07/04/2024
A message from our COO, Michelle Murray:
Happy Independence Day, America!
On this day in 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. The American Revolution was principally caused by colonial opposition to British attempts to impose greater control over the colonies and to make them repay the crown for its defense of them during the French and Indian War.
Our American forefathers argued that George III had no real power over the American colonies. By taking a stand against the tyranny of the king, the Americans sought to gain the sympathy of the British people. The colonists also argued that they had no representation in Parliament, and therefore Britain should not tax them.
My great-great-great grandfather, Peter Townsend, fought in the American Revolution. He was the fifth generation of our family born in the American colonies after his great-great-great grandfather James Townsend left Norfolk, England to pursue the life of a Quaker.
Today, I remember his service to this nation, and the service of his brothers who also fought in the American Revolution: Thomas, Andrew, Robert, Solomon, Henry and Samuel. Their father, Repentance, in his sixties at the time of the war, helped keep the troops fed and supplied with a “Brown Bess,” throughout about 1777. The “Brown Bess” was a British musket that fired a single shot with multiple projectiles. It was basically a pre-cursor to the modern shotgun. Henry’s sister, Hannah, served selflessly by nursing the wounded and comforting families of the fallen, as did her mother, Mary.
I am thankful they all put the nation above self, or we would not be here today. Neither you, nor I. Not as Americans at least…
The reasons Britain lost the war are many, but primary are weak and incompetent military and political leadership, which meant the British were unprepared to fight a war in 1775. They lacked naval and military strength with too few frigates. They also lacked full naval mobilization until 1778. Also prominent were incompetent commanders and rivalries in their Navy and Army, like Lord North, Keppel and Howe.
In 1783, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, the United States formally became an independent nation. But the date that we most associate with our independence is when those in the Continental Congress were brave enough to officially declare it to the world—July 4, 1776.
They were quickly tested, but walked in faith. They knew well that freedom was not free. People gave their life in defense of this nation so that you and I would not be forced to live under tyrannical conditions.
I am ever so thankful to my great-great-great-great grandfather for bravely raising his musket and declaring “Not on my watch.” I am thankful and feel blessed to be an American, and I hope the same is true for you.
