Chapter Text
It was September 26, 1777 and all I could think was, “Does this mean it’s the end?” as I held the urgent message for Father in my trembling hand. I was in the parlor reading a section of Rousseau’s Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men, when the messenger galloped fiercely toward the house. Jonas, one of my father’s slaves, was the one who inquired with the young man who gave him the letter and rode hard toward the village. As I stepped
out outside Jonas brought the letter to me. “An urgent message for Master John, Miss Kate,” he said handing me the message. Jonas’ voice sounded concerned as to the contents of the letter. “Thank you, Jonas.” I said as I took the letter from him and returned inside the house. Something of this urgency must have be important so, naturally, I read the message for myself.
Brother, news from the war front. you know, General Washington was defeated on the eleventh at Brandywine. Subsequent defeat followed and now the King's men are on Philadelphia’s doorstep. Congress has fled the city. By the time you receive this, General Howe is marching into Philadelphia unopposed. Perhaps now peace can be established with the Rebels. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Business must continue as scheduled.
William.
The last few lines were a blur as I had my ardent attention on the line, “I am afraid our brave and noble cause is all but lost.” Can it be? Traditional methods of war dictates that when the capital city of either force is captured by the enemy force, the war is over and the conqueror victorious. But this is not traditional war and Washington lives. I folded the letter and placed it on the table in the parlor. I slumped down into the corner chair where I was reading before. I sat there for I don’t know how long waiting for Father, Anne, and Bess to return from town to our farm that was merely ten miles from Philadelphia and the British.