Declaration of Independence

Today we celebrate our nation's birthday!  The Fourth of July was made into a federal holiday in 1941, but it was celebrated every year since the day it was first announced.

Continental Congress

Here are those famous words in italics and the other words are an interpretation of those words:

"When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."

Here, the Declaration is stating that the colonies deserve to be free and move away from Great Britain.

Independence Hall

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.  Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn (shown) that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.  But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.  Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government.  The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.  To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world."

Here, the Declaration states the people in the colonies have the right to govern themselves.  It states they should be able to secure their own way of life, their own freedom and be able to find happiness in the way that fits them best.  They should not have to answer to a king who ignores their wishes.

King George III

What follows next are a list of grievances against King George III of England.  Each grievance shows how the king infringes upon the liberties of the colonists, how the king ignores their basic rights, and most importantly how the king forces his policies on the colonists even when they argue against them.  When the Declaration mentions Despotism, they are referring to all these grievances and how the King ignores the voice of the people.  A despot is a ruler with absolute power.  This is something the colonists will not allow any longer.

"In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the must humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury.  A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people."

Here it states that the colonies have sent their complaints to the king who has simply ignored them OR has punished them because of their complaints.  A tyrant is a ruler who exercises absolute power by oppressing the people below them.

Thomas Jefferson

"Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren.  We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us.  We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here.  We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably iterrupt our connections and correspondence.  They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity.  We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends."

Here, the Declaration addresses how the colonists have tried again and again to appeal to loyal British subjects and explain their situation.  Every time they did, they were rebuffed, or turned away. No one would listen to them.  Even when they explained that the very reason they came to this new land was to find a degree of freedom that was not being ripped away from them.  Since no one would listen to them, they declare that those who will not listen to them, will not become their enemies.

John Hancock

"We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have the full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which independent States may of right do.  And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."

Here, in this section you can see the words of the Lee Resolution almost verbatim.  Here is where the new nation declares itself free and independent of Great Britain.  This is where it states the tie between them is null and void - does not exist any longer.  After this paragraph, the members of the Continental Congress signed the declaration to send to Great Britain and King George III.

Benjamin Rush

Most know the story of John Hancock - where it states he signed his name SO BIG so King George could read it without his spectacles, but the story is simply a legend that has taken on a life of its own.

If you look very closely to the actual document, you can see the signature of this author's ancestor - Richard Stockton from New Jersey.  His daughter married another signer - Benjamin Rush from Pennsylvania.

Richard Stockton, Mrs. Hoffman, Righty, American, and  Lefty

On this momentous day, let us recall not only those men who sacrificed so much for independence against a tyrant, but let us remember all the men and women in the military who continue to volunteer to fight against tyranny across the world.  All men and women in the world deserve Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Enjoy your Fourth of July,

Mrs. Hoffman.

The Coercive Acts

The Coercive Acts were also known as the Intolerable Acts of 1774.  These acts were a direct result of the Boston Tea Party.  King George III was angry with the way the colonists acted, and most importantly, he hated the way the British were being treated in the colonies. In order to restore order to the colonies, or to retain his grasp of his colonies, King George, with the help of his Prime Minister, Lord North, pushed the Coercive Acts through both houses of Parliament.  Basically, Britain declared martial law throughout the colonies, even though they were mainly trying to punish Boston for what happened during the Boston Tea Party.

There were 5 acts that were considered the Coercive Acts.  The colonists called them Intolerable Acts because they felt they were intolerable.

The Boston Port Act – March 31, 1774 -
“. . . it shall not be lawful for any person or persons whatsoever to lade, put, or cause to procure to be laden or put, off or from any quay, wharf, or other place, within the said town of Boston, or in or upon any part of the shore of the bay, commonly called the Tharbour of Boston, between a certain headland or point called Nahant Point, on the eastern side of the entrance into the said bay, and a certain other headland or point called Alderton Point, on the western side of the entrance into the said bay, or in or upon any island, creek, landing place, bank, or other place, within the said bay or headlands, into any ship, vessel, lighter, boat, or bottom, any goods, wares, or merchandise whatsoever, to be transported or carried into any other country, province, or place whatsoever, or into any other part of the said province of the Massachusetts’s Bay . . .”

The Boston Port Act was enacted on June 1 and basically closed the port of Boston to all commerce.  The king wanted it closed until certain things occurred:

1.      The city reimbursed the East India Company for the tea lost in the Boston Tea Party.

2.      The city paid for damage to the customs house during the uprising.

3.      The people of Boston had to prove they were peaceful people and would not start fights.

4.      The Crown wanted Massachusetts to state the tax was acceptable.

5.      The Crown wanted all judges to be fired or replaced.  Jurors could be personally chosen by the governor.

6.      General Gage became the governor of Massachusetts – making the colony a martial state and he was backed by 4 regiments of soldiers.

While the port may have been closed, the people in the other colonies made sure the people of Boston did not suffer.  They sent provisions, supplies, and food.

The Administration of Justice Act – May 20, 1774 -

“ . . . shall deem reasonable, for the personal appearance of such person, if the trial shall be appointed to be had in any other colony, before the governor . . .of such colony; and if the trial shall be appointed to be had in Great Britain, then before his Majesty’s court of King’s Bench, at a time to be mentioned in such recognizances; and the governor,  . . . or court of King’s Bench, where the trial is appointed to be had in Great Britain, upon the appearance of such person, according to such recognizance, or in custody, shall either commit such person, or admit hi to bail until such trial . . .”

According to the Administration of Justice Act, British officials who might be accused of capital crimes while doing their duty to the Crown, they could not be tried for these crimes in the colonies.  Instead, these men could be tried at a British court in England.  If the soldiers or other British officials killed a colonist while collecting taxes or stopping a riot, they would not be found guilty of that crime.  They did not want them to face hostile juries.  The colonists called it the Murder Act.

Massachusetts Government Act – May 20, 1774 –

“. . . that, from and after that said August 1, 1774, the council, or court of assistants of the said province for the time being, shall be composed of such of the inhabitants or proprietors of lands within the same as shall be thereunto nominated and appointed by his Majesty . ., provided, that the number of the said assistants or counselors shall not, at any one time, . . . “

This act took the power of Massachusetts to govern itself away.  NO longer was Massachusetts able to make laws or pass judgment on others. All positions were to be appointed by the governor or the King himself.  All the town’s activities must be monitored closely.  Many activities could not even be held any longer since they were against the Crown.

Quartering Act – June 2, 1774 –

“ . . .if it shall happen at any time that any officers or soldiers in His Majesty’s service shall remain within any of the said colonies without quarters for the space of twenty four hours after such quarters shall have been demanded, it shall and may be lawful for the governor of the province to order and direct such and so many uninhabited houses, outhouses, barns, or other buildings as he shall think necessary to be taken (making a reasonable allowance for the same) and make fit for the reception of such officers and soldiers, and to put and quarter such officers and soldiers therein for such time as he shall think proper . . .”

The Quartering Act was done out of necessity.  The soldiers had traveled across the ocean and had no barracks to reside in.  There was no place for them to live.  This act stated that the soldiers must be placed in taverns and inns.  If there were no taverns or inns available, then private homes could be used to take soldiers in. This act was to be enacted in every colony, not just Massachusetts.

Quebec Act – June 22, 1774 –

“ . . . that it may be enacted: [Boundaries defined, Boundaries of Proclamation of 1763 extended to include territory west to the Mississippi, north to the frontiers of the Hudson’s Bay territory, and the islands in the  mouth of the St. Lawrence.] . . .”

This act, while part of the Intolerable Acts, was actually something the King wanted in place for many years.  He merely used the insurrection in Boston as an excuse to punish the colonies further by passing it.  The boundaries of Quebec were extended.  Land was taken away from the northern colonies and given to Quebec.  This act also extended the freedom of worship to Catholics in Canada.

Response to the Coercive Acts

Most of the colonists agreed the Intolerable Acts were objectionable.  As a matter of fact, they received the name Intolerable because the colonists detested the way the King just passed these laws without any consideration of his colonies.  While many were quite vocal about the Intolerable Acts, some of the colonies’ leaders spoke out.

Benjamin Franklin felt the Boston Tea Party was wrong and “an act of violent injustice on our part”.  While he agreed we should fight for independence, he was opposed to destroying property that did not belong to us.

George Washington condemned the acts of those who participated in the Boston Tea Party, but was also furious about the Coercive Acts.  He felt Britain used the Tea Party as an excuse to push their authority and take away colonists’ rights.

Thomas Jefferson stated, “scarcely have our minds been able to emerge from an astonishment into which one stroke of Parliamentary thunder has involved us, before another heavy and more alarming is fallen on us.  Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of the day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period, and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systemically plan of reducing us to slavery.”

Who was Alexander Hamilton?

What do we know about Alexander Hamilton beyond his picture on the ten dollar bill?

Alexander Hamilton

He was born in the West Indies on the island of Nevis. His parents were Scottish but his father lived in Scotland while his mother raised him.  When he was but ten years old his mother moved to St. Croix.  She died not long afterwards.  His mother’s friends and relatives took him and taught him to read, write, and do numbers.  Inspired by his words, his education was sponsored in the colonies and he was sent to King’s College (which later becomes Columbia University). He was but 17 years old when he arrived in the young colonies.

As a young man, he wrote about American independence and the rights of the American colonies. He defended the American congress and when the Battle of Lexington and Concord occurred he pressed for others to hear his words and support the colonies. 

He joined the military in New York in 1776. He studied artillery tactics and military maneuvers.  He served as a captain.  “He not only had to recruit and train his own men; he also had to see that they were fed, clothed, and paid.”  Just as his compatriots did, he wrote to the leaders, asking for funds to provide for his troops. George Washington admired the young Hamilton and thought of his as a son in many respects. Hamilton’s victory at the Battle of Trenton was his crowning glory.  Many saw this victory as a signal that the Patriots did stand a chance against the British. Because of his victory, he was later assigned to be an aide de camps for General George Washington.

George Washington

Washington so approved of the young Hamilton, that the man was sent on an important mission – destroy a supply of flour and other supplies so they do not fall in British hands.  Hamilton along with Henry Lee and 7 other cavalry men attempted to do just that but were attacked by British dragoons.  Hamilton and his men were splintered, Hamilton himself forced to swim across the Schuykill River.  He was then sent on a mission to go into Philadelphia ahead of the British and gather shows, blankets, and clothing for the Continental Army. He continued to carry out missions for Washington. He was with Washington when they arrived at West Point and discovered Benedict Arnold’s duplicity and turn to the British cause. After resigning as an aide-de-camp, he was given his own command.  As a matter of fact, he was in charge of the capture of Redoubt #10 during the Battle of Yorktown – the decisive battle of the revolution.

Thomas Jefferson

Hamilton is appointed to Congress where he worked with fellow patriots to form the government we know today.

He married Elizabeth Schuyler who was a member of one of the most distinguished families in New York. They had eight children. While not exactly the match her father had hoped, he realized Hamilton’s ambition would take him far and he finally approved of the match. He studied law and entered the bar in 1783.  He founded the Bank of New York in 1784.  At the Convention of Annapolis, he served as one of three delegates from New York.  He would argue for a centralized government, even using Great Britain as a model. He was present to sign the new Constitution of the United States.  He published a letter urging all to sign the Constitution and support the new government.  Along with John Jay, he wrote the Federalist.

Hamilton became the first Secretary of the Treasury.  He established credit for the United States and helped set up the means for the US to repay debt to foreign countries. He was a leader of the Federalists, one of the first political parties in the country.   In 1795, he returned to practicing law in New York.  He remained a friend and advisor to Washington throughout his life.  He even wrote Washington’s farewell address in 1796.

John Jay

After Washington died, the Federalists became split – those who followed Hamilton and those who followed Adams.  Unfortunately, Hamilton did not have the finesse of Adams.  He was far too opinionated. He wrote political attacks of the president and, though they were supposed to be private letters, they were published by Aaron Burr. When Burr ran for president against Thomas Jefferson, the votes were tied.  The final decision was sent to the House of Representatives.  Hamilton used his influence with other Federalists and the vote went to Jefferson.

Aaron Burr

Burr was furious by Hamilton’s interference and challenged him to a duel.  The duel was fought at Weehawken, New Jersey.  Hamilton was shot and died the following day on July 12^th, 1804. He was opposed to dueling, since his own son had died in a duel, and he only wanted to fire the shot into the air.