Chapter 6
Here’s the Story:
Joe finds Lockwood and tries to extract information about the Patriots' real situation. The answers do not look good. Now Joe knows that his father may have been right all along. Joe bites back his resentment at Lockwood's remarks about his father because he needs Lockwood to choose a trade. Joe sucks it up and makes nice. Both Joe and Lockwood feel that secrets were told that should have remained secret. Lockwood says it will be easier for Joe to choose a trade if they both go to an army camp. Then reality strikes: Joe has no animal to ride on the journey.
Historical Background: General Washington truly feared British coming upo the Hudson River. He frequently mentioned sending troops to Peekskill. British trops and boats always moved about. As time went on, he mentioned it over and over. In the meantime, spies were everywhere. As were people pretending to be spies: information copuld be bought and sold.
Never enough quotes:
To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 2 May 1777
I most sincerely lament the great inattention and indifference that appears among the People in general about the recruiting the Army. I live in hopes that a better Spirit will prevail soon—if not I hope the drafting from the Militia and exempting all those from the Militia service that procures a recruit will go near to fill the Army.
General George Washington To CT Governor Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. Head Quarters Morris Town 29th March 1777
I yesterday received information from an intelligent Gentleman who says “The Enemy are steering off, first on to Staten Island, and then to New York—Last Sunday, at least, 2,000 crossed on to the Island, and I believe are there yet.
Vocabulary
mare: a female horse “That mare has a long mane and tail.”
dour: giving a sad or bitter impression “A dour look indicates lack of joy.”
flint: a stone that strike sparks; used in old-fashioned guns “If you don’t have a flint, your gun won’t fire!”
Questions
- Joe had never thought of what he would do as an adult. Have you?
- Name all the jobs we have now that didn't exist during the Revolution
- Does it sound as if Lockwood believes the idea of an invasion?
Chapter 7
Here’s the Story:
Joe Hamilton reveals his plan to visit the artificer camp. His father agrees, but rolls on into more criticism of Lambert LockwoodJoe’s compliments to his mother extract strange threads of anger, directed not at Joe, but at his father. When Joe asks about ponies he might borrow, his parents insist he asks the Knapps, the landlord’s family next door. An angry Joe feels that Sarah Knapp is no longer a friend, as she has not spoken to him for months. Sarah and Joe used to ride together, something Joe remembers as a happy time.
What was going on at the time: The Continental Army recognized that logistics were the answer to their problems and prayers. Why had all the planning gone so wrong in 1776? What root cause kept men from wanting to join the army?
Vocabulary
cloven hoof: cattle, pigs, and many other animals do not have single hooves like horses have. “An ox shoe has two parts because cattle have cloven hooves.”
profiteers: persons who make money during wars while using methods that would be illegal in peacetime “The money for clothing was used up by profiteers.”
inheritance: money left by someone who has died “That mare cost his whole inheritance.”
Questions
- Should Joe have explained quietly that he has no idea what happened with Sarah?
- What if Joe can’t find an animal to ride? It's deeply important to him to go to the artificer camp.... What should he do?
- How do you act in the face of parental discord. Do you ignore it? Does it bother you?
