Daily Thoughts from Our Founders: And Events from the Revolutionary War

By Dwight Crisp

Daily Thoughts From Our Founders is a daily reader for those interested in the American Founders and the Revolutionary War. For each day of the year there is a quotation from one of the Founders paired with an event from that day in the American Revolution.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Aug 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781543973341

Book preview

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Print ISBN 978-1-54397-333-4

eBook ISBN 978-1-54397-334-1

INTRODUCTION

January 1

January 2

January 3

January 4

January 5

January 6

January 7

January 8

January 9

January 10

January 11

January 12

January 13

January 14

January 15

January 16

January 17

January 18

January 19

January 20

January 21

January 22

January 23

January 24

January 25

January 26

January 27

January 28

January 29

January 30

January 31

February 1

February 2

February 3

February 4

February 5

February 6

February 7

February 8

February 9

February 10

February 11

February 12

February 13

February 14

February 15

February 16

February 17

February 18

February 19

February 20

February 21

February 22

February 23

February 24

February 25

February 26

February 27

February 28

February 29

March 1

March 2

March 3

March 4

March 5

March 6

March 7

March 8

March 9

March 10

March 11

March 12

March 13

March 14

March 15

March 16

March 17

March 18

March 19

March 20

March 21

March 22

March 23

March 24

March 25

March 26

March 27

March 28

March 29

March 30

March 31

April 1

April 2

April 3

April 4

April 5

April 6

April 7

April 8

April 9

April 10

April 11

April 12

April 13

April 14

April 15

April 16

April 17

April 18

April 19

April 20

April 21

April 22

April 23

April 24

April 25

April 26

April 27

April 28

April 29

April 30

May 1

May 2

May 3

May 4

May 5

May 6

May 7

May 8

May 9

May 10

May 11

May 12

May 13

May 14

May 15

May 16

May 17

May 18

May 19

May 20

May 21

May 22

May 23

May 24

May 25

May 26

May 27

May 28

May 29

May 30

May 31

June 1

June 2

June 3

June 4

June 5

June 6

June 7

June 8

June 9

June 10

June 11

June 12

June 13

June 14

June 15

June 16

June 17

June 18

June 19

June 20

June 21

June 22

June 23

June 24

June 25

June 26

June 27

June 28

June 29

June 30

July 1

July 2

July 3

July 4

July 5

July 6

July 7

July 8

July 9

July 10

July 11

July 12

July 13

July 14

July 15

July 16

July 17

July 18

July 19

July 20

July 21

July 22

July 23

July 24

July 25

July 26

July 27

July 28

July 29

July 30

July 31

August 1

August 2

August 3

August 4

August 5

August 6

August 7

August 8

August 9

August 10

August 11

August 12

August 13

August 14

August 15

August 16

August 17

August 18

August 19

August 20

August 21

August 22

August 23

August 24

August 25

August 26

August 27

August 28

August 29

August 30

August 31

September 1

September 2

September 3

September 4

September 5

September 6

September 7

September 8

September 9

September 10

September 11

September 12

September 13

September 14

September 15

September 16

September 17

September 18

September 19

September 20

September 21

September 22

September 23

September 24

September 25

September 26

September 27

September 28

September 29

September 30

October 1

October 2

October 3

October 4

October 5

October 6

October 7

October 8

October 9

October 10

October 11

October 12

October 13

October 14

October 15

October 16

October 17

October 18

October 19

October 20

October 21

October 22

October 23

October 24

October 25

October 26

October 27

October 28

October 29

October 30

October 31

November 1

November 2

November 3

November 4

November 5

November 6

November 7

November 8

November 9

November 10

November 11

November 12

November 13

November 14

November 15

November 16

November 17

November 18

November 19

November 20

November 21

November 22

November 23

November 24

November 25

November 26

November 27

November 28

November 29

November 30

December 1

December 2

December 3

December 4

December 5

December 6

December 7

December 8

December 9

December 10

December 11

December 12

December 13

December 14

December 15

December 16

December 17

December 18

December 19

December 20

December 21

December 22

December 23

December 24

December 25

December 26

December 27

December 28

December 29

December 30

December 31

BIBLIOGRAPHY

From the Author

As you read this book you will notice that the spellings of words, the phrasing of passages, the capitalizations, emphases and punctuation are not as we would use them today. These men wrote in 18th and early 19th century English but their words are such that I have endeavored with few exceptions to maintain them in exactly the form that I discovered them. Any mistakes in the quoted passages are my errors. 

- D. C. 

INTRODUCTION

It was the summer of 1776 and in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 56 British subjects cast off the yoke of George III, pledging their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to the more than six year struggle for American independence. In Daily Thoughts From Our Founders, these men express their passion for freedom, desire for liberty, frustration with the quest for independence and hopes for the future of the United States of America. Coupled with each quotation is a brief retelling of an event from the Revolutionary War that will further highlight the sacrifices and exertions made in breaking with Great Britain.

The men that founded America were both courageous and brilliant. In declaring independence they bravely challenged the most powerful nation on earth. In return, Great Britain was willing to spend blood and treasure to prevent the loss of her most precious possession. By ingeniously creating a system of divided government, with checks and balances one upon another, and ensuring the rule of law as opposed to that of men, the Founding Fathers brought forth the greatest nation the world has ever known. A nation made unique not by its inherent superiority but by its foundational dedication to freedom and liberty.

Daily Thoughts From Our Founders transmits the concepts, principles, hopes and dreams of the men that made the United States of America possible. It does this using their own words from the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Federalist Papers and the Antifederalist Papers as well as numerous letters and speeches. Nothing can communicate the fervent patriotism of the Founders quite like their own immortal words. 

Daily Thoughts From Our Founders also presents a concise history of the Revolutionary War. Each day of the year includes an event from the Revolutionary period. These episodes range from the great battles of the war to personal letters to actions of the Continental Congress. Through these events readers not only gain insight into the trials and tribulations of war, but the ebb and flow of the struggle for independence. 

Daily Thoughts From Our Founders is written in a concise, easy to read fashion. Patterned after the daily devotionals used by many Americans, this book is meant to be read in increments of approximately one minute. Each daily selection is fully sourced to allow the reader to discover each quotation in an extended context or dig deeper into an historical event if desired. Like any daily reader, this book is meant to be used over and over again. It is hoped that each reading can be informative, thought provoking and fresh day after day. 

January 1

New Year’s Day

Thought from the Founders

It is yet to be decided, whether the Revolution must ultimately be considered as a blessing or a curse – a blessing or a curse not to the present age alone, for with our fate will the destiny of unborn Millions be involved.

– George Washington, Circular to the States, June 8, 1783

On this Day in the American Revolution

In 1776 Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor of Virginia, arrives at Norfolk after fleeing the capital of Williamsburg. Outside of Norfolk he encounters Patriot militia and shots are exchanged. Lord Dunmore escapes to a British warship off the Virginia coast and then fires upon the town of Norfolk. This action angers the Patriots and they in turn retaliate against Loyalists in Norfolk the following day.

January 2

Thought from the Founders

The appointment to offices is, of all the functions of Republican & perhaps every other form of Government, the most difficult to guard against abuse. Give it to a numerous body, and you at once destroy all responsibility, and create a perpetual source of faction and corruption. Give it to the Executive wholly, and it may be made an engine of improper influence and favoritism.

– James Madison, Observations on Jefferson’s Draft of a Constitution for Virginia, October 15, 1788

On this Day in the American Revolution

In 1777 the British, under the command of Lord Cornwallis, march toward Trenton, New Jersey to attack the Continental army. General George Washington is in a difficult position. With the Delaware River blocking his retreat, Washington is unsure of what course he should pursue. However, when Cornwallis makes camp for the evening, rather than initiating an attack, Washington and his commanders hatch a plan which they will execute to perfection the following day.

January 3

Thought from the Founders

The plan of government now proposed is evidently calculated totally to change, in time, our condition as a people. Instead of being thirteen republics, under a federal head, it is clearly designed to make us one consolidated government. This consolidation of the states has been the object of several men in this country for some time past. Whether such a change can ever be effected in any manner; whether it can be effected without convulsions and civil wars; whether such a change will not totally destroy the liberties of this country — time only can determine.

– Letters from the Federal Farmer to the Republican, No. 1, October 8, 1787

On this Day in the American Revolution

In 1777 George Washington has his troops build up their camp fires and then move out under the cover of night. In near silence, the Continental army (many of them barefoot in the wintry conditions) marches in a circle around the main portion of Cornwallis’ army. Upon meeting a column attempting to join with Cornwallis, the Continental army quickly secures a victory at the Battle of Princeton, New Jersey.

January 4

Thought from the Founders

The science of government it is my duty to study, more than all other sciences; the arts of legislation and administration and negotiation, ought to take place of, indeed to exclude in a manner, all other arts. 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, Letter to his wife Abigail, 1780

On this Day in the American Revolution

In 1776 George Washington promises John Hancock, the President of Congress, that the Continental army will attack the British forces in Boston at the first moment I see a probability of success. Hancock is in favor of an attack on Boston even though it would most likely cause the substantial loss of his own property in the city.

January 5

Thought from the Founders

All men have a right to remain in a state of nature as long as they please; and in case of intolerable oppression, civil or religious, to leave the society they belong to, and enter into another.

– Samuel Adams, The Rights of the Colonists, 1772

On this Day in the American Revolution

In 1776 New Hampshire establishes a colonial government according to the recommendation of the Continental Congress. After the departure of Governor John Wentworth, the colonists of New Hampshire desired to form a government that would last until the unnatural state between the colonies and Great Britain was resolved. This was the first such government among the thirteen colonies.

January 6

Thought from the Founders

I doubt... whether any other convention... may be able to make a better Constitution; for, when you assemble a number of men, to have the advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble with those men all their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their local interests, and their selfish views. From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected? It therefore astonishes me, sir, to find this system approaching so near to perfection...

– Benjamin Franklin, From a speech at the Constitutional Convention, September 17, 1787

On this Day in the American Revolution

In 1777, after a string of successes, George Washington and his Continental army set up winter camp in Morristown, New Jersey. Washington picks as his headquarters the Arnold Tavern. Morristown turns out to be well suited for Washington’s purpose by allowing him a defensive position, time to train his army and the opportunity to harass the enemy.

January 7

Thought from the Founders

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

– The Declaration of Independence

On this Day in the American Revolution

In 1776, in Philadelphia, Samuel Adams writes a letter to James Warren urging the concept of independence. Going beyond independence, Adams also desires an alliance among the disparate colonies, writing that the concept of a confederation among the colonies is not dead, but sleepeth.

January 8

Thought from the Founders

When men are free from restraint, how long will you suspend their fury? The interval between this and bloodshed is but a moment. The licentious and wicked of the community will seize with avidity every thing you hold. In this unhappy situation, what is to be done? It surpasses my stock of wisdom. If you will, in the language of freemen, stipulate that there are rights which no man under heaven can take from you, you shall have me going along with you; not otherwise.

– Patrick Henry, from a speech at the Virginia Ratifying Convention, June 24, 1788

On this Day in the American Revolution

In 1777 King Louis XVI of France writes a letter to the King of Spain, Charles III. In the letter Louis XVI declares his intention to engage in talks with American representatives and to prevent the colonies from being recovered by Great Britain. The French king signals this intent knowing that the British retain control of the seas and will make any aid quite difficult for France.

January 9

Thought from the Founders

We have spent the prime of our lives in procuring [young men] the precious blessing of liberty. Let them spend theirs in shewing that it is the great parent of science and of virtue; and that a nation will be great in both always in proportion as it is free.

– Thomas Jefferson, Letter to Joseph Williard, March 24, 1789

On this Day in the American Revolution

In 1776 the Continental Congress resolves that no postage is to be required for any letters addressed to or sent by any private soldiers while engaged in actual service in the defence of the United Colonies.

January 10

Thought from the Founders

Every quiet method for peace hath been ineffectual. Our prayers have been rejected with disdain; and only tended to convince us, that nothing flatters vanity, or confirms obstinacy in kings more than repeated petitioning — and nothing hath contributed more than that very measure to make the kings of Europe absolute: Witness Denmark and Sweden. Wherefore since nothing but blows will do, for God’s sake, let us come to a final separation, and not leave the next generation to be cutting throats, under the violated unmeaning names of parent and child.

– Thomas Paine, Common Sense

On this Day in the American Revolution

In 1776 Thomas Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense is published. This pamphlet, published anonymously, is both widely read by Americans and very instrumental in urging the colonists to take action against Great Britain. It is interesting to note that Paine, one of the most ardent advocates for American independence from Great Britain, is himself a recent immigrant from England.

January 11

Thought from the Founders

I am sincerely one of those [who still wish for reunion with their parent country], and would rather be in dependence on Great Britain, properly limited, than on any nation upon earth, or than on no nation. But I am one of those, too, who rather than submit to the rights of legislating for us, assumed by the British parliament...would lend my hand to sink the whole island in the ocean.

– Thomas Jefferson, Letter to John Randolph, August 25, 1775

On this Day in the American Revolution

In 1777 the Continental Congress is advised that several people, not disposed to the American side of the war, have found their way into jobs as deputy postmasters and post riders. Congress resolves to inquire into this and asks that a list of all postal employees with questionable loyalties be created for the review of Congress.

January 12

Thought from the Founders

I can truly say, that the first wish of my soul is to return speedily into the bosom of that country, which gave me birth, and, in the sweet enjoyment of domestic happiness and the company of a few friends, to end my days in quiet, when I shall be called from this stage.

– George Washington, Letter to Archibald Cary, June 15, 1782

On this Day in the American Revolution

In 1778 George Washington pens a letter to Patrick Henry. In the letter Washington laments that the number of representatives at Congress has dwindled to 21. He then relates the state of the Northern army, which in the eyes of one senior commander, is a mob. Furthermore, medical facilities are such that more soldiers die in hospitals every month than were killed in battle during the previous campaign.

January 13

Thought from the Founders

The utopian schemes of leveling[sic], and a community of goods, are as visionary and impracticable as those which vest all property in the Crown [these ideas] are arbitrary, despotic, and, in our government, unconstitutional.

– Samuel Adams

On this Day in the American