Prologue
Quote
I mourn over my bleeding country… I weep at her distress, and with
them deeply resent the many injuries she has received from the hands of cruel
and unreasonable men. ~ Dr. Joseph Warren.
William Landor
William is a fictional character that was inspired by two
questions: What are the true costs of having a secret identity? and; What
lengths will a child go to gain approval from their parents?
The Landor Family
The entire family is fictional, but based on real sentiments of
the time.
Warren was a real hero of the early Revolution. There were few who
were as instrumental in the early both behind the scenes and in public. He
served on many committees, was a leader in the Son's of Liberty, a respected
doctor, wrote countless letters and documents, instigated the famous Midnight
Ride
Sources: Doctor Joseph Warren on the web, The Siege of Boston by Allen
French, America's Hidden History
by Kenneth C. Davis, Life and Times of Joseph
Warren, Massachusetts Historical
The Boston Massacre
On March 5, 1770 there was a confrontation between British
Soldiers and some angry citizens of Boston. It was in the evening that
happened, and the events surrounding it where chaotic. By the time the trials
were over, only two out of the 10 soldiers charged, were found guilty. They
were defended by John Adams and Josiah Quincy Jr.
Boston Gazette
The Boston Gazette was an paper in Boston at this time. it was
printed by two Patriot/Whig leaders. It often held opinions and propaganda to
stir up the patriots of Boston. This included Paul Revers famous drawing that
depicted the Boston Massacre.
Sources: Wikipedia, Boston Massacre Historical Society,
Chapter 1
Quote
But it is certain the whole navy of Britain will not prevent the
introduction of Dutch tea: nor will her armies prevail with us to use the
English tea, while the act of imposing a duty on that article remains
unrepealed. ~ Dr. Joseph Warren
Noddle Island
In colonial Boston there were many small islands that ships
navigated around to reach Boston. You would get your first glimpse of the city
of Boston as you sounded it's southern tip.
Lieutenant Mark Layton
Mark Layton is a fictional character created with the help
of Elisabeth Allen.
Matthew, the African
Matthew is a fictional character. Sadly, few people, even
Christians at this point in time viewed Africans as equals. Many people that
the Africans were not truly human, they were made to be slaves, or ignored
them. Even those who believed slavery was wrong would often not befriend an
African because it was socially incorrect.
The Boston Port Act
In response to the Tea Party on December 16, 1773, the British
Parliament sent orders to seal the Boston harbor. No ships could leave and the
only ships allowed in were ships carrying troops from England. Since Boston was
dependent on the sea for food and trade, this was a devastating blow.
Sources: Wikipedia, The Siege of Boston by Allen
French
Chapter 2
Quote
If Britain must lose her
liberty, she must lose it alone. America must and will be free. ~ Dr.
Joseph Warren
The Streets of Boston
All the streets named were actual streets in Boston at the time of
the story.
Source: Wikipedia Commons
Warren's Home
Source: www.drjosephwarren.com, location
Wigs
Wigs were worn consistently at this point in time by men and some by women. Brown was a common day color, while white wigs were considered evening or formal event wear.
Sources: Colonial Williamsburg website, A Travel Guide To Colonial Boston by James Barter
Warren's Silver Tooth
Dr. Joseph Warren did indeed have a sliver tooth made my Paul Revere
Source: Wikipedia
The Use of Alcohol in Early America
In early America there were no water treatment plants, or even a understanding of how important it was to keep the water clean. Often times, drinking water plain led to illnesses. Wine and other alcoholic beverages were common even for children. Often it was mixed with water so that it was very weak, but it killed the bacteria keeping people healthy (even though they didn't understand this at them time). Many people who might object to social drinking, still drank for medicinal proposes.
Source: Sarah Holman's knowledge of the time from various letters, books, and textbooks
Sarah the Housekeeper
The Warren's did employ a housekeeper named Sarah. From some of the letters written about her, I assume that she was a bit of a gossip.
Source: Various letters found at Dr. Joseph Warren.com
The Boston Tea Party
On December 16, 1773 the Sons of Liberty, dressed as Indians, the an entire shipment of tea into the harbor to protest the Tea Act. In response, Parliament ordered the Boston Port to be closed (see above)
Sources: Wikipedia, The Siege of Boston by Allen French, Old South Meeting House.com
Chapter 3
Quote
Our country is in danger, but not to be despaired of. ~
Dr. Joseph Warren
Source: Boston Massacre Oration by Dr. Joseph Warren March 6, 1775The Dependence of Boston on the Sea
We cannot fully understand what it meant for the Boston harbor to be closed. Most of it's food, and commerce were completely dependent on the port. Without the ability to get food and goods in and out of the city, prices skyrocketed and many were left without employment or means of supporting their families.
Sources: Various letters found at Dr. Joseph Warren.com, The Siege of Boston by Allen French, A Travel Guide To Colonial Boston by James Barter
Why does Edmond Landor live with his father?
During the editing process, I was asked why Edmond and his children lived in the same house as his father. Historically, this was not as uncommon as it is today. Often related families shared a house and it was not considered odd in the least. Originally, I had planned for Edmond to live in a separate house, but it ended up not working well. This is my logic behind having them all in the same house.
Chapter 4
Quote
We are industrious to save our country, but not more so than others are to destroy it. ~ Dr. Joseph Warren
Source: Letter to Samuel Adams June 15, 1774
Demand for the tea to be paid for and the the Patriots response.
Before the port was closed, their was the offer made that if the tea was paid for, the port would remain opened. There was a meeting on the the thirteenth of May at to discuss the issue. It was decided they would not pay for the tea.
Source: Eve of the American Revolution by Carl Becker, Old South Meeting House Timeline
Chapter 5
Quote
I must indulge a hope that Britain’s liberty, as well as ours, will eventually be preserved by the virtue of America. ~ Dr. Joseph Warren
Source: Boston Massacre Oration by Dr. Joseph Warren March 6, 1775
Taverns
Taverns were like modern day restaurants. They served food, beverages, and sometimes have lodging available for travelers. Just like modern day restaurants, some taverns were nice places were families could go an eat together. Others were on the shadier side and were avoided by moral people.
Sources: A Travel Guide To Colonial Boston by James Barter, The Sarah's Journey Series
The Treatment of Soldiers
The soldiers were highly resented. Many people took out there frustration in tormenting the soldiers. It is a sad, but true fact of history.
Source: many letters and books
Elias Sumpter
Elias is a fictional character and owner of the fictional Lion and Lamb tavern.
Indentured Servants
In early America, there came a point where there was more need for labor than the colonies could provide. There were also many in Europe that wished to come to America and make a new start. It was at this point win a system was devised to supply both needs. Those needing cheap labor would pay for the passage of a person from Europe. That person would serve for a specified number of years (seven was normal). During this time they would be taken care of by the employer and learn new skills.
Most of the time, indentured servants were treated far better than slaves and valued by their masters. There were a rare few (like Selah) who were not. Most entered into the indenture willingly, but there were a cases of servants being shanghaied and a few where parents sold their children into indentures.
Source: Wikipedia
No Taxation without Representation
Although there were many issues the Whigs/Patriots fought for. the major one was being taxed without a Representative in Parliament. They often repeated the phrase; "No Taxation without Representation."
Dr. Benjamin Church
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| Image public domain: source |
Source: Dr. Benjamin Church Jr. Blogspot, Doctor Joseph Warren on the web, Life and Times of Joseph Warren, Massachusetts Historical
LOVE THIS! Thanks for sharing your sources and some good information.
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