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In the thirteen Colonies 200 years ago, not everyone was sold on the idea of separation from the Crown of England. The people were uncertain, there was sharp division and the leaders were not sure of the kind of government the Colonies would uphold.
July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the Thomas Jefferson draft of the Declaration of Independence which was signed immediately by John Hancock, president of the Congress. Others signed on August 2 and later.
Many leaders risked their fortunes and lives to lead the Colonies in the uprising against the Mother Country. The risk was heightened by the lack of arms, organization and allies, plus the uncertainty that the people would oppose the King for independence.
For five years the fiber of every supporter was tested to the utmost. Farmers sacrificed their food, animals and wagons, as well as their sons. The shopkeeper shared his possessions and blacksmiths and wheelwrights were pressed into service, while the Congress devised ways to finance the war. There were times when most would have called the war lost, but these intreped, hardy men saw no alternative but to continue at all costs.
In the summer of 1781, things seemed brighter: Gen. Washington was building an army in the south and was calling on the Congress to send troops from northern areas, along with equipment. On July 2 that year Congress made a resolution “That a committee of three be appointed to take proper measures for a public celebration of the anniversary of Independence on Wednesday next.” Mr. Clymer, Mr. Carroll and Mr. Walton were members appointed, followed by another resolution “that the Board of War take order for the furnishing of the table of the Commander in Chief.” At least Gen. Washington was to have a good feast. So it was through July, August and September Congress was busy operating the headquarters of a great army, leading up to a showdown with Cornwallis in Virginia and the British Navy in the Bay of Chesapeake. It was
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