In the bitter December of 1776, Thomas Paine wrote the article, "The American Crisis No. 1" to rally the people of the colonies in support of the American revolution. The previous January, as the British battered the Massachusetts militia in and around Boston, Paine had written a pamphlet titled, "Common Sense" to alert all the American colonies to the threat of tyranny. By the following December the war had spread to New York and other New England colonies. The troops were starving and freezing and were not receiving the support of the colonies because there was no central government to facilitate the process of levying taxes to pay for the war. It was up to the people of each colony to send whatever support they might, whether in the form of troops, food, weapons, uniforms or financial aid. Those colonies that were not suffering didn't feel the intense motivation that others in war-battered areas did.
As Paine traveled with the troops, he saw the need for a great outpouring of public support and penned the following masterful words on the head of a drum. Washington read it to his men before the fateful crossing of the Delaware river.
As Paine traveled with the troops, he saw the need for a great outpouring of public support and penned the following masterful words on the head of a drum. Washington read it to his men before the fateful crossing of the Delaware river.
It should be noted that Washington and the many valiant and courageous men who fought, still had seven more years of fighting before the war would finally end in 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. How can we every really appreciate the kind of conviction these people had to have or the price they paid for our freedom? I personally do not fully comprehend it, but by reading their words and studying their lives, I try.
Let me share some of Paine’s thoughts on the American Crisis:
“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 their 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; it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated...”
“Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it. Say not that thousands are gone; turn out your tens of thousands; throw not the burden of the day upon Providence, but “show your faith by your works,” that God may bless you.”
Happy Independence Day everyone!
