NATIONAL CONSTITUTION PARTY CHAIRMAN

Justin Magill

Patrick Henry, one of the most well-known of our Founding Fathers, recognized early on what was at issue with British rule in the colonies.

In the 1763 Parson’s Cause dispute, Henry outlined the limits of King and Parliament’s authority in the colonies and the right to self-rule.

When the Stamp act was passed in 1765, Henry proposed five resolutions in the House of Burgess that affirmatively declared the right of the colonies to self-govern, and the limits of King and Parliament.

As things with England deteriorated over the next decade, Patrick Henry continued to be outspoken about the rights of the colonists being abused by British government. When things in Boston and throughout the northeast were reaching crisis in 1775, the Second Virginia Convention met. Patrick Henry proposed a plan of military preparedness for the inevitable war ahead.

Henry’s foresight was met with pushback by those who wanted to hold out for a peaceful resolution to the conflict with England. It is at this juncture that Patrick Henry’s famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech swayed the majority and helped prepare Virginia for what followed shortly thereafter. It is arguably the tipping point where all of the colonies started to become resolute in their preparations for the war ahead.

Patrick Henry’s call to support the other colonies under attack by the British demonstrates the understanding that he had that they must fight for each other if any of them were going to succeed.

“The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle?”

If we are to succeed in our cause to bring liberty back to these united States, we must be mindful that we are fighting for all our fellow Citizens and for our posterity. And we need to understand that we must be active now; to delay may be too late.

Patrick Henry gave his historic speech at Saint John’s Church on March 23, 1775.

“Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

Will you join us?

“But pardon me, my fellow citizens, I know you want not zeal or fortitude. You will maintain your rights or perish in the generous struggle. However, difficult the combat, you never will decline it when freedom is the prize.”

Dr. Joseph Warren, Boston, 6 March 1775

Read Patrick Henry’s famous speech, as reported by William Wirt. Delivered at the Second Virginia Convention, 23 March 1775.

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CONSTITUTION PARTY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

Justin Magill

The British Parliament passed the Stamp Act on 22 March 1765. The Act imposed a tax on legal and commercial paperwork as well as on newspapers and other distributed writings. It was intended to raise revenue for war debts by a tax that colonists could not avoid. The colonial legislatures were given no say in this tax, and offenders could be tried in courts of Admiralty, without rights to a jury or witnesses.

These taxes were imposed only on the British subjects in the North American colonies and not on other British subjects, which effectively treated the colonists as second class citizens. The American Colonies were not represented in Parliament, and they declared it to be unconstitutional for such taxes to be imposed on them without their consent or the consent of their representatives. “No taxation without representation” is a phrase we have all heard which reflects the battle they faced.

The treatment the Founders suffered, at the hands of a government they had no say in, became the major issue that drove the American Revolution. Even those who sought peace with England until the very end, had to acknowledge that returning to peace with King and Parliament would mean bowing down to any tax or restriction they might choose to put on the colonies.

Our right to self-govern has been abdicated by many current citizens who have become too lazy or too ignorant to do the hard work of keeping our public functionaries in line. When citizens abdicate government actors are only too willing to take control.

Are you going to your municipal meetings?

Together we can make 2026 the Tipping Point where America returns to the Fundamental Principles of Liberty and Self-governance that made it great.

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CONSTITUTION PARTY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

Justin Magill

Road to Independence Dateline: 17June 1775, Boston, Massachusetts

The British troops in Boston are surrounded by the colonial militia which would become the continental army. The British plans to break out of Boston were found out by the American leaders. The colonials pushed in towards Boston and in one night reinforced Breeds Hill. General Gage knew he must act quickly and he prepares his generals for an attack on the redoubt on Breeds Hill. The British Generals expected little resistance from the colonials, expecting them to turn and run when attacked.

The colonists, however, proved to be more determined and better led than had been anticipated. The famed order, “Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes”, indicates the directions given by the colonial leaders to allow the British troops to get close before firing, thereby increasing the effectiveness of their fire. The colonists demonstrated great courage in allowing these trained soldiers to march up close before engaging, and by staying in the fight until the ammunition began giving out. The Americans fought hand-to-hand at the end and faced the enemy up close and personal.

The battle was a victory for the British, in that they drove the colonists back, but the British suffered more than twice the number of losses. This David versus Goliath story emboldened the colonies in their struggle for freedom and individual rights. A couple short weeks later, George Washington assumed control of the military and began the Revolutionary War in earnest. There was no turning back at that point.

JOIN THE FIGHT

SUPPORT THE RESTORATION OF LIBERTY

Link to the Story of the Battle of Bunker Hill

The post The First Major Battle of the American Revolution appeared first on Constitution Party.

CONSTITUTION PARTY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

Justin Magill

Road to Independence Dateline: 17 June 1775, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

George Washington was chosen this day to lead the Continental forces against the British.

Washington’s selection as the Commander & Chief was not a foregone conclusion and there were several others who expected to receive the appointment. However, George Washington’s nomination was unanimously approved by the Continental Congress. A sum of $500 per month was established to pay the Commander & Chief, but Washington refused pay, asking only that his expenses be reimbursed.

Washington did not seek this position, but he was one of the few men suited for this position; both in military experience and in his place and position as a wealthy Virginia leader. His selection to lead the colonial army, let everyone know that the colonies were behind Massachusetts in its struggle with the king. His steady leadership through the war brought about the impossible victory over the world’s greatest military of the time.

George Washington received his commission as General and Commander and Chief on June 19, 1775, and resigned it on December 23, 1783 after the war. His willingness to resign from such a powerful position has resonated with Americans for generations.

See the words of the commission below from the American Battlefield Trust.

The Continental Congress appoints George Washington as Commander and Chief of the Continental Army:

Members of Congress convened: 

The delegates of the United Colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New Castle Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina

To George Washington Esquire

We reposing especial trust and confidence in your patriotism, conduct and fidelity Do by these presents constitute and appoint you to be General and Commander in chief of the army of the United Colonies and of all the forces raised or to be raised by them and of all others who shall voluntarily offer their service and join the said army for the defence of American Liberty and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof And you are hereby vested with full power and authority to act as you shall think for the good and Welfare of the service.

And we do hereby strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders & diligent in the exercise of their several duties. And we do also enjoin and require you to be careful in executing the great trust reposed in you, by causing strict discipline and order to be observed in the army and that the soldiers are duly exercised and provided with all convenient necessaries.

And you are to regulate your conduct in every respect by the rules and discipline of war (as herewith given you) and punctually to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the said United Colonies or a committee of Congress for that purpose appointed.

This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this or a future Congress.

By order of the Congress,

John Hancock, President

Learn more: https://www.battlefields.org/learn/primary-sources/washingtons-commission

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CONSTITUTION PARTY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

Justin Magill

May 10, 1775

Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen, with about 80 men, attack Fort Ticonderoga capturing the British soldiers and the artillery housed there. The fort controls the north/south route between Albany and Montreal over lakes Champlain and George. While this victory meant control of a strong, strategic fort, the more important significance of this victory would not be recognized until nearly a year later.

After the battles of Lexington and Concord, the militias, and later the Continental Army, surrounded Boston in an effort to contain the British military. General Washington directed General Henry Knox to retrieve the cannons from Fort Ticonderoga at whatever expense it took. Late in January, Knox returned with the cannon and plans were made to reinforce Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston.

During the night of March 5, 1776, Dorchester Heights was fortified with prebuilt chandeliers and fascines and the cannons brought 200 miles in the dead of winter from Fort Ticonderoga. On March 6, 1776, six years after the Boston massacre, the British awakened to find the Continental Army holding a commanding position over Boston. The British were forced to abandon Boston marking a major victory on the Road to Independence.

All because a few men succeeded in their fight for Freedom. 

https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/fort-ticonderoga-1775

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