Guns For General Washington

“With Howe’s watchdogs on duty, not a single musket ball, not an ounce of gunpowder, not a morsel of bread or beef could get through to the weary, hungry Bostonians.”

This quote uses anaphora to convey the comprehensive nature of the British blockade on Boston. By repeating “not a” before each item, Reit draws attention to the complete denial of essential supplies to the city’s residents. The repetition creates a rhythm that mirrors the relentlessness of the blockade, emphasizing the extent of the deprivation and the severity of the situation for those living under siege.

“So they’d come together to put an end to King George’s tyranny—this odd assortment of farmers and fishermen, carpenters and cobblers, tradesmen and teachers, barbers, blacksmiths, frontier scouts, seamen, clerks, weavers, tanners, tailors, shopkeepers, stone-masons, lumberjacks, and young men just seeking adventure.”

This quote points to the diverse backgrounds of individuals who came together against King George’s rule, showing the widespread discontent and shared desire for independence across various segments of colonial society. The long list of professions and roles reveals the many walks of life from which these people came, suggesting that the movement for independence was not confined to any single class or group but was a collective effort involving everyday people from all trades and regions, highlighting How Ordinary People Shape History.

“In Boston that winter, Tories got just as hungry as patriots.”

This quote shows the shared hardships between Tories (Loyalists) and Patriots during the harsh Boston winter. It suggests that despite their opposing political loyalties, both groups faced similar struggles for survival, particularly when it came to basic necessities like food. The mention of hunger affecting both sides equally brings attention to the human aspect of the conflict, where daily life and survival concerns transcend political divisions. It presents a more nuanced view of the Revolutionary War, where the realities of life under siege affected everyone in the city, regardless of their stance on the revolution.

“Colonel Knox was shocked. And alarmed. And very angry. What good was an artillery colonel without artillery? And what good was an army without heavy weapons?”

The rhetorical questions draw attention to the absurdity and frustration of Knox’s situation. The repetition of the phrase “what good” reinforces the idea that artillery was indispensable for effective combat, demonstrating the theme of The Strategic Importance of Artillery in Warfare. This moment shows that securing the artillery would become the turning point in the Siege of Boston.

“‘We’ll take volunteers only,’ Henry told Will, ‘but no clerks or city lads. We want roughnecks, the rougher the better. Mountain men, hunters, lumberjacks—fellows used to hard living.’”

By insisting on taking volunteers only, Henry demonstrates a commitment to assembling a team that is not only capable but also deeply motivated. Volunteers are likely to be more dedicated and willing to endure the hardships of the mission because they choose to be there. This quote ties into the theme of The Impact of Ordinary People on History. Knox’s focus on recruiting individuals with rugged backgrounds shows how the success of this mission depended not on trained soldiers or high-ranking officers but on ordinary people with extraordinary toughness.

“In the growing darkness, Will had begun to daydream.”

This quote shows Will’s youth and inexperience. This moment of daydreaming reveals that while he has taken on significant responsibilities and shown bravery, Will is still a young man who occasionally lapses into the habits of someone less seasoned in the realities of war. This instance of distraction underlines the tension between Will’s youthful tendencies and the serious, life-threatening mission he is part of. He was still learning and growing into his role, an example of young individuals stepping into roles of great responsibility during the Revolutionary War.

“Take care, warned the bells. Take care…take care…”

Reit uses personification to convey a sense of foreboding and caution. The bells, often associated with announcements or warnings in Boston, are given a voice as if they are directly advising Paul Revere Jr. to be vigilant. In a city under siege, where danger lurks at every corner, the constant ringing of the bells becomes a symbolic reminder of the fragile nature of safety and the omnipresence of threat. This use of sound creates a sense of community-wide anxiety, where even inanimate objects like bells seem to share in the collective concern for survival.

“‘Those big guns,’ [Paul] said, ‘will be useful when they get here.’

Toby shot him a grim look. ‘If they get here, lad.’”

This exchange between Paul and Toby brings out the tension and uncertainty surrounding the mission. Paul’s optimistic statement represents both the hope that the artillery will change the course of the conflict and a youthful confidence in the mission’s success. Toby’s somber response serves as a reminder of the mission’s inherent dangers and the very real possibility of failure. This dialogue reveals the perilous nature of the endeavor and the physical and environmental challenges the convoy faced. It also hints at the broader anxiety felt by many in Boston at the time, who were keenly aware of their precarious situation and the challenges confronting the revolutionary cause.

“Drivers cracked their whips. Oxen strained. Horses whinnied. Men swore and shouted, sweating under their wool shirts while their breath came out in icy clouds.”

This quote captures the grueling effort involved in transporting the heavy artillery through challenging terrain and in Overcoming Physical and Environmental Challenges in the journey. The use of short, staccato sentences creates a sense of urgency and relentless motion. The description also serves to create a sense of the environment and atmosphere that the men endured. The cold, visible in the “icy clouds” of their breath, adds another layer of hardship to the physical labor.

“Instead of stopping, the snow began to fall more heavily—and slowly their kind helper became an ugly enemy.”

Initially, the snow is depicted as a “kind helper,” suggesting that nature is working in their favor by providing the necessary conditions for their heavy loads to be transported more easily. This portrayal aligns the natural world with the men’s cause, making it seem as though the elements themselves are allies in their monumental task. As the snow continued to fall, it transformed into an “ugly enemy,” shifting from a beneficial presence to an adversarial one. This change in how the snow is portrayed emphasizes the unpredictable and often dangerous conditions the men faced. The snow, now personified as an enemy, represents the harsh and relentless challenges of the natural world that the men overcame.

“At last, exhausted and numb with cold, they staggered into Stillwater and were taken to the home of Squire Fisher. Bowls of hot broth eaten in front of an open fire helped to revive the frozen hikers. When the squire heard Henry’s story, he sent his farmhands with food and supplies to relieve the crew trapped in the pine grove.”

This quote shows the importance of community support and solidarity in times of hardship and How Ordinary People Shape History. The convoy found refuge and warmth in the home of Squire Fisher, symbolizing how local communities played an important role in supporting the broader cause during the American Revolution. Squire Fisher’s immediate response to Henry’s story, sending his farmhands with food and supplies, emphasizes the collective effort required to overcome the mission’s challenges. The assistance from the local community not only helped to sustain the men physically but also boosted their morale, reinforcing the idea that their struggle was supported by those they were fighting for.

“To the colonists the raiders were heroes, but to General Howe the armed privateers were plain pirates—lawless ships that stole out of port and attacked his merchantmen, then took cover in the many bays and inlets of New England.”

For the colonists, these privateers were seen as bold and resourceful figures who, against the odds, were able to disrupt British supply lines and contribute to the overall struggle for independence. On the other hand, General Howe and the British perceived these privateers as engaging in unlawful behavior that undermined the rules of war. This difference in perspectives reveals the complexities of wartime actions and how the same events can be interpreted in different ways depending on one’s viewpoint. It emphasizes the subjective nature of wartime narratives, where heroes and villains are defined by the side telling the story.

Come join hand in hand, brave Americans all, And rouse your bold heart at fair Liberty’s call; No tyrannous acts shall suppress your just claim. Or stain with dishonor America’s name.”

The “Liberty Song” served as a rallying cry for unity and resistance among the American colonists. The reference to “tyrannous acts” speaks directly to the colonists’ grievances against British rule, showing their determination to resist any actions that would undermine their rights or dignity. The song’s message not only fosters a sense of shared purpose among the colonists but also instills a moral imperative to fight for justice. By framing the fight for independence as a matter of honor, the lyrics elevate the struggle to something greater than just a political conflict—it becomes a duty to uphold the values and identity of America.

“[The flag] was called the ‘Grand Union’ flag, and it snapped bravely in the Cambridge breeze, telling the world that the American colonies were now a nation and no longer subject of Britain’s king.”

The significance of the flag being called the “Grand Union” flag lies in its representation of the unity and collective identity of the American colonies during a critical time in their fight for independence. The name “Grand Union” reflects the merging of the colonies into a cohesive entity, suggesting a deliberate and strategic effort to present themselves as a united front against British rule. The flag itself symbolized this union, featuring 13 stripes to represent the 13 colonies. The flag also served as a transitional symbol between the colonies’ past allegiance to Britain and their emerging national identity. The inclusion of the British Union Jack in the flag acknowledged the colonies’ historical connection to Britain, even as the flag’s new design signaled their move toward independence.

“The colonel’s plan wasn’t as simple as he thought. First the right hardwood trees had to be located. Then they had to be cut down and sawed into planks and runners. Next, they had to find a local blacksmith to forge iron rims for the runners and bolt them in place. And finally, metal rings had to be attached to hold the harnesses.”

This quote details the logistical challenges faced by Henry Knox and his team during their mission to transport artillery. By describing each step, Reit provides a clear picture of the complexity and labor-intensive nature of the task. Including these details also presents the theme of perseverance and resourcefulness. The laborious process of creating the sleds from scratch reveals how the mission’s success depended on practical skills and determination, showing the important role of each participant in the overall effort.

“I hear tell Bow-wow Howe’s had to scrape the bottom of the barrel.”

Old Toby’s use of the nickname “Bow-wow Howe” for General Howe carries a mocking and disrespectful tone, showing the disdain and lack of fear that some colonists felt toward British leadership. By reducing Howe’s name to a playful, almost childish insult, Old Toby diminishes the authority and seriousness of the British general. This nickname implies that, regardless of Howe’s position and the power he commands, he was not taken seriously by those he aimed to control. It also reveals the informal, irreverent attitude of the colonists, who were often more likely to mock their oppressors than be intimidated by them.

“Will streaked toward J.P. He dove, grabbed him, and fell to one side with the boy as the juggernaut hurtled by, missing them by inches.”

The description of the cannon as a “juggernaut” gives it an almost unstoppable, monstrous quality. This term, which refers to a powerful, overwhelming force that crushes everything in its path, conveys the lethal potential of the cannon as it careens down the hill. This moment also strengthens the emotional connection between Will and J.P. Will’s actions demonstrate the responsibility he feels for the safety of the younger members of the group, showing his role as a mentor and protector within the convoy. This selfless act of bravery not only saves J.P.’s life but also solidifies the trust and respect that the younger boy has for Will, deepening their bond as they continue on their journey.

“Finally an old-timer named Thorne spoke up. ‘Tain’t any way to get down this cliff, colonel. No sir! Not a man among us says it can be done.’”

One of the key aspects of Henry’s leadership was his unwavering commitment to the mission, even when faced with doubts and obstacles that seemed insurmountable. When the members of the convoy expressed skepticism about descending a steep cliff, Henry didn’t dismiss their concerns outright. Instead, he acknowledged the difficulty of the task and worked to devise a solution that would address their fears while still achieving their goal. Knox’s leadership is key to them Overcoming Physical and Environmental Challenges.

“A farmer brought out a fiddle and someone else brought out a dulcimer. They played tunes such as ‘The Massachusetts Hop’ and ‘The Road to Boston,’ and Will Knox, his knee all better, joined in a lively square dance called a quadrille.”

This quote captures a moment of camaraderie and celebration among the soldiers after a long and arduous journey. The mention of traditional tunes like “The Massachusetts Hop” and “The Road to Boston” evokes a sense of regional pride and connection to the cause for which they are fighting. The lively square dance symbolizes a temporary relief from the hardships of war, where the men could enjoy a brief respite from their struggles.

“‘Sirs,’ Henry said with a smile, ‘if anyone deserves credit it’s the drivers, the troopers, and those hardworking animals.’”

In this quote, Henry Knox shifts the focus away from his own leadership and success. By placing the drivers, troopers, and animals on equal footing, Henry suggests that the revolutionary cause relied on the combined efforts of many individuals working together. This perspective aligns with the democratic ideals of the American Revolution, where the contributions of Ordinary People were vital in shaping the course of history.

“These ridges overlooked Boston and dominated the entire harbor. For some strange reason—though they had the troops and guns to do so—the British hadn’t bothered to capture this strategic spot.”

The author’s decision to omit the reasons behind the British failure to secure Dorchester Heights directs the reader’s focus toward the strategic success of the American forces. By not exploring British motives, the text centers the narrative on how the Americans exploited this situation to their advantage. Reit prioritizes the efforts of the American forces, presenting their success as a result of their actions rather than the failures of their opponents.

“General Howe, peering from the deck of HMS Somerset, was very surprised. Why were the fool colonials wasting powder when they had so little to spare?”

General Howe’s reaction—surprise at what he perceives as the “foolishness” of the colonists—reveals his dismissal of the Continental Army’s strategic capabilities. He assumed that the colonists, being inexperienced and under-resourced, were wasting their limited ammunition, not realizing that their barrage was part of a larger deceptive strategy. Howe’s perspective reflects the common British attitude towards the American rebels, viewing them as disorganized and lacking in military expertise. His surprise was rooted in this bias, which blinded him to the possibility that the colonists might be executing a well-thought-out plan.

“With billowing smoke and flashes of flame, the guns of Ticonderoga spoke. They roared out, growling defiance at the enemy who, for so long, had tormented their city.”

The phrase “the guns of Ticonderoga spoke” personifies the cannons, suggesting that they were not just tools of war but active participants in the struggle for freedom. Their “roar” and “growling defiance” against the enemy represent the pent-up anger and determination of the colonists, who had endured hardship and oppression under British rule. The cannons, once silent and unused, now voiced the frustration and resolve of the American forces.