up. It didnt happen overnight and our situation here wont resolve itself overnight as the "your a pussy, pick up weapons now" crowd would have you believe.
As Thomas Paine said, "Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered". And in my opinion the situation now is global and more complex by many orders of magnitude.
Have patience and prepare yourself, your family, your neighborhood and your community. You will be called upon soon enough. These are important days when it seems as if nothing is happening but we are preparing for the siege. That is a mistake they are making, giving us time with full knowledge of the tyranny they plan. We Americans are very resilient and resourceful. And now as Yamamoto once said "filled with a terrible resolve".
Until you are called, Keep your powder dry.
Everyone of us here should re-read these works by our great Patriot forefathers. Christmas 2019 my wife bought me a book called "We the People, Documents and Writings of the Founding Fathers". "The American Crises" and "Common Sense" are included as well as the Constitution and the complete Federalist Papers among other works that are important for our National Identity. Its become one of my prized possessions.
https://www.amazon.com/People-Documents-Writings-Founding-Fathers/dp/1492443905
Here is a link to the full text of "The American Crises":
https://thefederalistpapers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/The-American-Crisis-by-Thomas-Paine-.pdf
For "Common Sense":
http://americainclass.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Common-Sense-_-Full-Text.pdf
I saved this clipping long ago, it seems timely. Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.
Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated.
But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward,Ruttledge, and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson JR, noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.
Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.
Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: “For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” They gave you and me a free and independent America. The history books never told you a lot about what happened in the Revolutionary War. We didn’t fight just the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government! Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, freedom is never free!
Thank you for this post. In these times of turmoil and upheaval, we need to understand that we stand on the shoulders of giants; that their sacrifices we take on as our own and that we shed our blood for the same reasons as they did. We do it for the freedom of all men, everywhere, to live their lives as they see fit in a lawful and just society. All we want is to be left alone, free to take care of our families.
I am prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice when called upon. I will do my duty for God and Country and for my Grandchildren. I will not go quietly into that good night.
Our family stands proudly prepared to do the same.
Amen. Thank God that men like this arose to the occasion. Thank God for their conviction and resolve to see it through no matter the cost. I just wanted to share one of my favorite stories of courage and commitment during that war. A true Caleb of his time.
Samuel Whittemore
Samuel Whittemore first came to North America in his late 40’s.
As a Captain in the British Army, he was sent to fight in King George’s War. After the British Victory, he carried home a French sword as a souvenir.
Whittemore liked what he saw in the colonies and decided to take up residence in Massachusetts. He married and lived a normal farmer’s life.
When the French and Indian War broke out, Samuel (now in his mid-60’s) again went to fight for King and Country.
As he approached 70 years old, the lifelong soldiers went out to fight once more in Pontiac’s War. He returned with another souvenir, this time a set of pistols.
Passing Troops
When he saw British soldiers marching through his hometown of Menotomy, MA, Samuel Whittemore thought little of it. Troops had moved through that part of the colony before and nothing came of it. Later that day, however, another group of soldiers passed through. This was strange. If the British needed reinforcements, something must have happened.
To Arms
Sure enough, word began to arrive of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. The British were in retreat. They would be passing back through Menotomy. The town Militia took up arms and stationed themselves on the hillside, gaining an advantage as the British took the road back to Boston. Well, except Samuel Whittemore.
Surprise Attack
Despite the frenzied recommendations of his neighbors to take up a more strategic position on higher ground, Samuel Whittemore situated himself behind a stone wall not far from the road.
When the British passed through the colonists fired down at them. The Redcoats began to make their way up the hillside.
Suddenly, an almost-80-year-old Samuel sprang up and fired his musket at point-blank range, killing a man instantly.
The surprised enemy did not react before Whittemore drew his two souvenir pistols and fired them both. Each shot struck a Redcoat, one of whom died instantly and another who was mortally wounded.
Last Stand
Whittemore was surrounded and the British began to pounce on him.
Samuel drew his souvenir sword to engage his opponents.
A musket was held to his face and fired.
Whittemore went down in a pool of blood. The British proceeded to bayonet him thirteen times.
Samuel Whittemore was left for dead.
Survivor
After the smoke cleared and the dust settled, the people of Menotomy searched for survivors.
Many of the militiamen who saw Whittemore ‘John Wayne’ in the face of his adversaries went to collect his body.
Shockingly, Samuel wasn’t dead.
Though he was badly wounded, they found him sprawled on the ground…attempting to load his musket!
The old man was taken to a nearby doctor who (though confident Whittemore would die) stitched him back up.
Samuel was brought home to finish his life surrounded by family but, somehow, the Patriot survived.
Whittemore would proudly wear the scars on the face for the rest of his life. That life spanned eighteen more years, long enough to see a new nation formed.
Samuel Whittemore passed away just short of the century mark.
https://www.founderoftheday.com/founder-of-the-day/whittemore
A prayer. Father I ask that the stories and words of our forefathers be brought to life again to inspire the courage to stand against tyranny. Let it be a wildfire that instills a resolve to uproot every wicked seat of power that has usurped its way into our government. Father pour out your spirit upon this nation just as you did in the first great awakening that preceded that war, Father let your spirit awaken its people to good and evil, right and wrong, that they would find the courage to face the risk and sacrifice themselves, to stand up for their neighbor, to stand up for the oppressed and speak out and stand against the oppressor. “Heaven knows how to put a proper price on its goods”. Father give us the resolve and courage to see it through and to be a light to others along the way in Jesus name, amen.
Amen.
This was a favorite story of my HS History teacher, football coach, friend and mentor. Thank you for bringing it to a wider audience.
No, thank you. Your perspective of the 18yr span it took for things to unfold during that time eludes most people right now. They want immediate results. They don’t realize the scale of what is and has been occurring and how deeply entrenched the enemy is. You have a very eloquent way of words and your understanding is spot on. These stories and words of forefathers are key to understanding the fight before us. Thank you for posting this. It is timely and it is needed. Most of the youth (and maybe those older) on this site probably have very little knowledge of why and how our founding revolution took place.
“Sic semper tyrannis”
Freedom, won by the stroke of a pen...and the click of a keyboard.
This is how history should be taught. Thank you :)