Friday, November 21, 2008

ESSAY #2 Final Draft

Patriotism in Virginia
We, the people of Virginia, are most definitely becoming a flourishing colony. We are a leading colony here in America, and with our accelerated growth of culture, wealth, and population, we continue to strive for the best in Virginia. One breakdown within Virginia is the conflicts with the House of Burgess'. This is a result from the strong differences between the loyalists and patriots. Could this lead to a major battle…or possibly war? To all neighboring colonies; we wish the best for all the patriots out there. We wish the best for freedom and rights.

To be a patriot is to be a person who regards himself or herself as a defender, especially of individual rights, against presumed interference by the federal government. Britain has created an atmosphere of instability here in the New World. That is why I have come to the conclusion that being connected with our mother country prevents Virginia from becoming independent, and socially and economically abundant. The wars against Britain have become a requirement for our basic human rights in Virginia. Although Britain is half way across the world, they are smothering us. This has ordered Virginia militia to create an army. "Resolved, that a well regulated militia composed of gentlemen and yeomen is the natural strength and only security of a free government; that such a militia in this colony (Virginia) would forever render it unnecessary for the mother country to keep among us, for the purpose of our defense, any standing army of mercenary forces, always subversive of the quiet, and dangerous to the liberties of the people, and would obviate the pretext of taxing us for their support." (http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/res_cong_va_1775.asp) This is from the Resolutions of the Provincial Congress of Virginia, and it was written and created for Virginia’s protection. A downfall to Virginia at this point is the fact that the British are intertwined with us in our communities. This is commonly why the House of Burgess’ is struggling at this point. The Englishmen and loyalist have hatred for us as patriots, which creates major diversity and separation. Us patriots do not want to have hatred, we simply want what is best for our colony; freedom.

We are constantly being manipulated and badgered by our mother country. I strive for freedom and justice in Virginia, and in America. Britain tries so hard to control our every move. They can only do so much due to the fact they live so far away. The British are getting under our skin and simply trying to break our spirits. There is countless proof for the negativity reigning throughout our colony by Great Britain. "...for quartering large bodies of troops among us; for cutting off our trade with all parts of the world; for imposing taxes on us without our consent; for depriving us of the benefits of trial by jury..."(http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/jeffcons.asp) This was specifically spoken at the Virginia Convention. We befriend our neighboring colonies, but that will not stop us from keeping Virginia protected as a top priority, even if that means we have to mention all the wrong doings Britain has done to us.

At this point the glass is half empty rather than half full; or anywhere near optimism. The unjust actions created against us outweigh anything that has ever nurtured our relationship with Great Britain. Unfortunately, Virginia has come to the point of setting rules against communication with Britain. "Resolved, that if any person or persons shall export tobacco, or any other commodity, to Great Britain, after the 10th day of August, 1775, contrary to this association, we shall hold ourselves obliged to consider such person or persons as inimical to the community, and as an approved of American grievances; and give it as our opinion that the public should be advertised of his conduct, as in the 8th article is desired " (http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/assoc_of_va_conv_1774.asp)

There are many Loyalist and undecided men out here that are for British rule because they feel Britain is inevitable and will win under any circumstance. Well, we believe different and we were not raised to live in this country as weak, scared men. A great Patriotic leader from Virginia, Nathan Hale, cannot express it any better when he fought till the end declaring "I am so satisfied with the cause in which I have engaged, that my only regret is, that I have not more lives than one to offer in its service" (A Possible Source for Nathan Hale's Dying Words 394). He is a great role model of mine and took his role of leadership, influencing Virginia’s freedom. We are here to pursue all the opportunities that await us. Britain is choosing to selfishly stand in the way and I will not let life pass me by. Patriots are known to take action and fight through until victory. Virginia was founded for freedom and rights. Men have great love for their country and I have lost not only my love, but my great respect for Britain. We have been let down and manipulated repeatedly. We will not tolerate it any longer, and it is strongly declared in the Declaration of Independence as quoted, "The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states" (http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/declare.asp). We the patriots of Virginia, carry pride and strength. We will fight until the end for our dignity and freedom from Great Britain.




Donnelly, F.K.. "A Possible Source for Nathan Hale's Dying Words." The William and Mary Quarterly 42(1985): 394-396.

Avalon Documents
Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
The Association of the Virginia Convention; August 1-6, 1774
Draft constitution for Virginia 1776
Resolutions of the Provincial Congress of Virginia; March 23, 1775

Monday, November 17, 2008

Essay #2 Rough Draft

We, the people of Virginia, are most definitely a flourishing colony. With our accelerated growth of culture, wealth and population, we continue to strive for the best in Virginia. Conflict with the House of Burgess' of Virginia is becauase of the strong differences between the loyalists and patriots.


To be a patriot is to be a person who regards himself or herself as a defender, especially of individual rights, against presumed interference by the federal government. Britain has created an atmosphere of instability here in the New World. That is why I have come to the conclusion that being connected with our mother country prevents Virginia from becoming independent and socially and economically abundant. The wars against Britain have become a requirement for our basic human rights in Virginia. Although Britain is half way across the world, they are smothering us. This has ordered us to create an army. "Resolved, that a well regulated militia composed of gentlemen and yeomen is the natural strength and only security of a free government; that such a militia in this colony (Virginia) would forever render it unnecessary for the mother country to keep among us, for the purpose of our defence, any standing army of mercenary forces, always subversive of the quiet, and dangerous to the liberties of the people, and would obviate the pretext of taxing us for their support." (http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/res_cong_va_1775.asp) The downfall to Virginia at this point is the fact that we live with the British here in our communities. The Englishmen and loyalist have hatred for us as patriots which creates major diversity. Us patriots dont want to have hatred, we simply want whats best for our colony; freedom.

We are constantly being manipulated and badgered by our mother country. Being a patriot, I strive for freedom and justice in Virginia, and in America. Britain tries so hard to control our every move. They can only do so much due to the fact they live so far away... The British are getting under our skin and simply trying to break our spirits. There is countless proof for the negativity reigning throughout our colony by Great Britain. "...for quartering large bodies of troops among us; for cutting off our trade with all parts of the world; for imposing taxes on us without our consent; for depriving us of the benefits of trial by jury..."(http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/jeffcons.asp)

At this point the glass is half empty rather than half full; or anywhere near optimism. The unjust actions created against us outweigh anything that has ever nurtured our relationship with Great Britain. Unfortunately, we have come to the point of setting rules against communication with Britain. "Resolved, that if any person or persons shall export tobacco, or any other commodity, to Great Britain, after the 10th day of August, 1775, contrary to this association, we shall hold ourselves obliged to consider such person or persons as inimical to the community, and as an approved of American grievances; and give it as our opinion that the public should be advertised of his conduct, as in the 8th article is desired " (http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/assoc_of_va_conv_1774.asp)

There are many Loyalist and undecided men out here that are for British rule because they feel Britain is inevitable and will win under any circumstance. Well, we believe different and we were not raised to live in this country as weak, scared men. A great Patriotic leader, Nathan Hale, cannot put it any better when he fought till the end declaring "I am so satisfied with the cause in which I have engaged, that my only regret is, that I have not more lives than one to offer in its service" (use quote link on citation machine) We are here to pursue all the opportunities that await us. Britain is choosing to selfishly stand in the way and I will not let life pass me by. Virginia was created for freedom and for rights. Men have great love for their country, but I have lost not only my love but my great respect for Britain. We have been let down and manipulated repeatedly. We will not tolerate it any longer, and it is strongly declared in the Declaration of Independence as quoted, "The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states" (http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/declare.asp)
We the patriots of Virginia, carry pride and strength. We will fight until the end for our dignity and freedom from Great Britain.

points to add
- how Britain only has their best interest in mind instead of the colonies

-blend my quotes with my commentary smoothly




quote used for NATHAN HALE info (use citation machine)
http://moe.ic.highline.edu:2117/stable/1918934?&Search=yes&term=Nathan&term=Hale&list=hide&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoAdvancedSearch%3Fq0%3DNathan%2BHale%26f0%3Dall%26c0%3DAND%26q1%3D%26f1%3Dall%26c1%3DAND%26q2%3D%26f2%3Dall%26c2%3DAND%26q3%3D%26f3%3Dall%26wc%3Don%26Search%3DSearch%26ar%3Don%26sd%3D%26ed%3D%26la%3D%26jo%3D%26dc.History%3DHistory&item=1&ttl=163&returnArticleService=showArticle)
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/ratva.asp

http://avalon.law.yale.edu/subject_menus/18th.asp

http://avalon.law.yale.edu/subject_menus/18th.asp

Friday, November 14, 2008

essay #2 outline Patriot for Virginia

Essay #2 outline




VIRGINIA PATRIOT

I. Being connected with the mother country creates conflict for Virginia to become independent and abundant.

--A. The wars against Britain have become a requirement for human rights in Virginia. Although Britain is half way across the world, they are smothering us. Being a patriot, I strive for freedom and justice in America.

---1. "Resolved, that a well regulated militia composed of gentlemen and yeomen is the natural strength and only security of a free government; that such a militia in this colony (Virginia) would forever render it unnecessary for the mother country to keep among us, for the purpose of our defence, any standing army of mercenary forces, always subversive of the quiet, and dangerous to the liberties of the people, and would obviate the pretext of taxing us for their support." (http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/res_cong_va_1775.asp)

--II. Britain tries so hard to control our every move. They can only do so much due to the fact they live so far away...

----A. The British are getting under our skin and simply trying to destroy us. There is countless proof for the negativity reigning throughout our colony by Great Britain.

-----1. "...for quartering large bodies of troops among us; for cutting off our trade with all parts of the world; for imposing taxes on us without our consent; for depriving us of the benefits of trial by jury..."(http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/jeffcons.asp)

----a. At this point the glass is half empty rather than half full; or anywhere near optimism. The unjust actions created against us outweigh anything that has ever nurtured our relationship with Great Britain.



III. Unfortunately, we have come to the point of setting rules against communication with Britain.

--A. "Resolved, that if any person or persons shall export tobacco, or any other commodity, to Great Britain, after the 10th day of August, 1775, contrary to this association, we shall hold ourselves obliged to consider such person or persons as inimical to the community, and as an approved of American grievances; and give it as our opinion that the public should be advertised of his conduct, as in the 8th article is desired " (http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/assoc_of_va_conv_1774.asp)

---1.In order to maintain peace we need to stick up for ourselves.

-----a.By sticking up for ourselves, we are able to show the magnitude of our strength. As strong patriots, we show Britain that we dont need them if this is the way they chose to treat us.

-----b.We the patriots of Virginia, carry pride and strength. We will fight until the end for our dignity and freedom from Great Britain.


extra info to use



which the remonstrants take leave to think would be inconsistent with the fundamental principles of the constitution, the exercise of that power at this time would be ruinous to Virginia, who exerted herself in the late war, it is feared, beyond her strength, insomuch that to redeem the money granted for that exigence her people are taxed for (http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/petition_va_1764.asp)



In this state of extreme danger, we have no alternative left but an abject submission to the will of those overbearing tyrants, or a total separation from the Crown and Government of Great Britain, uniting and exerting the strength of all America for defence, and forming alliances with foreign Powers for commerce and aid in war:-(http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/const02.asp)


I That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety. (http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/virginia.asp)
--------commentary they were not able to pursue this under British control. How can we take action for the declaration if we are busy fighting with Britain?

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

text analysis #2

--Who is writing?
The writers are the colonists of all colonies
“We, your Majesty's faithful subjects of the colonies new Hampshire, Massachusetts bay, Rhode island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the counties of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, in behalf of ourselves, and the inhabitants of these colonies, who have deputed us to represent them in general Congress, entreat your Majesty's gracious attention to this our humble petition.”

--Who is the audience?
The Audience is the King’s most excellent majesty
“To the King's most excellent Majesty:
--Who do the writers represent?
The writers represent the colonists in America.
--What is being said, argued and/or requested?
The colonists are telling the King that they have gone against their wills. Their common wills that have to fight against the King and his soldiers. The colonists feel like they have to protect themselves from Britain. This is ridiculous because Britain is their ancestry and founding country.
“Your Majesty's Ministers, persevering in their measures, and proceeding to open hostilities for enforcing them, have compelled us to arm in our own defense,”

--How is it being said, argued and/or requested?
They show the king much respect. They address him with humbleness and dignity
“We beg leave further to assure your Majesty, that notwithstanding the sufferings of your loyal colonists, during the course of the present controversy, our breasts retain too tender a regard for the kingdom from which we derive our origin, to request such a reconciliation as might in any manner be inconsistent with her dignity or her welfare.”

--What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request?
They address the king in letter formation. It is a large letter that is polite yet strong in what they are asking from the king.