“Rules by which a GREAT EMPIRE may be reduced to a SMALL ONE”

Franklin wrote this satirical piece while serving in London as the colonial agent for several colonies. His numerous letters to London newspapers presenting the colonists’ point of view were often reprinted in colonial newspapers. “Rules by which a GREAT EMPIRE may be reduced to a SMALL ONE” —The Public Advertiser, London, 11 September 1773(as printed …

Historical Tidbits — Riot Act

When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. July 15, 1715 – The Riot Act took effect in Britain.  Assemblies of more than a dozen people could be forcibly dispersed in order to maintain the peace.  The …

Historical Tidbits — Stony Point taken by General Wayne

When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. July 15, 1779       Stony Point taken by General Wayne In a well planned and executed nighttime attack, a highly trained select group of Continental Army troops under the command …

Historical Tidbits — BASTILE DAY

When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. July 14, 1789 – BASTILE DAY:  The crowd gathered outside the Bastille, a medieval armory, fortress, and political prison near the center of Paris, calling for the surrender of …

Why did the Dutch support the American Revolution?

So, this summer while I have been looking for my next corporate role, which I just landed BTW, I have been supporting Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia as one of Historic Philadelphia’s history makers. Not only is this a great way to keep my historical personae sharp, history makers are 1st person interpreters, but …

Historical Tidbits — NORTHWEST ORDINANCE

When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. July 13, 1787       NORTHWEST ORDINANCE The Northwest Ordinance provided for the settlement and sale of lands acquired from Quebec in the Treaty of Paris.  The ordinance required the land …

Historical Tidbits — Washington meets with Rochambeau

When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. July 11, 1780       Washington meets with Rochambeau in Hartford France supported the American war effort with money and material and formally joined as an ally in 1778. The French …

Historical Tidbits — French Fleet arrives at Newport

When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. July 11, 1780                       French Fleet arrives at Newport Approximately 5,000 – 6,000 French soldiers commanded by Rochambeau arrived at Newport, Rhode Island.  The code name given by the French government …

Historical Tidbits — DELAWARE WANTED FREEDOM FROM BOTH ENGLAND AND PENNSYLVANIA

When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. Last week, we celebrated Ceasar Rodney’s infamous ride to Philadelphia so that he could vote for independence in July 2.  We take it for granted that Delaware was a …