The Crossing

December 1776 - All seemed lost just five months after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The British were in the driver's seat after continuously defeating Washington's initially optimistic army during the summer and fall. Now, those few remaining soldiers not lost to sickness or in battle were left starving – without enough clothing, ammunition, or pay. Congress left Philadelphia for fear of capture by British forces now occupying New Jersey and seemingly poised to attack the city. Civilians were accepting offers of amnesty and swearing renewed loyalty to King George. In just a few short weeks, most of the men left in Washington’s small dispirited army could go home as their enlistments ended, if they did not just walk away sooner, and no recruits were coming to replace them. These were the times that tried men’s souls.

 

Amid this seemingly tragic time, a few men and women found the courage and determination to change history. In the immortal words of Thomas Paine, they proved to be the opposite of summer soldiers who would shrink in the service of their country in its hour of desperation. No more defeat, no more retreat! Was their cry! Our history books immortalize Generals Washington, Greene, Knox, and Mercer, but overlook the names of the many men and women who gallantly carried out their leaders’ goals and plans. Prepare now to meet Gabriel, Oliver, Margaret, and James, Lydia and Billy, Margaret, and Sarah, who all helped to secure a newly independent nation founded on principles of freedom. 

 

You will sing, you will cry, and you will cheer. Join the Revolution. Join the Cause. Invest in your past and profit in the future. With America poised to celebrate our 250th Anniversary, all Americans, young, old, men, women, all races, all political parties, heritage organizations, and nationalities, will enthusiastically embrace THE CROSSING.