American Stories: When in the Course of human events…

November 5, 2024 happened. It is time. God answered the prayers and groanings of His faithful as well as all MAGA supporters with an intervention. We start this story by going back in history to build the foundation. It was also a time of God’s intervention into human events.

Most people ignore or gloss over what transpired with the negotiations and collective agreement of the content that is stated in the Declaration of Independence. They acknowledge its importance, just do not really pay much attention to how it came to be. The vast majority of Americans are clueless as to its content and relevance to life in America today, nearly 250 years later.

Instead of spending time on discussing the Declaration’s content, I have posted a link below. As an American you owe it to yourself and your country to study the Declaration of Independence and Constitution as if your life on this planet depended upon it. Your children and grandchildren should be taught its content and importance; do not count on the schools to do so. If you are unfamiliar or need a reminder, please read it because my story is about some of the people who conceived, executed and risked all for the contents of that critical document that led to the establishment of the United States of America.

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

What was the foundational concept of the Declaration? It was a Biblically inspired belief in the natural rights of mankind as expressed in the document itself. What was the background of the signers in regards to this belief system? From the following link,

comes this statement.

“Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration, the great majority, perhaps all, identified themselves as Christians, and all but one were Protestants. Four were either present or former ministers, and a number of the signers were the sons of clergy. At least half of them had studied “divinity” at their various universities.  The denominations breakdown runs as follows: 32 of the signers, well over half, were Episcopalians, or Anglicans, the old state Church of England. There were 13 Congregationalists, 12 were Presbyterians. There were two Quakers, two Unitarians, and one Roman Catholic.“

If that statement is correct and I have no reason to believe it is not, we can clearly determine that Biblical faith formed the basis of their world view as well as that of the future nation.

The ensuing implementation of the Declaration led to war, lost battles and this…

https://www.nps.gov/vafo/learn/historyculture/valley-forge-history-and-significance.htm

Which eventually led to this…

https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/spotlight-primary-source/surrender-british-general-cornwallis-americans-october

I hope you have reacquainted yourself with the document and the period in this brief tour of American history at its founding. I contend that it is that same American spirit that charges through the words of the Declaration of Independence that led to the greatest, ongoing experiment in national governance in world history. It is a spirit that is very much alive and expressed by the massive America First MAGA movement today, whose spirit is spreading like wildfire worldwide.

Not all of the 56 signers were present during the discussions and negotiations that surrounded the production of the document. They signed on anyway. They knew what was at stake and agreed in principle with the contents of the document. In this series we are going to dig down into understanding their roles and who many of them were as human beings. We need to personally identify with their commitment such that we may be emboldened to go and do likewise. This series will focus on many of these brave patriots.

Hint: They acted a lot like many America First MAGA patriots do today. Quite a few were from wealth and dignified. A handful were truly messed up people. Others were heroic and inspirational. Some were bombastic and others were pensive. A large number were highly educated and accomplished. Others were less educated, yet enlightened and committed to the cause. Blended together they gave us the foundational start for a truly blessed nation.

John Hancock

The signature of the first to execute it, John Hancock from Massachusetts, was the most flamboyant and recognizable of all. It reflected his popularity during that day. He was orphaned as a youth and adopted by a wealthy merchant uncle. He interned in the business, graduated from Harvard College at 17 and eventually inherited a vast wealth when his uncle died in 1763. The assets were said to be the largest in all of New England. Prior to the rise of the American patriots; that wealthy, elite standing would have placed him in the midst of the society of British loyalists in the colonies. However, John Hancock rejected that standing as time moved on and joined the independence movement. He was in the company of John and Samuel Adams, the latter being a political mentor, while becoming deeply involved in the republican movement in New England. In 1768, his sloop the Liberty was impounded by the British for allegedly carrying contraband. This accusation inspired a large group of local patriots to storm the customs post, burn the government’s boat and beat up its officers. The officers retreated to a British ship offshore. It was not long afterwards that Hancock helped lead and strongly support the Boston Tea Party.

When Peyton Randolph resigned from the Continental Congress in 1776, Hancock became President. England decreed a large reward for his capture and other patriot leaders later that year. Hancock’s comments upon signing the Declaration with large, easy to read handwriting were, “The British ministry can read that name without spectacles, let them double their reward.” One who had so much to lose, who could have easily gone along to get along; gave without reservation to America and his fellow patriots.

It was a big 🖕 you to the oppressors of the colonists. A spirit that has long prevailed in our nation.

What is not discussed much in historical accounts is all of the relationships, entanglements, misfortunes, twists and turns of the life of this as well as many other patriots. Some historians suggest Hancock was disappointed that Washington was given command of the Continental Army. Yet, we know that he held great respect for Washington and the two worked well together in the affairs of the young nation. What was true by this point was that his mentor from the early days, Samuel Adams, had soured on Hancock as he considered him vain and extravagant, unbecoming of a republican leader. Despite his wealth suffering from the war, Hancock always gave greatly to the poor and needy. He was generous to so many and the people idolized him.

His political career was a picture of ups and downs, as were his military leadership skills during the war. Yet, his reputation and support never really suffered for it. Throughout the war period he was loved and was elected governor of Massachusetts in 1780 with over 90% of the vote. He served terms there as well as being elected as a delegate to the Philadelphia Convention among other elected posts.

There have been many supporters and many detractors of Hancock that continued over the 2+ centuries that have followed; owed in large part because he did not leave much in the way of journals or letters for historians to use to make their assessments. Obviously, too much that has been stated about him came from information gained from his detractors as they were not shy in writing their commentaries (much like today). What he did have that could never be discarded or ignored was the overwhelming support of We the People (sound familiar?).

Despite his wealth and societal acceptance, he chose to give his all for America. He cast off the British crown and became an American patriot. Well before the war he had married into the politically prominent Quincy family with whom he had two children. He died in 1793 at 56 years old with his loyal wife, Dorothy, by his bedside. He had suffered from gout most of his life and it eventually led to his death. Even Samuel Adams, the acting Governor, reconciled to the greatness of the man as he led the efforts to provide a lavish funeral and declared its day a state holiday.

Guess Who?

Shall we step into the shoes of the next founding father?

You have lived a life of wealth and privilege as a 4th generation colonist with deep British roots. You are a graduate of Yale and have numerous real estate and business holdings that you received as inheritance. Your ancestors had immigrated to America and built the family’s business empire as loyal British subjects. Over the years as they passed away this led to you assuming control as an adult. You marry Mary Walton of the prominent merchant Walton family. You expand your family’s holdings and eventually become the 8th colonial governor of New Jersey. Local residents in one area even name a town after you. Life has been exceptionally good, but now you are faced with a difficult decision that will have lasting consequences on not only you and your family, but on your fellow colonists. The rulers of the colonies have ordered your vast property holdings and real estate development interests to be seized. However, they tell you that if you decline to vote for liberty that your holdings will be spared and life can go on as it has been. This is an offer that is extended as a courtesy due to your great grandfather and his brother having served with honor and high rank in Cromwell’s army in the English Civil War in the previous century; which eventually led to similar military involvement currently with a brother and half brother located in the colonies. They know your decision will be one of great influence on your fellow restless, angry colonists.

With all of this family history, work, and social standing you respond to the offer with, “There are plenty of homes but only one country.” To summarize – 🖕Brits.

It does not stop there. Your brother who is a General in the British army follows up and tells you not to not sign that document or you will lose everything. Your half-brother, Gouverneur Morris, does likewise even though he sides with the colonists. You hesitate after the safety of your family becomes a question. Once reassured by General Washington that they will be safe and it comes time to sign or walk away you respond with, “Damn the consequences. Give me the pen.” Once again – a big🖕Brits. Your family of a wife and ten children are driven into exile.

You then proceed to lose all of your property holdings and money in the exchange from the sacrifices of war.

Over time you become a hero and icon in the Revolutionary War and legislature that leads to your nation’s founding. You first give up your seat in the Continental Congress to your brother, Gouverneur, and become a General in the Continental Army under Washington. In 1777 you also return to roles in governance in the New York legislature and later become a county judge. After the war you return to your 2000 acre farm and begin the process of restoring what had been burned down by the Brits. Over time three of your sons join the military and become officers; a General, a Colonel and a Lieutenant. They later go on to serve with honor and distinction in the War of 1812.

You continue to serve your nation until your death in 1798 at age 71. Prior to your death in 1790 you offer your land as the site to house the U. S. Capital. It is now part of the South Bronx neighborhood known as Morrisania. Upon your death you are buried in the family vault on the property of St. Anne’s Church in the Bronx.

Your name is Lewis Morris of Bronx County, New York, a legendary American patriot.

Thomas Lynch, Jr.

I am sure some are asking, “Who?” Other than reading his signature on the document, most probably know very little about him. Yet, this young patriot contributed during a critical time in the lead up to the war in important ways that cannot be easily measured. His efforts had very little to do with military exploits on the battlefield. His gifts were of persuasion and concern for family and countrymen. He did his thing, after which, he disappeared.

Yes, there is more, a mixed bag like all of us. Privilege, good deeds and decisions, love, suffering, sorrow, poor decisions, and tragedy are in his story.

Thomas Lynch, Jr. was born in the Georgetown, SC area in 1749 on the Hopsewee Plantation his family owned. He was sent to England to study at Cambridge University, graduated and stayed to study law. After eight years away he returned home in 1772 and married Paige Shubrick, whom he courted prior to going to England. He was active in the family’s plantation operations as a planter, having no interest in going into law despite his education. He became politically engaged immediately as his father was a noted patriot in the independence movement who later signed on the Continental Association. His father had a serious stroke while serving in this role, so at age 26, young Lewis stepped in as a representative of the Continental Congress.

Upon his return to South Carolina and with independence in the wind, he was soon commissioned a captain and company commander in the South Carolina First Regiment under famous Col. Thomas Pinckney. He recruited men from his region to join the unit.

https://www.carolana.com/SC/Revolution/patriots_sc_capt_thomas_lynch_jr.html

Unfortunately, while in his role with the regiment he soon fell ill from bilious fever (tick bite) before he could take full command of the unit he had recruited for the war effort. He never fully recovered. News soon came that his father’s health was again severely declining and he received permission to go to Philadelphia as a representative of the state where his father was serving in the Continental Congress. This led to him at age 27 to become the youngest signer on the Declaration of Independence as he stepped into his father’s role once again. While still there he made a fierce defense for the use of slaves on the plantations and threatened South Carolina’s secession if there were illegal attempts to end the practice. Later that year as he and his father made their way home, his father passed away from a second stroke.

Lynch stayed in South Carolina and lived with his wife at their Peachtree Plantation in the South Santee River area, one of three he owned. His health continued to be a lingering, serious problem. He and his wife took the advice of friends to relocate to Europe to see if a different environment might help. With the young nation still at war they could not leave through normal sea routes, so they chose to travel to the West Indies first. From there they planned to travel to Europe. They left for the destination on the brigantine, Polly, on December 17, 1779. They never arrived. The ship, crew and passengers were never heard from again. After becoming the youngest of the Declaration signers, at age 30, Thomas Lynch, Jr. became the youngest of the signers to die.

Lynch’s contributions beyond those stated above were his passion and ability to encourage others in the patriotic pursuit of independence. He was a brilliant orator and motivator of the people. He was aware of his impact on others and served as an inspiration to the people who knew him during the fight for independence.

Common Themes

Throughout this series you will note common themes. In this part and as will also be present in others; each of these colonists became American heroes at a critical juncture in our nation’s formation. These and many other signers first arrived on this planet from families that came from wealth and strongly rooted British backgrounds. They were privileged with strong educational training. They were disciplined in their pursuits. They had advantages that average colonists would never experience. However, this was important in the organization of the young nation. Their understanding of law, governance and industry while embracing the principles of natural rights, liberty and freedom would serve the needs of We the People well.

Yet, all three in this story as well as the other signers rejected the haughty attitudes of the Brits and loyalists with whom they had lived for so long and maintained relations. The interconnections from long held family relationships had proven very difficult to navigate. All three in this story chose a different path for themselves and their fellow colonists. They did so without reservation and remained faithful to the pursuit of freedom until death. Their devoted spouses were at their side when each passed away. The newly formed states of their origins proudly memorialized their contributions, which still affect the course of our nation today.

These were three American heroes who gave their all for their fellow Americans in the spirit of the words in the founding document they all signed in defiance of their oppressors. May we go and do likewise.

God bless America.