Book Nook Cafe discussion
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1776- Jan-Feb. 2014
Discussion Questions1.
Did you like the book? If yes, why? If no, why not?
2.
Did this book alter your opinion of George Washington? What about King George III?
3.
Why do you think that McCullough chooses to begin 1776 with King George III of England? How does this set the tone for the historical events about to unfold?
4.
What qualities made General George Washington a successful leader? Do you think that there was anything in particular about Washington that enabled him to turn a lost cause into a victory?
5.
Do you think the war could have been won if George Washington had not led the Colonies?
6.
There was a lot of regional prejudice in the Continental Army. Are any of those feelings still with us today?
7.
What was the effect of the Declaration of Independence on the army?
8.
Were you surprised by anything that you learned from this book?
9.
Does this book relate in any way to the current state of the world and the United States?
10.
Did the untrained, impromptu existence of the Colonial army give it any advantages over the British? What kind of insight into the military experience do the wealth of letters and other first hand sources cited by McCullough provide?
11.
Do you think the men and women of our generation could have fought the way the colonists did during the revolution?
12.
What kind of men were Nathanael Green and Henry Knox? What was their role in the success of the military? Why do you think Washington depended on these two untrained men above others and despite his distaste for New Englanders?
13.
How did you find the pace of the book? Did McCullough’s method of having events unfold make you feel you were living in 1776?
14.
What do you think might have happened if England had retained the Colonies?
15- Did you enjoy the movie?
16- Did you think it was well cast ?
17- Did you think they were successful taking this serious topic and making it into a musical ?
I've started to read the book and I am enjoying it.I also just requested the DVD of the musical for our Book & Movie theme. :)
YouTube1776 - The Signing (1972)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJmNnE...
1776 The Musical (1972) - For God's Sake John Sit Down
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3TGbK...
1776 (1972) trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Iiiy8...
I was planning on added an audio read of the book along with my paper books.When I finally got the notice from the libray that it was ready for me and I went to download it, it said it can't be loaded on to an Apple devise. :( Bummer.
I am up to page 58 and enjoying it a lot.
I never thought I had a great interest in the Revolutionary period. However, after watching the HBO movie John Adams based on the David McCullough book, I am really into it now.
I hope you all are enjoying this read, too !
I don't know if I was asleep in school or what, but I never knew that John Adams played such a vital part in declaring our independence.
The more history I read it seems like it is destiny that these people are there at just the right time. Without them history would have taken a different path. FDR comes to mind. Now I would add John Adams to that list.
I kind of love the Revolutionary period, though I don't know that much about it! I think Adams was out of fashion for a while, but has re-emerged - a combination of McCullough's book and interest in the John-Abigail relationship, perhaps.I have to finish Ulysses before starting this one; I also am reading Stoner with another group, so since we have February too, I may start reading this one a little later. I did recently watch the movie, though!
Section 1: I can't fathom what they went through -- the freezing temps, lack of ammunition, yellow fever, lack of food, etc. I'm on section 2 now.
Carol wrote: "Section 1: I can't fathom what they went through -- the freezing temps, lack of ammunition, yellow fever, lack of food, etc. I'm on section 2 now."I know ! When I read Abigail and John: Portrait of a Marriage I was in total awe of Abigail. She was one strong and amazing women. The fighting was practically at her doorstep. People were dropping like flies from various disease etc. She was also very bright and was absolutely an asset to John. What is that saying...behind every great man is a great women. She certainly was that. And way ahead of her times in her thinking. Very progressive.
I am a Eleanor Roosevelt fan, but Abigail is a close second.
I won't be reading this book with ya'll but hope to contribute a bit. It think the McCullough bio brought to light aspects of the revolution which weren't particularly interesting when we were learning history. Financing the Revolution is a good example, as it meant Adams wasn't even in the country during the war but how vital. A good biographer helps us understand the importance & the why of it. I was fascinated by the presentation and all i learned.
Thanks, Deb. I hope you will be able to join in on this book or the topic in general.
page 76Those poor men. They weren't a professional army. They were exhausted, unpaid, starving, freezing and ill equipped for battle. Then General Lee, in what has to be the most odd motivational speech, tried to persuade them to stay in the army by telling them, "Men I do not know what to call you; you are the worst of all creatures, and he flung and cursed and swore at us...."
Page 55"...Dr. Benjamin Church, was a spy, the first American traitor, rocked everyone."
I am surprised that I've never heard of his name. The only traitor that comes to mind in Benedict Arnold.
Wiki on him-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin...
[image error]
The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker Hill by John Trumbull
Part 1 Page 79
When I read the book I can't help but concur with the sentiments found on page 79 that it was "miraculous: and that "...most religiously believer that the finger of Providence is in it..."
It truly does seem like Destiny when Washington's troops were vastly outnumbered, untrained, without gun powder, arms, unpaid, sickness, and inexperienced should win any battle. It is really hard to believe.
Part 1Page 90
Phyllis Wheatley
from the Boston Women's Memorial on Commonwealth Ave. -
Wiki
Phillis Wheatley (May 8, 1753 – December 5, 1784) was both the second published African-American poet and first published African-American woman.[1] Born in Senegambia, she was sold into slavery at the age of 7 and transported to North America. She was purchased by the Wheatley family of Boston, who taught her to read and write, and encouraged her poetry when they saw her talent.
The publication of her Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral (1773) brought her fame both in England and the American colonies; figures such as George Washington praised her work.
Part 1Page 90
Here is the full poem quoted on page 90
His Excellency General Washington
by Phillis Wheatley
Celestial choir! enthron'd in realms of light,
Columbia's scenes of glorious toils I write.
While freedom's cause her anxious breast alarms,
She flashes dreadful in refulgent arms.
See mother earth her offspring's fate bemoan,
And nations gaze at scenes before unknown!
See the bright beams of heaven's revolving light
Involved in sorrows and the veil of night!
The Goddess comes, she moves divinely fair,
Olive and laurel binds Her golden hair:
Wherever shines this native of the skies,
Unnumber'd charms and recent graces rise.
Muse! Bow propitious while my pen relates
How pour her armies through a thousand gates,
As when Eolus heaven's fair face deforms,
Enwrapp'd in tempest and a night of storms;
Astonish'd ocean feels the wild uproar,
The refluent surges beat the sounding shore;
Or think as leaves in Autumn's golden reign,
Such, and so many, moves the warrior's train.
In bright array they seek the work of war,
Where high unfurl'd the ensign waves in air.
Shall I to Washington their praise recite?
Enough thou know'st them in the fields of fight.
Thee, first in peace and honors—we demand
The grace and glory of thy martial band.
Fam'd for thy valour, for thy virtues more,
Hear every tongue thy guardian aid implore!
One century scarce perform'd its destined round,
When Gallic powers Columbia's fury found;
And so may you, whoever dares disgrace
The land of freedom's heaven-defended race!
Fix'd are the eyes of nations on the scales,
For in their hopes Columbia's arm prevails.
Anon Britannia droops the pensive head,
While round increase the rising hills of dead.
Ah! Cruel blindness to Columbia's state!
Lament thy thirst of boundless power too late.
Proceed, great chief, with virtue on thy side,
Thy ev'ry action let the Goddess guide.
A crown, a mansion, and a throne that shine,
With gold unfading, WASHINGTON! Be thine.
To read more of her poems go to - (Left hand side of page you will see a list of her poems)
http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/431
Part 1Page 98
"Howe, who had received no orders- no word of any kind-from London since October..."
This was something I didn't think about before reading this book. In todays age of constant and instant communications that one had to fight a war without any guidance extended periods of time during the Revolutionary war seems amazing.
Part 1Page 98
"...but the hundreds of women and children who were with the army."
Until I started recently reading a few books on Washington, Adams etc. I was unaware that the troops often traveled with women and children. It's hard to imagine considering the harsh weather, illness, lack of pay, and of course the danger.
I've finished part 1 of 3. So far, I think the book is okay. Though I wish it's focus was more on the individuals and less on the battles. Still and informative read. On to part 2 of 3 !
I am still waiting on the movie from the library.
Part 2page 131
Until I recently started to read a few books on this period in history, I had no idea that the British hired German troops (Hessians) to help them fight.
McCullough puts the # at 17,000.
Considering that Washington had around 7000 men and the enemy had 30,000 and that Washington's men were not professional soldiers who were ill equipped at best, it is astonishing to know that they somehow won the battle for independence.
Part 2page 132
This is the first book in which I've read of the plot to assassinate Washington. And that the Mayor of NYC was arrested in the plot !
Interesting Wiki on him.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Ma...
Part 2page 149
I smiled when I read about the "Proud Maryland Battalion". This past summer I attended an event commemorating the Battle of Brooklyn and who was the honored guest? The Governor of Maryland. :)
Part 2Chapter 5
This chapter confirms what I've read in other books, notable,
Washington: The Indispensable Man--James Thomas Flexner.He wasn't the best general when it came to war strategy. True he was dealt a poor hand with the unskilled troops. The troops were also undernourished and weren't supplied with arms. Still, this and the other book note the major mistakes he made.
Part 2Chapter 5
Page 158
I was very surprised to read the following, "In fact, the Americans of 1776 enjoyed a higher standard of living than any people in the world."
My impression of the majority of people who came to America was that they were poor. I would have thought that people in other countries that were fully developed would have had a higher standard of living.
Part 2Chapter 5
page 164
"What he may have written to his wife Martha that night, or at any point in the course of events to come, is unknown, since she later destroyed all but three of his letters to her and these survived only by accident."
That is sad.
Much is known about Abigail and John Adams because of their correspondence.
http://www.masshist.org/digitaladams/...
Part 2Chapter 5
page 196-7
The loss at Brooklyn was devastating. I had to smile at the comments in the New England Chronicle and the Massachusetts Spy. Talk about putting a positive spin on things. :)
Well, I've finished up part 2 of 3 and now am on to the last section.
Interesting about the standard of living here. I wonder if this was due to availability of land & food...or what defined standards. Today we would include the environment itself, which might have been better.Much has been lost to history thank to requests to "burn my letters". Sad for us & historians.
Carol wrote: "Section 1: I can't fathom what they went through -- the freezing temps, lack of ammunition, yellow fever, lack of food, etc. I'm on section 2 now."I feel like a wimp for complaining, from my warm apartment, that it is cold out! It truly is amazing that more people didn't die of disease and exposure - on both sides.
The lack of ammunition must have been a frightening thing - when there was powder for only (I think) 9 "bullets" each?? That's a scary way to go to war.
I've finished Part 1.
Alias Reader wrote: "Part 1Page 98
"Howe, who had received no orders- no word of any kind-from London since October..."
This was something I didn't think about before reading this book. In todays age of constant an..."
Yes! Not only no guidance, but no "real time" knowledge of anyone outside of your sight lines.
Similar to Knox going to Ft. Ticonderoga - you're just left hoping he'll come back at some point! And having to drag back the cannons over the mountains? That's some serious dedication there.
Alias Reader wrote: "Part 1Page 98
"...but the hundreds of women and children who were with the army."
Until I started recently reading a few books on Washington, Adams etc. I was unaware that the troops often trave..."
On the other hand, we have the section about those without women around who refused to wash and do laundry because it was "women's work"?? I'd have smacked them upside the head!
Susan from MD wrote: "On the other hand, we have the section about those without women around who refused to wash and do laundry because it was "women's work"?? I'd have smacked them upside the head! ..."I just read a section where I think it was Washington who hadn't changed his clothes in a week ! I can't even imagine.
I can't even get my brain to start working unless I take a nice long hot shower.
Part 3page 204
I've heard of between a rock and a hard place but I never heard the expression between a hawk and a buzzard! I think I will have to slip that into conversation somehow. :)
Susan, I am up to page 240. So far all I've read about are battles lost, how unprepared the men are, unorganized, not fed, no arms, desertion, cowardice, plunder etc. I only have about 60 pages to go. My question is how the heck did we win this war !McCullough has worn me down. Pages and pages of battles. I'm learning about the how the war was fought but I am not really getting a sense of the people involved. :(
Susan from MD wrote: ! And having to drag back the cannons over the mountains? That's some serious dedication there. ..."And it's sort of at odds with the endless descriptions of cowardice and mass desertion.
First take on a few questions, based on Part 1:10. Did the untrained, impromptu existence of the Colonial army give it any advantages over the British?
At least in the early battles in and around Boston, I think the lowered expectations helped the Colonial army. The British seemed to get a bit too confident - their reaction to seeing the rapid deployment at Dorchester Heights was great and the level of fighting at Bunker Hill took them off guard.
11. Do you think the men and women of our generation could have fought the way the colonists did during the revolution?
I've often wondered whether we would have the resolve needed for WWII, let alone this one! I'm sure in the end, people today would rally and rise to the occasion, but it's hard to imagine tolerating the conditions - no pay, no clothing supplied, few weapons supplied, poor housing and food, and so on. I think we have shorter attention spans these days and get impatient. In part it depends upon how great the perceived threat, I think.
The notion of having to "go without" is something that has become foreign to many people in the US - certainly not all, but most people now live fairly comfortably and have gotten used to certain comforts. The people living at the time of the Revolution weren't used to well-insulated houses, cushy furniture, electrical appliances, etc. Although conditions during the war would have been worse than they were used to, the gap between their "normal" and wartime is less than the gap we would face living in those conditions. Does that make sense? I've rewritten that sentence four times!
12. What kind of men were Nathanael Green and Henry Knox? What was their role in the success of the military? Why do you think Washington depended on these two untrained men above others and despite his distaste for New Englanders?
Based on the early battles, both were focused and achieved their goals. Green's unit was the most disciplined and conducted themselves in an appropriate manner. Knox and his persistence paid off in terms of getting the weapons from Ft. Ticonderoga. They seemed to have more drive than some of the others and determination to achieve their goals. Green, if I recall correctly, had some physical weaknesses, but was strong in other ways; Knox was physically strong and capable - both could lead and inspire the men to do what needed to be done.
Elsewhere i mentioned we are in the Carolinas this month. I had no idea there were Revolutionary Wars fought here beyond the coastal ones for Savannah & Charleston. In the back country here battles fought in 1780& '81 made the difference in how the war ended. I suppose your book will only cover that initial year, which helps us wonder how the colonies won. From here, where militia decimated 1/3 of the British Army (including Loyalists), Cornwallis headed north to Virginia, where he eventually lost. What has fascinated us is that Nathanael Green is a huge hero here. The "smaller" battles here, including wins & losses, really appeared to have set the stage for Yorktown. Not only was their military reduced but potential Loyalists refused to continue, partly because they finally realized the colonies might actually win.
It's neat to read about those northern battles, as they often set the standards for bravery and nontraditional fighting which occurred here. Gosh, the more we learn, the more we want to learn.
Good question about whether today's generation could have fought that way. Maybe those video war games would end up helping?
11. Do you think the men and women of our generation could have fought the way the colonists did during the revolution? I've often wondered whether we would have the resolve needed for WWII, let alone this one! I'm sure in the end, people today would rally and rise to the occasion, but it's hard to imagine tolerating the conditions - no pay, no clothing supplied, few weapons supplied, poor housing and food, and so on. I think we have shorter attention spans these days and get impatient. In part it depends upon how great the perceived threat, I think.
The notion of having to "go without" is something that has become foreign to many people in the US - certainly not all, but most people now live fairly comfortably and have gotten used to certain comforts. The people living at the time of the Revolution weren't used to well-insulated houses, cushy furniture, electrical appliances, etc. Although conditions during the war would have been worse than they were used to, the gap between their "normal" and wartime is less than the gap we would face living in those conditions. Does that make sense? I've rewritten that sentence four times!
------------------------
Interesting. I doubt it. I think we do well for short periods of trauma, like storm Sandy. But years? And the whole country?
I hope we never have to know.
I often think of the British people. In WW II they were bombed daily and many spent the nights in the subway system for safety. Then during the daytime went to work and about their daily routine. Amazing strength of character.
10. Did the untrained, impromptu existence of the Colonial army give it any advantages over the British? At least in the early battles in and around Boston, I think the lowered expectations helped the Colonial army. The British seemed to get a bit too confident - their reaction to seeing the rapid deployment at Dorchester Heights was great and the level of fighting at Bunker Hill took them off guard.
-----------------
The author seems to think it wasn't so much a problem of the rank and file soldier but more the command who lacked also experience and training that was the problem. With proper leaders they wouldn't have had so many problems.
I don't know about that.
I think if the troops were better equipped, better fed and trained that could have only been a positive.
Susan from MD wrote: 12. What kind of men were Nathanael Green and Henry Knox? What was their role in the success of the military? Why do you think Washington depended on these two untrained men above others and despite his distaste for New Englanders? Based on the early battles, both were focused and achieved their goals. Green's unit was the most disciplined and conducted themselves in an appropriate manner. Knox and his persistence paid off in terms of getting the weapons from Ft. Ticonderoga. They seemed to have more drive than some of the others and determination to achieve their goals. Green, if I recall correctly, had some physical weaknesses, but was strong in other ways; Knox was physically strong and capable - both could lead and inspire the men to do what needed to be done. .."
And they were decisive. Something that Washington seemed to lack at times.
I've read in other books and it seems to be the case in this book, too, that Washington no doubt was a brave leader but his military skills were lacking.
Madrano wrote: "It's neat to read about those northern battles, as they often set the standards for bravery and nontraditional fighting which occurred here. Gosh, the more we learn, the more we want to learn...."----------------
Indeed ! What's that old saying the more I learn the more I realize how little I know. :)
Thanks for the views from the Carolinas regarding the Rev. war. Interesting.
My pleasure. In these battles it is the unconventional soldiering (as well as the officers, some of whom weren't trained) which truly made the difference between winning or not. Many of these fighters were militia from the backwoods, so knew a different sort of warfare, sadly learned from the tribes they fought.
I finished the book this evening. This was my first McCullough book. I am sorry to say I was very disappointed. Despite the title, I didn’t realize the book was literally only going to cover the first year of the war. Which for at least 90% of the book went very badly for us. The ending seemed abrupt and the story unfinished. And the book didn't make me want to explore more of the war. At least not as told by this author. I found the prose dry and the writing repetitious. At times I felt it was like a long Wiki article or textbook. Just the facts, no color. The people never came to life for me. I also felt if the focus of the book was to be battles, then the book needed detailed maps. As to the numerous letters quoted, some were a bit interesting. However, before the letter M. tells you what was said, so they too became repetitious and tedious to read for me.
I prefer books that deal more about the people and not so much the intricacy of the battles and war strategy. It’s just my preference. The decision to declare independence which is done so wonderfully in John Adams that it literally brought me to tears is barely mentioned here.
I saw two movies based on his books and loved them. The HBO series on John Adams was awesome. It really moved me. Something this book never did. I also enjoyed greatly Truman. I do plan on reading John Adams and Truman since I so enjoyed the movies. So I have not giving up on this author.
I see from the reviews on Amazon I am in the minority on this book. Which is okay. Maybe when we discuss it together I will come to appreciate it more.
I see I am up next in line for the movie/musical. I am sure it is totally different than the book. Maybe it isn't even based on the book. I am not sure. Still, I will watch and discuss it with anyone here who also views it.
I should finish Part 2 today and start Part 3. I like but don't love the book, as I am not a fan of reading about battles. It's harder to form an attachment to people when we only hear snippets and those are mostly about their military prowess or lack thereof. It is a little disappointing that it will end before, well, the end of the war.The movie is not based on the book. It actually focuses on a tighter time frame - late June to early July in Philadelphia - when Washington was getting set up in NY. I really enjoy the musical and the humorous banter between Adams and Franklin in particular and having Abigail sort of remotely in the mix. The producers tried to get most of the history right, but some details are off - there is a commentary with the movie (or at least my version of it!) that talks about documents they reviewed, etc. But this is not a documentary - so they took some liberties.
I read a book some years ago, Miracle in Philadelphia, that was probably a closer fit to the movie in terms of subject matter.
I have read a few McCullough books that I liked or loved. This was my least favorite -- too much of battles for me.The movie that you are looking forward to watching is a whole other thing. One of my favorites. Well, I love musicals to begin with -- and 1776 is just fun.
Sorry to read that this McCullough isn't as good as some others. I suspect i'd end up agreeing, as i'm not one for battle scenes. Odd coming from one who has spent so much recent time visiting battlefields. Hmmm...maybe i need to try such a book now that i have a sense of what is meant by some terms, etc.
His writing is always good -- I didn't mean to imply that it wasn't. It is just that the book is all about battles and not what I expected. As someone else said, I like to read more about the people -- and the year 1776 definitely had some interesting people.
I'm going to try to finish tonight. Although I'm not a "battle" person, I have to say that these are at least more interesting descriptions than some I've read - he doesn't get too caught up in the weapon specs and detailing the more military aspects.I am a little concerned about not "finishing" the war with this book. I understand having a focus, but I've only got about 50 pages to go and our side ain't doing very well! I hope I don't get to the end and have it be, "and then the tide turned and America won".
2. Did this book alter your opinion of George Washington?
4. What qualities made General George Washington a successful leader? Do you think that there was anything in particular about Washington that enabled him to turn a lost cause into a victory?
5. Do you think the war could have been won if George Washington had not led the Colonies?
I have to say that I'm a little disappointed with George! He seems often indecisive, not the best strategist, and a bit distracted sometimes. At least what is presented is less than the heroic image I had of him. Of course, perhaps he got better as the war went on.
It does suggest the importance of having "a leader" who people (in this case, the soldiers) can look up to and trust. He seems to inspire confidence in the men and they rally when he is around. It also highlights the importance of being able to enlist the key people who can work together and whose style and experience and knowledge compliment one's own. He seemed to be good at identifying which men to promote to command and whose judgment to trust.
More later, but this was probably one of the most surprising things to me. I haven't read a lot about Washington (because I'm not big on battles), so he was up on a very high pedestal. While he hasn't fallen off the pedestal, I think it is a little lower than it once was.
I recently learned about G. Washington's faults when I read the book Deb recommended on him,
Washington: The Indispensable Man---James Thomas Flexner
I finished and yay for Trenton and Princeton! I am glad that it seems like the army finally started to have some momentum. Above we discussed whether we would respond in such a way - they had no shoes in the dead of winter and walked miles to go into battle! Seriously, I just ordered a new really warm coat because my wool one was not cutting it this winter ... I would not have made it walking barefoot in the snow and ice. I admit it ... I am a spoiled wimp. As much as I may have doubted Washington, he had to be someone special to get people to do that. And I have such respect for the soldiers who just kept going through cold, hunger, disease, fatigue, lack of pay. They changed the course of history.
One way i think GW stood out was in his consideration for "his" soldiers. Ha knew he was asking so much, so took more time considering action than some thought wise. I suppose this is another reason the rank & file would follow him anywhere, shod or not.It seemed to me that he often needed to be persuaded to take what ended up being important action, such as heading to Yorktown later. The French had to talk him into it. When one thinks of how far they had to walk, for questionable benefits, one better understands his burden, i think.
Barbara, thanks for clarifying. Indeed, i see i misinterpreted what you wrote.
Book Nook Cafe
Books mentioned in this topic
The Cider House Rules (other topics)What's the Matter with Kansas? How Conservatives Won the Heart of America (other topics)
Profiles in Courage (other topics)
Washington: The Indispensable Man (other topics)
The Madness of George III (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
John Irving (other topics)John Fitzgerald Kennedy (other topics)
Thomas Frank (other topics)
Alan Bennett (other topics)
James Thomas Flexner (other topics)
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Book:
Author:
When? we will begin the discussion January 1, 2014
Where? The whole discussion will take place in this thread.
Spoiler etiquette: This is a non fiction book so there really aren't spoilers. However, it would help others if you noted the section you are discussing. The book has 3 parts. Put the Part number at the top of your post and page # when you can.
Book Details:
The book is available as an E-book, audio book, and in a paperback edition.
The paper back edition is 294 pages
Publisher: HOLT MCDOUGAL; 1st edition (June 27, 2006)
The Movie: 1776 (1972)
Director: Peter H. Hunt
William Daniels ... John Adams (MA)
Howard Da Silva ... Dr. Benjamin Franklin (PA)
Ken Howard ... Thomas Jefferson (VA)
IMDB- Internet movie data base
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068156/?...
Synopsis:
The film version of the Broadway musical comedy of the same name. In the days leading up to July 4, 1776, Continental Congressmen John Adams and Benjamin Franklin coerce Thomas Jefferson into writing the Declaration of Independence as a delaying tactic as they try to persuade the American colonies to support a resolution on independence. As George Washington sends depressing messages describing one military disaster after another, the businessmen, landowners and slave holders in Congress all stand in the way of the Declaration, and a single "nay" vote will forever end the question of independence. Large portions of spoken and sung dialog are taken directly from the letters and memoirs of the actual participants.
- Written by Dave Heston