Chapter Ten
Here's the Story: Joe has barely begun his ride with Lockwood when the stories beging to spill. Joe's grandfather's horse herd has increased by virtue of "sharp" dealing with war victims' families. The desperation of the Patriot financial and supply situation is fully revealed for Joe when Lockwood admiots that local officials use their own money to support their employees. Meanwhile, Joe, unaccustomed to riding, struggles to stay aboard his borrowed mount.
Historical Background: A "grassroots" movement like the revolution has little to sustain itself in the long run. Men who outfitted militia regiments might not be so anxious to pay expenses in two years' time. Persons who travel to war today have electronic connection to sources of authority and money. As soon as persons in 1777 were long distances from home, their ability to purchase food, lodging, clothing, anything would diminish, eventually to nothing. Even mail depended on finding an unknown person already going in the needed direction. Sending someone money or food generally meant a friend or relative taking on the task and have the means to deliver. As Joe notices, "stealing" appeared to be the Patriot supply root system.
Vocabulary:TBD
Never Too Many Quotes: TBD
Questions:
1. Do the Patriots openly threaten the people?
2. Are the Patriots confiscating only from the Loyalists (the other side)?
3. Why has Joe has reached thirteen with no plan for adulthood?
4. How could Joe forget his grandfather so completely? He used to live with him.
Chapter Eleven
Here's the Story: Joe and Lockwood arrive at the artificer's camp, but Joe is quickly unhorsed. Lockwood explains the mysterious reason why an old pony bolted, once again related to Joe's grandfather confiscating horses for the army. Joe discovers both his beloved cousin, but also makes a snap decision to become a saddlemaker. Only a moment is needed before Joe sees this choice as a crucial way for him to rejoin his extended family. Still, only moments later, the three adults present solemnly agree that the Patriots would not have a chance against the British.
Historical Background: Captain Stone did indeed start up an artificer unit near Danbury in March of 1777. New wagons and harness required new horses. A horse would have to be about four byears old to have the strength and staying power to pull wagons long distances. The best choice would be horses already trained. Horses were expensive and rare in those days, so Mr. Knapp's idea of purchasing horses to rent out was sound. This was common before tractors came along. We might think that everyone had a horse in those days, but renting or leasing was common. The same with saddles and bridles. They needed to fit the specific horse: if you got a new horse, your equipment needed adjustments.
Vocabulary:
a fishy look: disbelieving "I told her I'd washed my hands, but my mother gave me a fishy look."
planks: slabs of wood "He laid two plans on sawhorses to make a workbench."
Never too many quotes:
Questions:
1. How does Joe feel when Lockwood tells him that he has the "right" to attend singing class?
2. How does this relate to finding out that Mr. Knapp's "rights" are limited even though no one actually threatens him or forces him into anything he doesn't want to do.
3. Does Joe act too hastily in deciding to be a saddler?
4. How long does it take nowadays to become a teacher or doctor or lawyer? Look in a community college catalog to see how long it takes to get certificates for different jobs.