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