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The Price of Liberty
is Eternal Vigilence.

A morsel of genuine history is a thing so rare as to be always valuable.

Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God.

I much prefer Dangerous Freedom to Peaceful Slavery

first navy jack

...That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved;...

A wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is necessary to close the circle of our felicity.

The Constitution of most of our states (and of the United States) assert that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed and that they are entitled to freedom of person, freedom of religion, freedom of property, and freedom of press.

To take from one because it is thought that his own industry - has acquired too much, in order to spare others who - have not exercised equal industry and skill, is to violate arbitrarily the first principle of association (notice that - the first principle) - the guarantee to every one of a free exercise of his industry and the fruits acquired by it.

Laws that forbid the carrying of arms...disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes... Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man.

~Thomas Jefferson

There are more instances
of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by the gradual and silent encroachment of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpation.

Of all the enemies to public liberty, war is perhaps the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and develops the germ of every other. War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes; and armies, and debts, and taxes are the known instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the few. In war, too, the discretionary power of the Executive is extended; its influence in dealing out offices, honors, and emoluments is multiplied; and all the means of seducing the minds, are added to those of subduing the force, of the people. There is also an inequality of fortunes, and the opportunities of fraud, growing out of a state of war, and degeneracy of manners and of morals. No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.

The citizens of the U.S. are responsible for the greatest trust ever confided to a political society.

We base all our experiments on the capacity of mankind for self-government.

~ James Madison

When the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great Britain, the British Parliament was advised by an artful man, who was governor of Pennsylvania, to disarm the people; that it was the best and most effectual way to enslave them; but that they should not do it openly, but weaken them, and let them sink gradually.

~George Mason

The said Constitution [shall] be never construed to authorize Congress to infringe the just liberty of the press, or the rights of conscience; or to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms.

If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.

~Samuel Adams

Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom of Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States.

~Noah Webster

These are the times that try men's souls; The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, In this crisis, Shrink from the service of his country; But he that stands it now, Deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; Yet we have this consolation with us: That the harder the conflict, The more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, We esteem too lightly; 'Tis darkness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price on its goods. And it would be strange indeed, If so celestial an article as Freedom Should not be highly rated.

The supposed quietude of a good man allures the ruffian; while on the other hand arms, like laws, discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as property. The same balance would be preserved were all the world destitute of arms, for all would be alike; but since some will not, others dare not lay them aside... Horrid mischief would ensue were the law-abiding deprived of the use of them.

~Thomas Paine

Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.

Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment.

Observe good faith and justice towards all Nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.

General Washington had early formulated a set of six rules for his military guidance, by which he measured and directed the actions of his Army and followed to the letter himself. They are:

Never attack a position in front which you can gain by turning.
Charges of Cavalry should be made if possible on the flanks of infantry.
The first qualification of a soldier is fortitude under fatigue and privation. Courage is only the second. Hardship, poverty and actual want are the soldier's best school.
Nothing is so important in war as an undivided command.
Never do what the enemy wishes you to do.
A General of ordinary talent, occupying a bad position and surprised by superior force, seeks safety in retreat; but a great captain supplies all deficiencies by his courage and marches boldly to meet the attack.

~George Washington

In a short time the engineers returned and the afore-mentioned stranger with them. They discoursed together some time when, by the officers often calling him 'Your Excellency,' we discovered that it was General Washington. Had we dared, we might have cautioned him for exposing himself too carelessly to danger at such a time, and doubtless he would have taken it in good part if we had. But nothing ill happened to either him or ourselves.

~~ Joseph Plumb Martin's Diary

You have in American history one of the great captains of all times. It might be said of him, as it was of William the Silent, that he seldom won a battle but he never lost a campaign.

~ Von Moltke
Berlin, 1974

Speaking about
Gen. Washington.

Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.

Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace - but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in that field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me - if this be treason make the most of it; Give me liberty or give me death.

~Patrick Henry

Fear is the foundation of most governments; but it is so sordid and brutal a passion, and renders men in whose breasts it predominates so stupid and miserable, that Americans will not be likely to approve of any political institution which is founded on it.

We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history and naval architecture, navigation, commerce and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain.

~John Adams

The money powers prey upon the nation in times of peace and conspire against it in times of adversity. It is more despotic than a monarchy, more insolent than autocracy, and more selfish than bureaucracy. It denounces as public enemies, all who question it's methods or throw light upon it's crimes. I have two great enemies, the Southern Army in front of me and the Bankers in the rear. Of the two, the one at my rear is my greatest foe.. corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money powers of the country will endeavor to prolong it's reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until the wealth is aggregated in the hands of a few, and the Republic is destroyed.

Prohibition goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation and makes crimes out of things that are not crimes. A prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded.

Our safety, our liberty, depends upon preserving the Constitution of the United States as our fathers made it inviolate. The people of the United States are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts - not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.

~Abraham Lincoln

Eagle

EnterpriseSurvival.com

Birth of a Nation
The French and Indian War
1749	The French establish Fort La Presentation, NY extending French influence over the western nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. Captain Pierre Celoron leads 250 French and Indians up the St. Lawrence, across Lakes Ontario and Erie and over the Chautauqua Portage Road to reach the headwaters of the Ohio River. Celoron plants lead plates along the Ohio claiming the land for France.
October, 1753	French Capt. Marin builds Fort Presqu'ile, Fort Le Boeuf and the Lake Erie-French Creek portage Road. Governor Dinwiddie of Virginia sends Colonel George Washington to tell the French to stop building forts in the Ohio Valley. The French pay no attention to the warning.
1754	The French reinforce their forces in the Ohio via lakes Ontario and Erie and build Fort Machault. Washington builds Fort Necessity.
May 27, 1754	Washington surrenders Fort Necessity.
July 9, 1755	Washington loses the Battle of the Wilderness. Washington warns Gen. Braddock that the French and Native Americans fight from behind trees instead of marching into battle. Braddock's army is surprised and Braddock is killed.
Summer, 1755	Seven thousand French peasants living in Nova Scotia (Arcadians) are rounded up and sent away from their homes by the British.
May, 1756	England and France formally declare war.
1755-57	The French win battle after battle. Marquis de Montcalm attacks several British forts, among them Fort William Henry. The British commander surrenders on the condition that British troops will be treated fairly. The French's Indian allies promptly kill more than 1,000 British soldiers and settlers alike.
1758	British General James Wolfe captures Fort Duquesne, PA.
July 1758	British Generals Jeffrey Amherst and James Wolfe capture the Fortress of Louisbourg.
October, 1758	Peace is made between the Native Americans in the Ohio Valley and the British.
September 13, 1759	Gen. Wolfe defeats the French at Quebec. Gen. Wolfe is killed and French Commander Marquis de Montcalm dies the next day.
October, 1759	Gen. Amhurst defeats the French at Fort Carillon and renames it Fort Ticonderoga.
September 1760	The French army formally surrenders to Gen. Amherst in Montreal.
February, 1763	The Peace of Paris awards all of North America east of the Mississippi River except New Orleans, including Canada and Florida to the British. The British Parliament decides it will repay their accrued war debt by levying a series of taxes on the colonies, being as they are the primary beneficiaries of the successful prosecution of the war. Taxes are imposed on a number of items, including legal documents and tea. Stamps are issued to be affixed onto legal documents and newspapers.
The American Revolution
1733	Molasses Act; heavy tax duty on all sugar, molasses, and rum imported into the American colonies from non-British islands in the Caribbean.
1754-63	French and Indian War.
1763	Proclamation of 1763; closes off the frontier to colonial expansion.
1764	Sugar Act; heavy tax duties on sugar, textiles, coffee, indigo, and wine imported to the American colonies from foreign countries to help pay the costs of keeping British troops in America. Currency Act; forbids the colonists from printing or using their won money.
March 22, 1765	Stamp Act; heavy tax duties on every piece of printed paper, Ship's papers, legal documents, licenses, newspapers, publications, and playing cards.
May, 1765	Quartering Act; British troops must be given housing on demand from colonists.
March 18, 1766	The Funeral of Miss Anne Stamp ~~ Benjamin Wilson The Stamp Act is Repealed. Declaratory Act; Parliment declares sovereignty over colonies in all cases.
June 26, 29, July 2, 1767	Townshend Revenue Acts; courts sit without juries, taxes on paper, lead, glass and tea shipped from England. Repealed April 12, 1770.
March 5, 1770	The Bloody Massacre ~~ Paul Revere British Soldiers kill five colonists in the Boston Massacre.
May 16, 1771	Battle of Alamance NC; Royal Governor Tryon defeates 2,000 Regulators, ending the War of the Regulation. First battle against Britain fought in the colonies.
May 10, 1773	Tea Act; East India Tea Company granted sole right to sell tea directly to Americans.
December 16, 1773	The Boston Tea Party.
March-June, 1774	Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts); Closes Boston Harbor, eliminates current government of Massachusetts, restricts many other government functions. Boston Port Act; March 31, 1774 Massachusetts Government Act; May 20, 1774 Administration of Justice Act; May 20, 1774 Quartering Act; June 2, 1774 Quebec Act; June 22, 1774
September 5 - October 26, 1774	First Continental Congress Meets in Philadelphia. Declaration of Resolves stated that colonists shall stay loyal to the crown, but the colonies have the power to make their own decisions, also known as continental rights, and the colonies also banned trade with Great Britain. Those who give up essential liberty, to preserve a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. We must all hang together or assuredly we will hang separately. ~~ Benjamin Franklin
October 10, 1774	Battle of Point Pleasant WV; Americans win.
April 18, 1775	Paul Revere and William Dawes Ride. ~~ One if by land two if by sea.
April 19, 1775	Battles of Concord and Lexington; British retreat. British Gen. Pitcairn is dispatched to Massachusetts with 700 Red Coats to destroy military supplies at Concord and to kill Patriot leaders Sam Adams and John Hancock. By the rude bridge that arched the flood Their flag to April's breeze unfurled, Here once the embattle farmers stood, And fired the shot heard round the World. ~~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
May 10, 1775	Second Continental Congress Meets in Philadelphia. Congress decides to form the Continental army.
May 11, 1775	Battle of Crown Point; Green Mountain Boys & Ethan Allen attack the British Fort Ticonderoga near Lake Champlain and win.
June 15, 1775	Second Continental Congress names former British officer George Washington as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with. ~~ Gen. George Washington
June 17, 1775	Battle of Bunker Hill/Breed's Hill; Americans retreat. ~~ Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!
November 13 , 1775	The Patriots under Gen. Montgomery occupy Montreal, Canada.
November 28, 1775	The American Navy is established by Congress. Resolved, That a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible despatch, for a cruise of three months, and that the commander be instructed to cruize eastward, for intercepting such transports as may be laden with warlike stores and other supplies for our enemies, and for such other purposes as the Congress shall direct.
December 9, 1775	The Battle of Great Bridge VA; Americans win.
December 22, 1775	American Prohibitory Act; Parliament prohibits all British trade with the American colonies, all American ships and cargoes are subject to seizure.
December 25, 1775	The "Crown Post" closes throughout the United States.
December 31, 1775	American army invades Canada and tries to take Quebec but fails.
January 9, 1776	Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense. We have it in our power to begin the world anew...American shall make a stand, not for herself alone, but for the world.
February 27, 1776	Militia beat Tories at the battle of Moore's Creek Bridge, NC.
March 3, 1776	The Continental Fleet captures New Providence Island in the Bahamas.
March 4, 1776	Battle of Dorchester Heights, MA; British sail away. Henry Knox drags 50 cannons by sled over 300 miles to the hills overlooking the harbor. British General Howe Evacuates Boston and sails to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
July 4, 1776	Declaration of Independence. All men are created equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. ~~ Thomas Jefferson
July 9, 1776	Bowling Green NYC; a crowd of Americans topple, and smash the huge statue of King George III to pieces. The pieces are carted off and melted down into musket balls. We know the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong. Do you not think an angel rides in the whirlwind and directs this storm? ~~ John Page
August 22, 1776	30,000 British troops arrive in New York harbor. The enemy have now landed on Long Island and the hour is fast approaching on which the honor and success of his army and the safety of our bleeding country depend. Remember, officers and soldiers, that you are freemen fighting for the blessings of liberty; that slavery will be your portion and that of your posterity if you do not acquit yourselves like men. ~~ Gen. Washington
August 26-29, 1776	Battle of Long Island/Brooklyn Heights; Americans defeated. Washington weeps while watching through a spyglass as the British massacre Americans who have surrendered. But Washington often reminds his men that they are an army of liberty and freedom, and that the rights of humanity for which they are fighting should extend even to their enemies. Good God, what brave fellows I must this day lose! ~~ Gen. Washington Washington now changes tactics, avoiding large scale battles with the British by a series of retreats.
September 6, 1776	Connecticut inventor David Bushnell takes his submarine the Turtle into New York Harbor where Sergeant Ezra Lee tries to sink the HMS Eagle, flagship of the British Fleet, but fails.
September 15, 1776	The British occupy New York City.
September 16, 1776	Battle of Harlem Heights; British repulsed.
September 22, 1776	Lieutenant Nathan Hale is hanged. ~~ I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.
October 11, 1776	Battle of Valcour Bay; Americans Retreat. Brigadier General Benedict Arnold holds Fort Ticonderoga and the British invasion is halted.
October 28, 1776	Battle of White Plains, NY; Americans defeated.
November 16, 1776	British capture Fort Washington, NY and Fort Lee, NJ. These are the times that try men's' souls. ~~ Thomas Paine
December 6, 1776	The American naval base at Newport, RI, is captured by the British.
December 25 - January 3 1776-77	Crossing of the Delaware & Battles of Trenton and Princeton, NJ; Americans win. Its a fine fox hunt, boys! ~~ Gen. Washington
January 1777	Patriot winter Quarters at Morristown NJ.
April 26, 1777	Danbury CT; Burned by the British.
June 14, 1777	Congress declares that the flag of the United States will consist of thirteen alternating red and white stripes, and a blue field with thirteen white stars.
June 27, 1777	British Gen. Johnny Burgoyne arrives at Crown Point, NY.
July 5, 1777	Gen. Burgoyne captures Fort Ticonderoga.
July 27, 1777	Marquis de Lafayette arrives in Philadelphia.
July 29, 1777	Patriot Col. Peter Gansevoort reports that two young girls are scalped and killed while picking berries outside Fort Stanwix, NY.
August 3, 1777	Col. Gansevoort and the Americans hold Fort Schuyler in the Mohawk Valley.
August 6, 1777	Battle of Oriskany, NY; Americans retreat. British Lieutenant Colonel Barry St. Leger returns to Fort Oswego. The British army in the Mohawk Valley fails to keep its rendezvous with Gen. Burgoyne at Albany, a failure that will contribute to the British defeat at Saratoga, NY.
August 16, 1777	Battle of Bennington, VT; American Militia under General Stark crush the Hessians, Americans win.
August 23, 1777	Gen. Benedict Arnold captures Fort Stanwix, NY. British Major General William Howe's fleet arrives at Head of Elk, Maryland.
September 11, 1777	Battle of Brandywine Creek, PA ; Americans defeated. The moment I heard of America, I loved her; the moment I knew she was fighting for freedom, I burnt with a desire of bleeding for her. ~~ Marquis de Lafayette
September 16, 1777	Battle of the Clouds Lancaster, PA; Rain forces both sides to withdraw. Congress flees to Lancaster, PA and later to the more remote town of York.
September 19, 1777	Battle of Freeman's Farm Saratoga, NY; British hold the field. Patriot General Horatio Gates loses an indecisive battle, Colonel Daniel Morgan and his rifle regiment run low on ammunition and are outflanked, they must withdraw. Major General Benedict Arnold is relieved of command.
September 21, 1777	Paoli Massacre; No Flint Grey bayonets 53 Americans to death and bayonets or burns over 100 who try to surrender. For the rest of the war, the British fear that Gen. Mad Anthony Wayne will avenge the martyrs of Paoli, PA.
September 26, 1777	British under Gen. Howe occupy Philadelphia.
October 4, 1777	Battle of Germantown, PA; Americans retreat.
October 6, 1777	Battles of Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton; British General Henry Clinton attacks the Hudson Highlands, hoping to force a connection to Albany and relieve Gen. Burgoyne. British, Tory and Hessian troops overrun the forts, forcing both garrisons to surrender. NY Governor George Clinton, Col. John Lamb, and others flee in the chaos to avoid capture.
October 7, 1777	Battle of Bemis Heights Saratoga, NY; British run for the hills. Gen. Arnold sees an opportunity to seize the offensive while Gen. Burgoyne is vulnerable and leads a counterattack. The following night Gen. Burgoyne retreats to fortifications at Saratoga, NY, where the American force, which now numbers 20,000 surrounds the British force of 6,000.
October 16, 1777	Kingston, NY; burned by the British.
October 17, 1777	Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga ~~ Percy Moran Gen. Burgoyne surrenders. The ability of America's militiamen to come together quickly at a certain locale for a limited period of time was enough to confound and defeat the British.
November 15, 1777	Congress adopts the Articles of Confederation.
November 16, 1777	General Thomas Mifflin delays the British supply ships at Philadelphia on the Delaware river.
December 19, 1777	Encampment at Valley Forge for the Winter. You might have tracked the army from White Marsh to Valley Forge by the blood of their feet. ~~ Gen. Washington
December 21, 1777	Heartily wish myself at home, my Skin and eyes are almost spoil'd with continual smoke. A general cry thro' the Camp this Evening among the Soldiers, "No Meat! No Meat!" - the Distant vales Echo'd back the melancholy sound - "No Meat! No Meat!" Immitating the noise of Crows and Owls, also, made a part of confused Musick. What have you for your dinner boys? "Nothing but Fire Cake and Water, Sir." ~~ Albigence Waldo's Diary
February 6, 1778	Ben Franklin encourages France to sign The French Alliance with the United States. Thomas Jefferson persuades Virginia to end the importation of slaves.
February 23, 1778	Baron von Steuben of Prussia arrives at Valley Forge to join the Continental Army.
April 30, 1778	Polish military engineer Colonel Thaddeus Kosciuszko places a 500-yard 65 ton chain across the Hudson River between West Point and Constitution Island.
May 25, 1778	Battle of Freetown, MA; British retreat.
May 30, 1778	Cobleskill, NY; Burned by Chief Joseph Brant and 300 Iroquois Indians, 22 Continentals are ambushed and killed.
June 14, 1778	France declares war on Britain.
June 19, 1778	Evacuation of Valley Forge Winter Quarters.
June 28, 1778	Battle of Monmouth, NJ; Americans win. Molly Pitcher, wife of John Hayes, brings water to the troops from a nearby spring and takes over her husband's place at a cannon when he is wounded. Gen. Washington rides all over the field, sometimes under fire, and orders the Americans into a strong defensive line. Sir, they are able, and by God they shall do it! ~~ Gen. Washington
July 3, 1778	British Loyalist Tories and Indians massacre American settlers in the Wyoming Valley of northern Pennsylvania. Gen. Washington establishes West Point, NY as his headquarters.
November 11, 1778	Cherry Valley, NY; Tory Captain Walter Butler's regiment of rangers and Mohawk War Chief Joseph Brant attack the settlement, massacreing 47, including 32 noncombatants, mostly by tomahawk. November 13th. In the afternoon and morning of the 13th we sent out parties after the enemy withdrew; brought in the dead; such a shocking sight my eyes never beheld before of savage and brutal barbarity; to see the husband mourning over his dead wife with four dead children lying by her side, mangled, scalpt, and some their heads, some their legs and arms cut off, some torn the flesh off their bones by their dogs-12 of one family killed and four of them burnt in his house. ~~ Diary of Patriot Captain Benjamin Warren
November 16, 1778	I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way. ~~ John Paul Jones - letter to M. Le Ray de Chaumont
December 1778	Patriots winter encampment at Middlebrook NJ.
December 29, 1778	British take Savannah, GA.
January 1779	Lafayette goes to France to plead for help.
February 1779	I do solemnly declare that I did not put a single morsel of victuals into my mouth for four days and as many nights, except a little black birch bark which I gnawed off a stick of wood, if that can be called victuals. I saw several of the men roast their old shoes and eat them, and I was afterwards informed by one of the officers' waiters, that some of the officers killed and ate a favorite little dog that belonged to one of them. If this was not "suffering" I request to be informed what can pass under that name. If "suffering" like this did not "try men's souls," I confess that I do not know what could. ~~ Joseph Plumb Martin's Diary
February 14, 1779	Militia beat Tories at Kettle Creek, NC.
February 25, 1779	George Rogers Clark captures Vincennes, OH on the Wabash in the Western campaign.
March 3, 1779	Battle of Brier Creek GA; Americans defeated. General John Ashe flees the scene of the battle. Colonel Samuel Elbert and the Georgia militia defend the camp until almost all are dead.
May 10, 1779	American General Benedict Arnold offers to surrender West Point to British General Clinton for 10,000 pounds. Portsmouth and Norfolk, VA; burned by the British.
June 16, 1779	Spain declares war on Great Britain.
July 8, 1779	Fairfield, CT; burned by the British.
July 11, 1779	Bedford Village, NY; burned by British Col. Banastre Tarleton.
July 14, 1779	Tory Lt. Henry Hare and Sgt. Newbery of Butler's Rangers are captured and courtmartialed as spies. Both men are held responsible for their roles in the Cherry Valley Massacre, and are hanged at Canajoharie, NY.
August 28, 1779	Continental troops raid and burn the village of Chemung, NY.
August 29, 1779	Battle of Chemung, NY; Americans win. American Generals John Sullivan and James Clinton defeat the combined Indian and Loyalist forces at Elmira, NY. American troops then head northwest and destroy nearly 40 Cayuga and Seneca Indian villages in retaliation for the campaign of terror against American settlers.
September 23, 1779	John Paul Jones's Bonhomme Richard captures the British frigate Serapis off Flamborough Head. ~~ I have not yet begun to fight.
September 28, 1779	No Flint Grey kills 30 Americans by bayonet in the Tappan Massacre, River Vale, NJ. Samuel Huntington esq. is elected President of the Continental Congress.
October 17, 1779	Washington sets up winter quarters at Morristown, NJ, where his troops will suffer another harsh winter without desperately needed supplies, resulting in low morale, desertions and attempts at mutiny.
December 1779	Patriots winter encampment at Morristown NJ.
May 12, 1780	British take Charlestown, SC. Gen. Henry Clinton's capture of Charleston costs America 6,000 of her best troops, Clinton returns to New York City, leaving Lt. Gen. Charles Earl Cornwallis in charge.
May 20, 1780	Battle of Waxhaw Creek, SC; Americans defeated. British dragoons under Col. Banastre Tarlton kill 250 Virginians after Patriot Col. Abraham Buford surrenders.
June 1780	The Dutch Republic declares war on Great Britain.
June 20, 1780	Patriots rout Tories at Ramseur's Mill, NC.
June 23, 1780	Battle of Springfield, NJ; Americans win.
July 10, 1780	Expédition Particulière begins; French Lieutenant General Vicomte de Rochambeau arrives with a French Army of 5,500 men at Newport, Rhode Island to join the allied cause.
July 11, 1780	Norwalk, CT; burned by the British.
July 15-16, 1780	Mad Anthony Wayne captures Stony Point, NY; Americans win.
August 6, 1780	Battle of Hanging Rock, SC; Americans win.
August 8, 1780	Battle of Piqua, Ohio; George Rogers Clark defeates the Shawnee and Mingo Indians.
August 16, 1780	Battle of Camden, SC; Americans defeated by British Gen. Cornwallis. Gen. Gates suffers the worst battlefield disaster of the Revolution.
August 19, 1780	Light Horse Harry Lee attacks Paulus Hook, NJ, but has to retreat.
September 23, 1780	Benedict Arnold's plot to surrender West Point is foiled. British Loyalist Major John Andre is hanged as a spy at noon on October 2, 1780.
October 7, 1780	Battle of King's Mountain, SC; British defeated.
January 17, 1781	Battle of Cowpens, SC; British & Col. Tarleton defeated. A devil of a whipping. ~~ Gen. Daniel Morgan - the Old Wagoner
January - February 1781	Gen. Greene and Gen. Cornwallis race to the Dan River on the Virginia border. Cornwallis fails to catch up and Greene and Colonel Otho Williams cross the Dan River into Virginia on February 14.
February, 1781	Lafayette is ordered to Virginia to oppose British forces operating there under Benedict Arnold.
Febuary 25, 1781	Battle of Haw River, SC; Americans win. Gen. Lighthorse Harry Lee is mistaken for a Loyalist, he rides right up to the Tory lines and shakes Colonel Pyle's hand.
March 2, 1781	Articles of Confederation adopted by the United States Congress.
March 15, 1781	Battle of Guilford Court House, NC; Americans defeated. British victory is pyrrhic, his ranks depleted and his supplies exhausted, Cornwallis withdraws to Wilmington. I never saw such fighting, since God made me. ~~ Gen. Cornwallis Gen. Nathaniel Greene retreats to Speedwell's iron-works, on Troublesome Creek. We fight, get beat, rise, and fight again. ~~ Gen. Greene
April 20, 1781	Battle of Fort Watson, SC; British surrender. Lt. Col. Hezekiah Maham constructs a tower for the American troops to fire down into the fort.
May 10, 1781	Louisiana Spanish Governor Don Bernardo de Gálvez captures Pensacola and West Florida.
May 20, 1781	Gen. Cornwallis assumes overall command of all British forces in Virginia. His campaign of economic and military destruction begins.
May 21, 1781	Washington and Rochambeau meet at Wethersfield CT. A decision is made to attack New York City.
June 4, 1781	British forces under Col. Banastre Tarleton raid Charlottesville, VA, capturing several legislators, including Yorktown's Dudley Digges and Daniel Boone. Governor Thomas Jefferson escapes by hiding in the woods near Monticello.
June 6, 1781	British hold off Americans at Ninety Six, SC. Americans recapture Augusta, GA.
July 6, 1781	Battle of Greenspring, VA; Mad Anthony Wayne and his command are hemmed in by British Gen. Cornwallis near Jamestown, but he manages to escape with his men.
August 1, 1781	Cornwallis occupies Yorktown, VA, planning to use the port as his base for resupply as he continues his Virginia campaign.
August 4, 1781	Patriot Colonel Isaac Hayne is hung by a drumhead trial in Charleston SC.
August 14, 1781	Washington and Rochambeau abruptly change plans after receiving a letter from French Admiral Comte de Grasse. They leave White Plains, NY and begin their march to Yorktown VA.
August 25, 1781	French Admiral Comte de DeBarras leaves Newport, Rhode Island with supplies and heavy siege guns for the Patriot army.
August 29, 1781	French Admiral Comte de Grasse arrives; A powerful French fleet, 28 battleships, many support vessels and a 3,000 man army arives from the Caribbean and blockades the British naval force from entering the Chesapeake Bay.
August 31, 1781	British Admirals Graves and Hood take the British fleet out of New York and head for Virginia.
September 2-4, 1781	The Allied Army marches through Philadelphia, PA greeted with acclamation and joy.
September 5, 1781	The Second Battle of the Virginia Capes ~~ Zveg Battles of the Capes; British and French naval forces clash. Fleets maintain contact for several days. As the battle fleets are engaged, DeBarras and the supply fleet enter the Chesapeake Bay, and sail to the James River. Ultimately, Graves returns to New York for repairs, and DeGrasse returns to the Chesapeake Bay to resume the blockade.
September 6, 1781	Battle Of Groton Heights, CT; Americans defeated. 160 Patriots are bayoneted by the Red Coats under the command of British General Benedict Arnold. When Colonel Ledyard surrenders Fort Griswold, a British officer runs him through with his own sword. Freedman Lambo Latham, although injured, kills the British officer with his bayonet. He is then stabbed by British bayonets 33 times. If I have this day to lose either life or honor, you who know me best know which it will be. ~~ Patriot Col. William Ledyard New London, CT; burned by the British.
September 8, 1781	Battle of Eutaw Springs, SC; Americans win. Swamp Fox General Francis Marion surprises British Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Stewart. Hold up the glories of thy dead, Tell how thy elder children bled, And point to Eutaw's battle-bed. Carolina! Carolina! ~~ Henry Timrod
September 18, 1781	Washington, Rochambeau and Knox meet on DeGrasse's flagship, the Ville de Paris at Hampton Roads for a final strategy meeting.
September 20, 1781	Allied troops begin to arrive in Williamsburg, VA.
September 28, 1781	Allied troops, 17,000 strong, begin to arrive in Yorktown. With fav'ring breezes steer their way, And crowd with ships the spacious bay. Lo! Washington from northern shores, O'er many a region wheels his force, And Rochambeau with legions bright Descends in terror to the fight. ~~ John Trumbull
September 30, 1781	Gen. Washington sends Gen. de Choisy with Duke de Lauzun's Cavalry across the James River to keep Col. Tarltons' dragoons bottled up at Gloucester. Gen. Cornwallis orders the outer works to be abandoned under the cover of nightfall.
October 5, 1781	The Siege of Yorktown begins; We now began to make preparations for laying close siege to the enemy. We had holed him and nothing remained but to dig him out. Accordingly, after taking every precaution to prevent his escape, [we] settled our guards, provided fascines and gabions, made platforms for the batteries, to be laid down when needed, brought on our battering pieces, ammunition, &c. On the fifth of October we began to put our plans into execution. ~~ Joseph Plumb Martin
October 9, 1781	Gen. George Washington ~~ John Trumbull The bombardment of Yorktown begins; Comte de Saint-Simon's battery opens fire. About 3 o'clock P.M. the French opened a battery on our extreme left of Sixteen 12 pounders, and Six Morters and Howitzers and at 5 o'clock an American battery of Six 18s and 24s - four Morters and 2 Howitzers began to play from the extremity of our right. Both with good effect as they compelled the Enemy to withdraw from their ambrazures the Pieces which had previously kept up a constant firing. ~~ Gen. Washington's Diary
October 17, 1781	British drummers beat for a parley. We have been beating the bush and the General has come to catch the bird. ~~ Gen. Nathaniel Greene
October 19, 1781	Gen. Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown. If summer were spring and the other way round, Then all the world would be upside down. Cornwallis is so badly humiliated by the defeat that he does not attend the surrender ceremony. Instead Gen. Charles O'Hara presents the sword of surrender to French Gen. Rochambeau as if to snub the Americans, but Rochambeau directs O'Hara to Gen. Washington who directs O'Hara to Gen. Benjamin Lincoln. This effectively ends the American Revolution. The work is done, and well done. Bring me my horse. ~~ Gen. Washington
October 25, 1781	Gen. Washington's general orders declare that free blacks in the area in the wake of the battle of Yorktown should be left to go where they please.
October 30, 1781	Battle of Johnstown, NY; Marinus Willett's force of Continentals and Levies catches up with the raiding party led by Walter Butler. The fight seesaws through the streets of Johnstown; the Loyalists retreat, and are pursued by the Patriots. The two collide at a ford of West Canada Creek. During the skirmish, Walter Butler is shot through the head. The news of Butler's death is more momentous than the surrender at Yorktown.
November 1781	Gen. Nathaniel Greene clears the interior of South Carolina and Georgia of the British. It had been happy for me if I could have lived a private life in peace and plenty, enjoying all the happiness that results from a well-tempered society founded on mutual esteem. But the injury done my country, and the chains of slavery forging for all posterity, calls me forth to defend our common rights, and repel the bold invaders of the sons of freedom. ~~ Gen. Greene
April 16, 1782	Gen. Washington establishes American army headquarters at Newburgh, NY.
July 11, 1782	British troops leave Savannah, GA., troops leave Charleston, SC on December 18, 1782 and finally New York, NY on November 25, 1783. British military efforts now turn to resisting French and Spanish expansion.
November 30, 1782	British sign the Articles of Provisional Peace.
February 3, 1783	Spain recognizes the United States of America, followed later by Sweden, Denmark and Russia.
September 3, 1783	Treaty of Peace of Paris; Two years after the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, American and British delegations met in Paris to formalize Britain's recognition of the nascent United States of America.
December 4, 1783	General Washington bids his officers farewell at Fraunce's Tavern, New York, NY. With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your later days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable. ~~ Gen Washington