Historical Tidbits — Washington resigns as Commander in Chief

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. December 23, 1783          Washington resigns as Commander in Chief “Having now finished the work assigned to me, I retire from the great theatre of action; and bidding an affectionate …

Britain’s Failed Attempt at Peace Talks

Stunned by Britain’s defeat at Saratoga and fearing that its former colonies would enter into an alliance with France, Lord North reversed direction in early 1778 and proposed to Parliament that Britain send a peace commission with powers to negotiate with the Continental Congress.  Parliament approved the “Royal Instructions to the Peace Commission” on 16 …