By the Dawn's Early Light

By the Dawn's Early Light: Volume 9

Book Series: Prelude to Glory
Author:         Ron Carter
Publisher:     Bookcraft
Publishing date: 2005
Pages:           605
Number of Chapters: 26

This volume spans eight years, June 1807-Feb 1815

Prologue
by Richard B. Bernstein

The Constitution is thirty years old but this new nation is deep in debt and morale is low as to how they will restore national credit. Alexander Hamilton is urging everyone to support international commerce and manufacturing, radical ideas the republic is powerless to control, while Thomas Jefferson and James Madison argue farming and local trade is the only way the common people can earn a decent living. How much power should the Constitution have in these issues? 
Another big issue on the table is how the United States should respond to the French Revolution. Federalists like Hamilton debate America should not get involved while Republican Jefferson argues it is the duty of America to aid them in their noble cause. It's Federalist versus Republican and it might be nice to have Washington on your side. Ultimately, Washington chose Federalist and in 1796, announced his intention to retire (to sit under his own vine and fig tree) after two terms in office. 
John Adams ran for the office of president and won by a close margin to Jefferson who automatically became vice president. Little did President John Adams know, the members of his cabinet were secretly communicating with Alexander Hamilton for advice. Hamilton is now a lawyer in private practice in New York City. When Adams organized an army, just in case France or another disgruntled nation tried to attack them, he requested George Washington to come out of retirement to serve as the leader. Washington agreed, but only if Alexander Hamilton be named his second-in-command. Adams was not pleased.
President Adams became even more irate when he discovered members of his cabinet had been taking orders from Alexander Hamilton since his first day in office. Paranoid the Federalists were plotting to take over the country, or worse, that Alexander Hamilton was going to to use his army to make himself a dictator, he got into a shouting match with Hamilton after firing two of Hamilton's friends from his cabinet. Hamilton retaliated by penning a vitriolic pamphlet attacking John Adams' character and conduct (Sit down, John, you fat...).
Another election year, 1800, came around and for the first time in our young nation's history, it was a tie! Vice President Thomas Jefferson and Senator Aaron Burr (sir) both received 73 electoral votes. Alexander Hamilton wrote a series of letters to prominent members of the Federalist party discouraging them in their support of Burr, whom Hamilton did not trust. As a result, Jefferson was declared president.
Jefferson won re-election in 1804. Former Vice President Aaron Burr, dropped from the Republican ticket in early 1804, had killed Alexander Hamilton in a controversial duel in New Jersey.
Over in Europe, Napoleon is on the rise, while the fragile United States struggles to maintain some trading and political power overseas. What will they do if another war breaks out in, say, 1812? 

Chapter 1
June 1807

Presumably, the last book left off in 1788. As we pick up the story here, nineteen years have passed.
Out in the Atlantic, just off the Virginia coast, a British warship overtakes an American merchant vessel and wounds it under pretense of searching for British deserters. A third ship, having witnessed the unfair act, approach after the British ship leaves. This ship just happens to be captained by one Adam Dunson, Boston Merchantman for Dunson and Weems (D&W) Shipping. He offers aid.

Chapter 2
October 1807

Many pages of narration as Matthew Dunson has just arrived in newly built Washington DC thanks to Alexander Hamilton, "Slender, sharp-faced, self confident to the point of occasional cockiness" thanks to his success with the Federalist papers which inspired newly elected President George Washington to appoint him Secretary of the Treasury. According to the new Constitution "the seat of government is to be established on a parcel of land...not exceeding ten miles square" exactly WHERE that land is to be was not specified. And so the arguments began. Congress is deadlocked on the different proposals of where the ten mile plot of land should be. Hamilton has some ideas which also involve consolidating state and national debt and issuing securities to promote economic growth. But Congress hates his plan.
A chance meeting with secretary of state Thomas Jefferson in the street changed all that. After walking Jefferson up and down the cobblestone paved streets around President Washington's house, bemoaning the dissolution of their beloved United States unless his financial plan which includes the ten mile plot to be on the Potomac River, is used.
Jefferson comes up with a great idea, he will host a dinner with both Madison and Hamilton along with other prominent political celebrities (Aaron Burr is not on the guest list) where differences can be resolved and suffering friendships restored. It works. No one else was in the room where it happened but when the dinner adjourns, it is all settled. Hamilton's plan will be used which includes parcels of land in both Virginia and Maryland. Land titles are later obtained, and Congress will move to its new residence in 1800.
Anyway, seven years later and Matthew is here in DC to meet with newly elected president James Madison who reflects on all the past events that led to the creation of the United States Of America but now there's new trouble as British continue to harass America, especially the commercial shipping. Matthew knocks and is admitted.
Matthew's little son, John, is now all grown-up and working for the family business as a navigator and guess who he married? Laura! Eli Stroud's little daughter. They had a son, James. Eli's about fifty-five years old now, living the dream in Ohio and busy with local politics. As a token representative for the Indian population, Madison and Matthew agree he would make a good team player to fight the British, if it comes to that. Caleb is also married with four kids. Madison wonders if Caleb would be up for another "Batman" adventure? Matthew will ask.

Chapter 3
May 1808

New Orleans. Several pages into this chapter, it becomes obvious that Markus E. Hickman, a businessman from Boston is really Caleb Dunson in disguise, looking to purchase black male slaves on the underground "black market" not that it's illegal to make these kinds of trades in The Big Easy but the business he wants to use is very seedy, run by two brothers, named Laffitte, who lead the New Orleans mafia. Everyone both loves, hates and fears them as they swindle, trade in evil human trafficking, yet bring millions of dollars in revenue to the city.
"Hickman" is followed back to his hotel where he apprehends the robbers in the process of raiding his room and stealing his money; that's how we know it's Caleb.
The Governor (who is NOT Andrew Jackson but William Clairborn) is at his wits end in how to get the upper hand on all this corruption. "Hickman" met with him too today. Hickman returns to Boston and the Dunson & Weems (D&W) shipping office to (Finally!) reveal himself. It's pretty rough down there in New Orleans, he reports, but he found out what they needed to know about the two notorious brothers and their slave trade. He's going home now to Barbara and the kids.

Chapter 4
We catch up with Eli traveling from his home in Ohio territory to meet with famous Indian chief, Tecumseh, and his brother "The Prophet," both rumored to side with British if war returns to the land. It's also rumored the British will arm the natives just to add more men to their side. Eli needs to know if this is true. Yes, it is true. No hard feelings but these people feel this is their land and they will fight all white men to keep it.

Chapter 5
March 1809

A ship docks at a port in Maine. (For any Disney Pete's Dragon fans, the 1977 version, there really IS a Passamaquoddy in Maine which is named after the bay) The ship's captain learns he has a wanted man on his crew, one Robert Dulcey who killed a man after he looked the wrong way at Dulcey's fiancé, he's kinda sensitive. Dulcey is also a Harvard graduate navigator.
We shift to Dulcey's POV in the seaside town's freight office who realizes there's some suspicious barrels and crates about to be transported on this and other ships, according to his paperwork. He decides to do some investigating. Is Dulcey really Caleb Dunson in "Batman mode" again? Dulcey quietly finishes his work one night at the office and takes off without telling anybody where's he's going. He must get to the other port and find out what's really in the holds of those other ships. He learns it's gunpowder and other explosives going North to British buyers in Canada.
At the D&W shipping office in Boston, Dulcey is really John Dunson (not Caleb) son of Matthew. The British are preparing for war. John has the list of names. The man he was impersonating was hanged for his murder crime last month. That's just one reason why John left without telling anybody. Otherwise, he's fine. Mission accomplished.

Chapter 6
December 1809

Washington DC. Matthew and his son, John, are here to meet with President James Madison. John and Laura even named their son after this good man who is deeply concerned about the necessity of a physical war with England as a result of the "commercial war" involving free international trade and a lot of messy embargoes. Both Britain and France refuse to do business with the new country on the block. If war comes, America and it's citizens will not be caught unprepared. Matthew and John promise to do all they can to help. Madison asks them for more details about the Indian uprisings in the Northwest territories. The men confirm this. According to their friend, Eli, it's all true. Madison thanks them for their help and advice.

Chapter 7

Back in Boston, it's a Dunson family dinner at Matthew's home and the gang's all here! Except the Weems family, Billy is the only one, since he married in (and up). Matthew and Kathleen still have three children-John, his wife Laura and their kids while the twins, Louise and Linda are both young single adults around age 21, not yet married, but nobody's worried.
Adam (if he has a wife she's not mentioned here) and Caleb with Barbara are also here but Adam's twin sister Prissy is absent from the narrative. We must assume she married and moved away to start her own family. Billy and Brigitte are still childless.
Dinner adjourned, the family moves to the library of the large mansion home (it's still the same Thorpe home inherited from Kathleen) while the twin girls take the little kids into another room to read Bible stories so the adults can discuss current events. The possibility of an upcoming war upsets Great-Grandmother Margaret Dunson, still alive and kicking. She protests over another war, like the one that killed her beloved John. She does NOT want her grandchildren enlisting and getting killed. The men reassure Margaret and their women to have faith. Nobody's fired the first shot yet.

Chapter 8
May 1811

The captain of a ship receives orders to find any British ships threatening their waterways and fight back. John Dunson is the navigator. He takes them to a British Man-o-war and everyone takes their battle stations to harass the ship into retreat. They won, but does this mean a declaration of war?

Chapter 9
October 1811

Eli Stroud has moved west again and is living somewhere in Indiana Territory. He lives alone, hunting and gathering in the forest in the Indian way. He's also annoyed by all these new settlers moving in around him. A friend who lives nearby comes for dinner and a visit. Eli is leaving early tomorrow to meet with both Indians and white American leaders about the trouble brewing. The man leaves with his supplies to head back to his wife and kids.
Eli travels three days north until he reaches a larger community where many Indians have gathered. They want war and do not trust white men. Eli promises them he will go talk to a white leader if they will postpone their warpath. They agree and Eli makes haste to reach the other camp later that afternoon. He gives the governor a stern talking to: if you attack those Indians everything will explode. Eli offers to escort these white leaders back to the Indian camp for peace talks which don't solve anything. This Indian chief (not Tecumseh) will fight to keep the land of his people while the Governor is adamant if they don't shove off, they will be forced.
After the meeting breaks up, Eli sneaks back to find the Indians holding their own war council with plans to attack the white men tonight.
Eli hightails it over to the Governor's camp with an interesting story. The chief told his braves the American bullets won't harm them. When the Indians attack, they are astonished to discover their leader lied to them, they are NOT immune to American bullets. After seeing their front lines drop, the rest turn and run. After the smoke clears, Eli finds the Governor. Their side suffered losses too while the entire Indian camp has left the area. They won't bother these people any more. This will go down in history as the Battle of Tippecanoe. 
To Eli's disgust, the Governor takes all the credit. Both send separate reports to President Madison about the incident.

Chapter 10
June 1812

President James Madison spends this entire chapter sitting alone in his "oval office" at the Executive Mansion, ruminating and reminiscing on all past events that led up to this big decision which only the president has the power to make. The United States will, for the second time in history, declare war on England. He pens a message to Congress, since no presidential declaration of war has any effect without legislative support.

Chapter 11

In Boston, the Dunson family has gathered again (where for the first and last time in the narrative we learn the name of Adam's wife-Charlotte!) to react to the breaking news that America is at war with England. Margaret is concerned but Matthew convinces her to give her blessing. If her sons and grandsons must fight, they are doing it for the right reasons, we promise!

Chapter 12
July 1812

For some reason, Matthew and Billy are the only two men in Washington DC (visiting from Boston, mind you) that President James Madison trusts to ask for advice in how to proceed in a conflict engagement with Great Britain in Canada. They advise land invasion since the current US Navy is kinda nonexistent while the British have quite a few thousand battleships all armed and ready for battle.

Chapter 13
The Detroit River boarders the US and Canada in Michigan territory. On one side of the river and Lake Erie are the American forts, on the Canadian side are all the English forts which includes Niagara Falls near the east shore of Lake Erie with forts on both sides. To protect their claim to the rights of navigation on these waters, American General William Hull, also the Governor of this territory, has taken command. He receives orders to march to Ohio and assemble an army, just in case America declares war. But Hull receives this news too late before packing up all his personal belongings as well all the papers and documents sent by Congress detailing the war plans for their conquest of Canada and sends it all ahead of him on a commercial schooner up the river to Fort Detroit.
The ship is taken by the British. They are amazed at the added bonus. All American battle plans just fell into their hands. Thanks, Hull!

Chapter 14
We shouldn't be too hard on General Hull, he fought bravely in the Revolutionary War and is getting on in years. Some of his men murmur against him. Unfortunately, there's no one to replace him. Fort Detroit is in poor shape and will, subsequently in a later chapter be easily taken by British. There are around 1,800 Indians in this area also, ready to take up arms and fight the Americans. Tecumseh is their leader. This isn't looking good for Hull.

Chapter 15
Somewhere out on the Atlantic, a British warship encounters an American "warship" where John Dunson just happens to be navigator. The Americans give chase and no shots are exchanged. The Americans congratulate themselves and make for the Boston harbor. John tells his father, Matthew, and Billy Weems at the office about his part in "the most remarkable chase of all time."

Chapter 16
Back at Fort Detroit, it's time to attack the British. But the enemy and especially the large and savage band of Indians overpower them and they surrender the fort. It's a long and rather boring chapter since none of our fictional characters are here.

Chapter 17
Meanwhile, in Boston, Matthew is home late but Kathleen, ever the dutiful wife, is waiting up for him with a hot meal. Both are worried because they've had no word from John out at sea and hope he hasn't been taken captive by the British.
Kathleen tells her husband the twins are out on a double date tonight enjoying a play at the local theater with two nice young men. Kathleen will continue waiting up for them, Matthew is going to bed. Kathleen follows him to the master bedroom so they can pray together before she returns to her knitting.
Out on the high seas, John is okay. He takes part in capturing (another) British warship. Like father, like son.

Chapter 18
September 1812

Eli is almost 60 years old now. At the request of President Madison, he's come to Washington to receive a special assignment. Madison wants him to travel north to upstate New York and the Canadian boarder where an important military fort is located close to Niagara Falls. Eli is to take written orders to the General stationed there instructing him to take his men, cross the boarder and attack the British fort on the other side.
Eli arrives at his destination but camp discipline is very bad. The men refuse to risk their lives in combat against the superior enemy. The general and Eli are both disgusted. Eli does what he can to help and boost morale but he's getting too old to do his "Batman" stuff anymore. The other American military leaders in this area don't communicate so the strike ends in failure. Those Americans who did follow orders and invade the British fort fought a losing battle.
Before returning to Washington, Eli wishes the men in this area luck in their hopeless cause. The General has resigned his post. Eli doesn't blame him.

Chapter 19
February 1813

In Washington DC, President Madison wants to mount a military offense in the Great Lakes region. He is pleased to learn Adam Dunson will help command one of the naval gunboats using one of D&W's own vessels, converted into a warship. The orders are issued to engage the British and take the Canadian capital of York. Adam and his men fight on Lake Ontario and win. Now the commanding General would like Adam to go over to Lake Erie and do it again. Adam consents.

Chapter 20
August 1813

In Boston, Billy opens a letter from President Madison concerned about growing Indian forces, led by Tecumseh, to join the British in defeating America. Madison requests Billy find their "Indian ambassador," Eli. Billy sets out immediately for the Great Lakes region to begin making inquires.
Narration shifts to Adam who proves himself a navel war hero once again by sailing his ship into the heat of battle and emerging victorious. Adam is commended back at command headquarters by his superior officer which he accepts with humble and modest thanks.

Chapter 21

The British have their hands full trying to keep thousands of Indians, their women and children, fed and happy but there isn't enough food and they are grumbling. This second war with America isn't going so well, wither. A great big meeting is held. Tecumseh stands and voices the discontent of his people. This unnerves the British who are accused of being lazy pigs who can't be trusted and should be killed. The British are planning to abandon their cause and retreat.
Near the mouth of the river that empties into Lake Erie, Billy finds Adam on his ship but no word of Eli.
Back on land, Eli surprises Billy. They talk and Eli promises he will talk to Tecumseh (though it seems to me the Indians are doing fine on their own with the rumors of them being fed up with the British and planning to turn against them).

Chapter 22
September 1813

Eli meets with Tecumseh in his lodge but it's a hopeless cause for this future minority race. Madison's only concern is that American soldiers not fight the Indians but Tecumseh makes no promises, they will fight any white man trying to take their land.
Billy is waiting back at camp with a fire and dinner ready. Eli repeats the conversation he just had with the powerful Indian chief.
Over in another camp, American officers make plans to engage the British. Billy and Eli arrive so Eli can make his report about the meeting with Tecumseh he just told Billy about. Eli also knows exactly where the British are stationed and how many. Billy and Eli join in the attack.
Without any warning, Eli is riding his horse in hot pursuit of a retreating British army leader when he is shot and killed. This battle will go down in history as The Battle of Moraviantown.
Eli dies in Billy's arms.
Tecumseh died in this battle also which America won. It was a very quick skirmish. Over in a matter of minutes.
Billy takes the body of his friend to Vermont. He will bury Eli next to his beloved wife, Mary.

Chapter 23
August 1814

So, here we are back in Boston where life goes on. (What?! No send off for Eli? He's been a major character since Volume 2. No reaction at all from ANY of his family members? Ron Carter dropped the ball on this one.) As the date implies, it is one year later and it's business as usual at D&W shipping, until the mail arrives. Insurance rates have just skyrocketed due to the war with England. The men wonder how much longer American can afford to keep this war going. They also wonder how long THEY can keep going, afford to stay in business because no one will be able to pay these new fees.
400 miles south, in Washington DC, President Madison is in a war conference with his advisers. The British are planning another attack, probably on their new national capital, maybe even the White House.
Dolly Madison has fled the Executive Mansion in a story that will go down in history as she saved many important papers and artifacts, including a large portrait of George Washington before the enemy burned the city. Husband and First Lady are reunited outside the DC area, safe. Madison meets with a skeleton cabinet to assess the damages. A great storm also did much to help stall the British from doing further damage. They will regroup, reconvene as a government and move forward.

Chapter 24
September 1814

As further proof this really is the worst written volume of the entire series, the author could not have made such an important historical event as the creation of our national anthem more BORING!
Somewhere in the Chesapeake Bay, the British attack and lay siege to Fort McHenry in the heaviest navel battle in history.
None of our fictional characters are involved. A young lawyer from Georgetown named Francis Scott Key has arrived with a few others to renegotiate the release of American prisoners with England. The British navel captain agrees to the terms but because they're on the eve of their planned military strike, he fears the Americans will be sent away with too much info and holds them in custody for a few days.
In the city, American forces mobilize in preparation for the attack. Civilians also help defend the city. Church is dismissed today (Sunday) and the assault commences.
On the ship, up all night, (who could sleep in all this ruckus?) Key awakes, anxious for news. Has the fort fallen? No. A HUGE American flag flutters above the area in the early morning breeze.
Tears fill the eyes of Francis Scott Key as he pens his feelings on the back of an envelope, the only paper he has on his person at present.
These words will go down in history as "The Star Spangled Banner."

Chapter 25
December 1814

In Boston, Caleb has been called up by President Madison (again) to travel to New Orleans. (Seven years have passed, subsequently, since Chapter 3) He will resume the character he played, acting as fake intermediary between Andrew Jackson (yes THAT Andrew Jackson) the new governor and those famous bad-boy brothers, notorious for the underground crime ring and slave trafficking business they run. Before he leaves, Caleb stops by to visit his aging mother, Margaret, living with Billy and Brigitte who DID have children but they are all grown and gone now. Caleb notes his big sister's appearance, despite wrinkles around her hazel eyes and graying auburn hair, middle age agrees with her.
Despite the seven year lapse, everyone and I mean everyone from the black woman who runs the boardinghouse Caleb stayed in last time to Lafitte himself, remembers him!
Caleb explains last time he came under false pretenses. This time he means business. He tells them straight out, he was sent by the President who wants all the help he can get in driving the British out of New Orleans.
Jackson and the Laffittes agree to compromise. If the brothers are guaranteed a full pardon for all their past illegal activity, they will use their influence and "persuade" the British to leave town. Caleb observes all this and is invited to come along and help them in their plan which will go down in history as "The Battle of New Orleans" where they succeed. Andrew Jackson is so impressed, he signs everything the brothers asked for, granting their every request.
Caleb didn't really do much, but Jackson thanks him too.
A funny note in history: when the British surrendered and the Treaty of Ghent was signed in Belgium, nobody in New Orleans knew about it yet so this battle took place AFTER the war was over but BEFORE the terms of the treaty became binding since President Madison didn't add his signature until several months later.

Chapter 26
February 1815

Fresh off the boat from New Orleans, Caleb is unprepared for the news that his mother, Margaret, is on her death bed. She seemed fine, albeit frail, when he last saw her. She's also been asking for him. She takes his hand. Her last dying wish is that Caleb come back to God so they can all be one eternal family, like John foresaw on his deathbed (see Volume 1).
Caleb cries and confesses he's been working on just that. (He prayed with his wife in the last chapter too, before he left, something he's never done before) He truly wants to reconcile himself with God so he, Barbara and the children will always be part of the Dunson family.
Margaret sighs John's name and dies peacefully. Other members of the family are gathered around the bed too, witnesses to this touching scene. Matthew and Kathleen, Brigitte and Billy, Adam (no Charlotte) John and Laura and Barbara's here to say goodbye to an elect lady whose posterity will rise up and call her blessed. (This book needs a family chart like Gerald Lund's Work and the Glory series.)
And just like that it's...

THE END

A More Perfect Union

A More Perfect Union: Volume 8

Book Series: Prelude to Glory
Author:         Ron Carter
Publisher:     Bookcraft
Publishing date: 2004
Pages:           529
Number of Chapters: 30

This volume spans just one year, May 1787 - June 1788

Chapter 1
May 1787

Picking up just a few months from where the last book left off, Matthew Dunson is home in Boston with his little family, up early to leave for the big conference/convention in Philadelphia to form a new nation. The last six years have been very stressful as the thirteen infant states continue to sink into oblivion. No one can agree on anything. As a prominent member of his community, Matthew must attend this convention to keep everyone informed back home. 
Kathleen must've lost the baby she announced she was expecting in the last book (volume 7, chapter 36, 1785) because she whispers, repeating almost word-for-word, to her husband she's pregnant and John, now six, won't be an only child for very much longer. 
Adam Dunson, youngest of the brothers, arrives to walk with Matthew to the docks to catch their ship. He is now a young man, newly graduated from Harvard on his way to following in his big brother's footsteps to become a ship's navigator.

Chapter 2

The economic depression seems to be over. Businesses all along the waterfront are humming, including Dunson and Weems (D&W) shipping. Matthew and Adam swing by the office to check in with lifelong best friend and business partner, Billy Weems, before leaving. Billy reminds Matthew he'll be speaking with Brigitte, Matthew's younger sister, to officially propose while Matthew is gone. Matthew assures him they sill have his blessing. 
Adam and Matthew leave on a company ship. For the reader's benefit, Matthew explains to Adam why the states are convening in Philly and the plans they intend to discuss on coming together to form a new kind of government. A few days later, Adam navigates the ship into the Philly harbor while Matthew looks proudly on. 

Chapter 3

Matthew "checks in" at the boardinghouse he's staying in. Since today is Sunday, he attends a local church service and enjoys a good dinner with the other boarders served by the kindly old widow woman who takes a liking to Matthew and wants to know all about the convention. She insists Matthew call her Mother Asher.
Outside, George Washington arrives with great fanfare and cannon; a hero's welcome as crowds line the streets to cheer.

Chapter 4

The next morning, grace is said over breakfast and Matthew walks to the city hall, which everyone is calling the State House now, to check out the venue. Inside, crowds of men are mingling in the halls, waiting for the Grand Constitutional Convention to begin. Matthew spots George Washington and James Madison walking and talking. He catches up to them and takes the liberty of introducing himself to Madison. Washington has no problem with this and is happy to vouch for this Boston commoner. He remembers Matthew and thanks him for all his service during the war.
Since nothing is happening yet, as not all the delegates from all the states have arrived, like New York, (Come on, Hamilton, you were chosen for the Constitutional Convention!) Matthew returns to his room at the boardinghouse to write a letter to his family.

Chapter 5

Little John Matthew Dunson is a good boy, helping his mother and longing to be big so grown ups will take him seriously. He wonders why his mother has no appetite and why Dr. Soderquist has come to talk with his mom. Oh well, he has more important things to do, like marching his toy soldiers into glorious battle to defeat the British.
Mother reads to him from the Bible, they have prayers and she tucks him into bed.

Chapter 6

Days pass in Philadelphia until Matthew is invited to participate in a prominent meeting where important men, like Washington and Madison, debate what to do about this convention that nobody is coming to. Politics is slow business as Matthew is learning.

Chapter 7

At last, enough men from all thirteen states have arrived to allow the convention to proceed. Washington is unanimously elected as Convention President. Others, like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison are elected to keep notes and write up the official rules of procedure. That's it for today, meeting adjourned. Matthew adds this info to his most recent letter and mails it via Mother Asher who takes his coins, promising it will get sent to Boston.

Chapter 8

Spirits are high in Philly next morning with the arrival of Benjamin Franklin who's been off in Paris for so long. (What'd I miss?) So old and frail he's carried by special convoy in a litter, not a carriage, in a grand processional to the State House. The people go nuts.
Matthew observes as the meeting opens with roll call and reading of how this whole thing will proceed. Discussion and changes, more votes and a hot debate over representation of big vs. small states. It is also unanimously agreed this convention will be closed to the public.

Chapter 9
May 1787

Next day's meetings reinforce the rule that not one word is to be spoken to anyone outside this convention until its conclusion, for everyone's own protection. All agree. Also decided is the tossing out of the Articles of Confederation. It served its purpose but out with old, in with the new so ALL the states can exist in harmony.
This is dragging on, Matthew needs to get home. Madison promises to send word to Matthew when this is all over.

Chapter 10

Poor Trudy Weems who takes after her plain and homely looking mother. She is now twenty years old and no man has ever darkened her doorstep, asking if he could call on her sometime, for superficial beauty and outwardly appearances really ARE more important in catching a husband than a young woman's character and intelligence. By Boston custom she is now a spinster. Any womanly desires she might have for husband, home, or bearing children of her own must be repressed. She will grieve her loss silently. Good thing Trudy's mother is equally accepting of her situation for Trudy will remain at home, living under her mother's roof, for the rest of her life. (Who will tell her story?)
Trudy can only rejoice with Billy and Dorothy as Billy shows them the lovely ring he commissioned a craftsman to make which he plans to present to Brigitte tonight. He does. She says yes and they kiss for the first time.

Chapter 11

Back at the Convention, the debate turns toward the question of who gets the power, the government or the people? How big a role should the new Congress play? They decide to establish a government consisting of three branches: the legislative, the executive and the judiciary.  (Did anyone else hear Steve Martin from The Three Amigos in that reference?)

Chapter 12

A bicameral legislature is agreed upon which raises the question-can the common people actually be responsible for electing their own government representatives? A "yes" is in the majority favor, two states vote "nay." Finally, the convention decides how much power the government versus the states will have.

Chapter 13
June 1787

Today the delegates will decide the process and amount of time each member of this new government will serve, such as the the executive branch consisting of just one person, the President of the United States who will serve for at least two terms if the candidate decides to run again. (This was not made into law until Roosevelt's presidency in 1951 when he was elected for a fourth term thanks to his popularity but declining health inspired Congress to pass a law putting a limit on just how long one person could serve.)
Checks and balances are also agreed upon. The Commander-in-chief might have the power to declare war or decide if a bill is made into a law but the legislative branch has the power to disagree with the president as backed by the judiciary who has the power to interpret or overturn laws made by the other two branches. Nobody has all the power and with the exception of the judiciary, nearly every single member of these parties are elected by the common people. Which means more decisions must be debated and voted upon: how much pay for each office, the election process for each candidate, age limits, residency, citizenship. Too many issues and this chapter is getting very tedious.

Chapter 14

Back in Boston, a D&W ship that Adam was navigating for the company has gone missing. The latest news arrives. The report says Adam's ship was damaged in a storm but no survivors or bodies were found. Pirates took her.
Caleb is determined to go to the Caribbean, the last place the ship was seen. He will avenge his brother! Billy gives permission, knowing resistance to the new "Batman" of the series is pointless. No stopping Caleb when he's determined to do something. Billy arranges a ship for Caleb who will round up a crew and sail south.

Chapter 15

Matthew is back. A tearful Kathleen fills him in on all the latest gossip, including Caleb's rash plan to head south. He left yesterday. Matthew just missed him. He hides his concern. Instead, he brings John a present of a compass with a promise to take his son on a ship and show him how to use it. John is thrilled.
After a restless night, Matthew finds Billy at the office for more details on Caleb's voyage. It's dangerous but they agree Caleb can probably take care of himself. They feel sorry for the men about to experience his wrath.

Chapter 16

Another boring meeting at the Constitutional Convention, which other men, mostly Madison, narrate for the reader. More debate over state power versus federal. The topic of slavery is danced around which ties into the power of the vote between the two parties. It's a mess with big states wanting equal power while small states protest their under-representation in this new government. And so the debate continues...

Chapter 17

Another argument begins over classification of citizens and how much voting power each group should be allowed. Blacks and Indians. Men and Women. Indians are not recognized as citizens of this new nation. Black slaves are property, not human beings. The debate rages on.
Remember, America was not the melting pot it is today. No one could ever foresee the vast number of immigrants that would descend on our country over the next 200 years as amendments granting citizenship were added. The matter of how much pay each representative and senator should get still hasn't been settled either.
Then, Ben Franklin pulls everyone back with one witty comment about a moderate salary and more days pass as different plans are proposed: some want to go back and reexamine the Articles, others debate we should move forward. The vote is taken. They will move forward. It will be expensive and difficult but, (It's independence, we have to start somewhere.) the majority vote is yes.
One day, Alexander Hamilton stands up to speak. Slender, handsome, thirty-two years old, a native of the West Indies where it was rumored he was an illegitimate child but he's brilliant, a genius which no one can deny. He served as Washington's right hand man during the war. He holds a strong, nationalist view, meaning of the two Plans up for debate at the moment as to what form of government should be created, Hamilton favors government control over civil. He then proceeds to speak for SIX HOURS (the man is non-stop) pushing his own agenda. The Constitutional Convention should nix both these plans in which he spent the last five hours picking apart, clause by clause, phrase by phrase, and go with HIS plan-a new form of government modeling England's. One group has all executive authority-less complicated that way! That's all everyone.
Lucky for us, Hamilton's magnificent but misconceived efforts died on the floor. He was praised by all but supported by none. (You don't have the votes Aha ha ha ha! You're gonna need congressional approval and you don't have the votes) Makes me wonder why I even bring the thunder.

Chapter 18

Under Caleb's direction, his ship the Zephyr, has arrived at the shipwreck where they deduce Adam's ship was first attacked, then driven onto the reef. Everyone on board was evacuated onto life boats but taken prisoner by England when they reached the shore of that island over there which is British territory. They must continue following the trail to Kingston Harbor in Jamaica.

Chapter 19

Sure enough, Caleb sends his British born crewmen ashore to do some undercover investigation around Kingston. Caleb and his "away team" go with them intending to let the Brits do all the talking so as not to give themselves away. They find street vendors hacking stolen and salvaged items. Caleb recognizes his brother's personal navigator's compass with his name engraved on the inside. What a coincidence! And look, there's the prison where everyone's being kept.
They storm the structure, blow things up, wreak havoc, free Adam and all his friends and escape to the waiting Zephyr. Lucky for them, a huge storm is rolling in, providing the perfect cover for their escape. When a big British warship gives chase out of the harbor, they fire on it and sink the ship! Later, Adam thanks his big brother, on behalf of his crew mates, for coming for them. Caleb just shrugs and says their Mother told him to go fetch his baby brother home, so he did!

Chapter 20

Back to the dry and very boring Constitutional Convention as seen through the eyes of yet another obscure narrator (It's no one you've ever heard of, I promise, Nathaniel Gorham) until omnipotent third person takes over. Lots of long wined speeches are made: what is the nature of congress, of the senate, exactly how should the house of representatives be based? Hamilton is among the list of delegates who weigh in on these important issues as the debate over states rights continues.Many delegates have been coming and going throughout this Convention. For example, William Pierce of Georgia went to New York to attend a meeting and to fight a duel for which Alexander Hamilton was to be his second.
Suddenly 81 year old Ben Franklin rises to his feet to speak, the first time he's done so, officially, since this Convention opened. He moves the Convention consider supplicating the Almighty, "the Father of Lights" at the opening of every future session from henceforth and forever because if they are ever going to reach some kind of compromise in what form of government they want, it's getting pretty obvious they're going to need all the help they can get!
Everyone is stunned into silence. Nearly all of these men, Alexander Hamilton included, are God-fearing, religious men, who grew up learning Bible passages by heart and treasuring them. All agree a return to prayer is needed.
They get back to business of how a house of representatives will be formed. A compromise is also reached as to each state getting exactly one vote in the senate. Progress is being made.

Chapter 21
July 1787

Many days pass in Philadelphia as everything gets hammered out. That delicate issue of slavery is again brought forth. It is time to decide and vote. All Southern states are adamant. If slavery is abolished they are walking out! No compromise, unless these "other persons" are counted as only 3/5 of a person to represent the population of their respective southern state thereby preventing the minority race having the majority vote which everyone knows, by Divine Right, belongs to whites. Nobody is happy with this.
Alexander Hamilton (a stalwart abolitionist of slavery) left weeks ago, offended nobody liked his nationalist plan, as frustrated as everyone else. The other two delegates from New York are calling it quits and heading home as well. They are not the only ones as other states are ready to give up and go home.
Nobody has ever seen Washington looking more discouraged. He retires to his room and taking up quill and paper, pens a letter to Alexander Hamilton, wishing his good friend were here to offer some some much needed wisdom and advice.

Chapter 22

Caleb, Adam and the crew of the Zephyr are traveling north. So far, nobody is in pursuit. They did it. Mission accomplished.
Until the crow's nest sights a body floating in the water. It's a black slave. Dead. They find more floating bodies and deduce a slave ship is nearby. They catch up to it, take it hostage and free the slaves who don't speak English but gaze in reverent white supremacist awe at their saviors. Caleb just can't get away from having ownership of slaves thrust upon him.

Chapter 23

In Boston, Matthew and Billy are working in the office when Adam and Caleb march in, triumphant. Matthew can hardly believe the story they have to tell. Billy just shakes with laughter as cocky Caleb snarks on how easy it was, how they blew up the prison because it was old-they needed a new one anyway and, yeah, we blew up a British Man O'war, my apologies to King George.
Oh, and he rescued some slaves from pirates that had taken over the ship. Matthew just shakes his head and promises to make arrangements to send the slaves back to their native Africa.
Matthew is pleased, a little shocked and relieved but he tells everyone to come to his mother's house for a big party to celebrate the return of Caleb and Adam, the Dunson brothers, all safe and together at last.

Chapter 24

Back in Philly, everything is coming together. Comprises are being found regarding how the people will vote, how votes will be counted and how much power to give to each branch of government. All have reached the final decision points. The delegates will take a break for the rest of July and reconvene in August. George Washington visits the old Valley Forge camp and solemnly remembers that hard winter of 1777-78.

Chapter 25
August 1787

Margaret and Brigitte laugh themselves silly over a new Boston law concerning the solemnization of marriages also known as "the posting of the bans" which must be posted in three different public locations or declared verbally at three religious meetings so everyone will be informed and have the opportunity to offer objections should anything be amiss. The intended couple must also obtain a marriage certificate before they are married either by a religious leader or justice of the peace.
Brigitte has no problem with any of these requirements, but finds great humor speculating with her mother if men passed similar laws for child bearing! They go off again into gales of laughter. (wonder how hard they'd laugh over same-sex marriage 200 years later?)
Billy arrives later to talk to Brigitte about the wedding plans, he's also found a house for them to move into as newlyweds. Caleb takes Billy aside and they share a "bromance" moment.
The big day arrives. Reverand Silas Olmstead is on hand to marry them on a Friday evening at their neighborhood church packed with family and friends and other invited guests. Brigitte wears a white dress, (even though white will not become popular until after 1840) everyone cries for joy.
That night, Caleb takes it upon himself to stay out very late. Margaret is waiting up for him when he finally comes in. Where was he? Hanging around outside the newlywed's house by the window to make sure their wedding night was undisturbed. (Um, creepy?)

Chapter 26
August 1787

Back in Philly, it's finally ready! It even includes a preamble-"We the People..." but some final details, like the issue of slavery, still need to be voted on and decided once and for all. Again, there is no compromise with the Southern states who will secede right now unless they are allowed to keep their slave trade. A weak compromise is reached to "kick the can down the road" by allowing slavery to continue for the next thirteen years and they'll deal with it then.
Other final details like national currency, coinage and how long leaders, including the President, should be allowed to serve are given a final, determining vote.
Alexander Hamilton's back! He participates with other men in writing up that final draft. He also stands and adds his vocal support to this plan which, he admits, surpasses the one he tried to push. He urges all to sign and support it, confident the rest of the nation will follow suit. Ben Franklin also stands and declares his support.
Some are unhappy there is still no Bill of Rights (don't worry, it's coming) but at last, everyone is persuaded to sign the completed Constitution of the United States of America.

Chapter 27
September 1787

Adam picks up mail for D&W shipping. There's a letter to Matthew from a Mr. James Madison along with a package containing copies of the new, hot-off-the-press, Constitution of the United States of America which every state must vote on if they wish to join the new nation. Everyone marvels over such a document where the people decide on laws and who will represent them in government.
One problem, as Madison's letter explains, not everyone agrees with this new Constitution, including the representative for their own state of Massachusetts. Two other states are also refusing to support the new document. The battle for ratification is starting.
Wondering what they can do to help, the men remember Caleb can be pretty persuasive and decide to send him on the next D&W ship to Philly. Billy is going north to find Eli because his home state is also divided over this new Constitution. As he's proven in past volumes of this series, Eli can also be very persuasive.
Remember Samuel Adams and John Hancock from volume I? They pop up in the narrative again as men who have risen up the political ladder, now enjoying power and authority. John Hancock is governor of Massachusetts and NOT in favor of this new document. Sam Adams agrees with him.
Caleb promises to find them and have a little talk.

Chapter 28
September 1787

Caleb arrives in Philly and, at Matthew's recommendation, checks into Mother Asher's boardinghouse. The sweet widow woman is delighted to meet the brother of Matthew Dunson. Next day, Caleb wanders around the Statehouse and observes the ongoing sessions of national business until they adjourn for the day. He next finds the lawyer Matthew told him to meet for much needed information and advice.
A few days later, the lawyer introduces Caleb to the political friends of Matthew who are very pleased to have Caleb's reconnaissance skills to give these boring politics a little kick.
More days pass and Caleb is impatient when the men needed to overturn the vote in favor of ratification chicken out, pull a no-show at the next meeting. Caleb decides to take matters into his own hands. He gets someone to swear him in as a sergeant at arms (think wild west deputy) so he can legally go to the hotel room where these men are hiding out and "persuade" them to come do their civic duty. This involves Caleb knocking out the two bodyguards at the door before kicking in the door and rushing the room. The sight of this young man and his armed escort are enough to convince these cowardly representatives to come peacefully with Caleb back to the Statehouse just in time to join the final vote of ratification.
Caleb is hailed as a hero by the small group of men Matthew sent him to round up. Mission accomplished, he leaves to return to Boston.

Chapter 29
January 1788

One by one, each state is holding its own convention and the votes are coming in. The majority supports the new law of the land. One of the biggest influences has turned out to be a series of essays which will go down in history as "The Federalist Papers," a total of 85 essays written under the pseudonym "Publius" which is no secret as everyone knows who the true authors are: John Jay, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton. (Why do you write like you're running out of time?) Most everyone is in support of ratification, all except Massachusetts; plus some other states still dragging their feet. The men of D&W Shipping discuss this, including how Matthew tried to talk to Sam Adams but didn't make much progress.
Suddenly, Trudy Weems bursts in-the baby is coming! Matthew bolts out the door after her, worried Kathleen might die in childbirth like Eli's wife, Mary (whom Matthew never even met). Kathleen gives birth to identical twin girls. A wet nurse is brought in to help. Everyone rejoices over the new additions to the family.
Matthew meets with John Hancock, the governor of Massachusetts, who remains on the fence about ratification. A few days later, Matthew is at the Boston statehouse to observe the Massachusetts Ratification Convention. Their governor is conspicuously absent so no progress is made on ratifying but some amendments are drawn up. Matthew returns to John Hancock's home several time but is always turned away as John is supposedly under the weather, too "sick" to see anyone. Matthew has trouble believing this. He returns again, this time with Adam in tow and are admitted inside. Both silently note how healthy he looks. They show him the proposed amendments to the new constitution. They add Sam Adams approves of these changes then proceed to bribe Hancock with the promise if he'll sign his name in ratification of the new Constitution, they promise full campaign support if he ever decides to run for vice president or even THE president of the United States. They guarantee the future political support of Sam Adams and Paul Revere as well.
On the last day of the month, John Hancock attends the convention, declares his support and a few days later, it's official. Massachusetts is the newest state to join the new nation.

Chapter 30
June 1788

Adam is studying the writings of "Publius" the authors are still doing all they can to get everyone behind the ratification of the constitution which now includes amendments and a Bill of Rights.
Billy enters the office. He's back from his trip to see Eli which was a success. New Hampshire is on board, thanks to efforts traveling from village to village meeting and convincing people to hurry and form groups in support of their state's ratification before their enemies had a chance to sway public opinion. It was a very close margin but "yes" votes ended up winning. Eli was a big help because, apparently, he knows a lot of important people in his home state. Billy reports he's doing well and Laura looks more like her mother every day. Matthew is glad to hear this. Billy also reports Eli wants to migrate west. He's interested in settling in the newly opened Ohio river valley. Billy goes home to Brigitte who missed him.

Epilogue
June 1778 (Um, I think you meant 1788, Ron!)

It's the Dunson Family Reunion! A big dinner has been laid out in the parlor and here's the head count: Margaret and Matthew preside at the table, Kathleen,  Billy and Brigitte, Prissy, Adam and Caleb. Dorothy and Trudy are here too. Finally, little John takes his seat and everyone kneels by their chairs for the blessing on the food which Matthew offers.
Plates are passed and pleasant talk begins while two whole pages of narrative recount everything that's happened since 1775 The Battle of Concord all the way to 1781 with Yorktown ending the war and the treaty assuring their freedom.
Dessert is enjoyed by all and Brigitte declares they must be going. Coats and bonnets are found (in colonial Bostontown, if a woman went out in public without her bonnet and shawl it was considered scandalous) hugs and goodbyes make the rounds. Everyone agrees they'll have to do this again sometime.
Kathleen finds Matthew in their bedroom later that evening marveling at his twin daughters (they named the twins Louise and Linda who will come of age with our young nation) and what the future of this new country holds for them.
Matthew visits his father's grave to report everyone in the family is doing well, even Caleb seems to be coming back to them. The long hard battle for independence is truly over. Let us strive to honor what he and so many others died for.

THE END (or is it?)

The Impending Storm

The Impending Storm: Volume 7

Book Series: Prelude to Glory
Author:         Ron Carter
Publisher:     Bookcraft
Publishing date: 2003
Pages:           547
Number of Chapters: 38

This volume spans almost six years, November 1781 - Feb 1787

Chapter 1
November 1781

Word has reached London that things have gone horribly wrong in America for the British army. Powerful men in the king's cabinet convene to discuss the next move and fire all who vote to continue the war effort. They will end the war, but will teach America a lesson in the challenges of self-governing. (What comes next? You've been freed.) They will start by using their influence to discourage all foreign trade with this new nation. Britain's own commercial trading with the colonies ceases from this moment on. America, you're on your own.
Benedict Arnold is living in England and his name is also brought up in this meeting but his plan to end the war by sacrificing his country fizzles out. He will die a sick, lonely man in England in 1801 with second wife, Peggy and his children from his first marriage left destitute in Nova Scotia.

Chapter 2
Back in America, (it is still November, 1781) Washington's army is still assembled but no one knows what's going on. Are they to be paid? Where's the food? No one to fight, yet no word about being discharged, is the country still under threat?
Caleb Dunson is here, brooding over his life and past events for the reader's benefit (in case you missed the last few volumes!). Weeks and months pass as Washington moves part of the army north to keep an eye on the remaining British. Caleb stays behind with Primus, a colored soldier he befriended in the last book.
It is now April 1782 and the remaining camp is relocating to the northern end of Chesapeake Bay bordering Virginia and Maryland. Primus plans to go further north, perhaps to Canada, where he can live as a free black.

Chapter 3
April 1782

One morning, a battered American ship sails into their part of the Bay and docks near camp. It's Matthew! He's astonished to find his little brother Caleb here. He invites him and Primus along with him as he's on his way to report to his commanding officer. The news is grim. There's imminent threat of British ships sailing into the Chesapeake with intentions either to attack or blockade one of their most important commercial shipping ports. Since the first settlers landed, Chesapeake Bay has always been a vital trading port with the Jamaican and West Indies lines and England is not about to share.

Chapter 4
Matthew needs to go North to tell Washington this news of British activity successfully hindering their shipping routes. He's allowed a new boat to do this. Matthew invites Caleb and Primus to join his crew of which Matthew will be captain. All agree.
Not two days out they come upon a cargo ship, damaged in a recent storm. To the horror of all, it's a Dutch slave ship, slowly sinking while the barbaric crew dump black slaves too sick or injured to keep, but still alive, overboard!
Matthew orders the terrified slaves rescued and brought aboard. Seeing this, the Dutch captain cries foul but is overridden by Caleb's fists. Other Dutch crew join the fight but it's over quickly with Caleb only wounded after taking on so many men. Matthew is impressed at little bro's new talent in prize fighting but worried too. Something's not right with Caleb but never mind that now.
Matthew decides to use the war chest from the Dutch ship they've taken, buy a wagonload of supplies and let Caleb and Primus take these slaves North to freedom. He'll even write a legal Bill of Sale for Caleb in case they get stopped by bounty hunters. As the only white man in the group with any legal rights, Caleb shakes his head in wonderment at being a slave owner. Primus and the other slaves, following stereotype, gaze in worshipful awe at their white supremacist saviors, Matthew and Caleb, deciding their fates.

Chapter 5
May 1782

Sergeant Turlock has recovered from his injury and is alive and well in Washington's camp sixty miles north of New York City. Billy and Eli are here too. Once again, they have been summoned by General Washington on another "Go see what the British are up to," mission in the areas of what will one day become New York City's five Burroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, ect.
They go and try to blend in (not easy when you have a man who looks like Eli) but, inevitably, it's not long before two suspicious British soldiers give chase to these two American spies. Billy and Eli make a break for their canoe which carries them past the enemy cannon redoubts. They fake their own deaths in the water and escape.

Chapter 6
Billy and Eli report back to Washington. The British do not appear threatening. The war really is over. England is not planning any more attacks on their soil. Washington tells them the entire army will be discharged soon.
Dismissed, Billy and Eli return to their campsite to tell Turlock the latest news. All agree Home sounds good.
Once again, Eli tells Billy he REALLY should either send or better yet, just give those letters to Brigitte next time he sees her. Really, Billy, it's 1782. Your friends have only been telling you since 1777 to send those letters! (See volume II page 545-546, the first time Eli told Billy he was basically an idiot for hesitating.)

Chapter 7
September 1782

Since Congress controls the army, news of the peace treaty with the British means the army can't break up yet so they must wait. The men are uneasy, they want to go home but they need their pay first so they have something to bring their families. Our three friends share the burden as fall gives way to winter and a new camp. There's decent food and shelter this time but men are murmuring over the rumor that Congress is broke and will never pay up.

Chapter 8

January 1783

Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, Congress is facing its first economic crisis while the mood of Washington's army continues to sour. It's a short chapter.

Chapter 9

March 1783

Billy and Turlock sit in on a meeting discussing everyone's anger over no pay and the plan to mutiny against George Washington. There's enough support to do this. Papers are passed out. Greatly concerned, Billy and Turlock decide to take their copies to Washington himself who thanks them and they leave.

Washington seethes inwardly for he knows this mutiny has its roots in General Gates who has always disliked him and sought after his position. Alexander Hamilton warned him this might happen. Washington pens a short message to his friend, Hamilton, who is now in Philadelphia serving as a representative for the state of New York in Congress.
A second meeting has been called and everyone attends including Washington, Gates and all our fictional characters. The entire room is shocked into silence as Washington tries to read a prepared statement in his own defense but requires the use of spectacles to do so. No one has ever seen the great George Washington wear glasses! Many are moved to tears and, after the General exits, a unanimous vote to form a committee to rethink their decision to mutiny is accepted by all. This is why George Washington will forever be known as the Father of our country.
According to chapter notes, the spectacle story is true and proved pivotal in saving the nation. Alexander Hamilton and other men tried to persuade Washington to let Congress have the authority to stop such rebellion but Washington refused believing our country should be subject to civil authority, by the people, not military or government. And that's how we still do it today!

Chapter 10
June 1783

Billy is chilling out in his officer's quarters when the word comes. Time to leave! The army is hereby officially discharged and they can all go home! Well, for a short time anyway because the newly won nation still needs some kind of armed forces to prevent future attacks so everyone is being granted temporary leave. No pay, sorry, just the promise of future reimbursement. Billy, Eli and Turlock part ways.

Chapter 11
Lingering members of Washington's army are still feeling rebellious and decide to take action. They march into Philadelphia, surround the State House where the Continental Congress meets. Their leader, Major Artemus Bates and his armed forces enter the large, high-ceilinged room to inform Congress (This Congress does not speak for me!) they've all been taken hostage. They have a list of demands which includes the money government still owes them for their service.
Alexander Hamilton faces off with Bates. If they want their demands met, they must give Congress time to act accordingly. Any major decisions in this new nation must be drafted, debated and a majority vote taken. Because the money will have to come from state coffers, it is vital the Pennsylvania Executive also be included in the final decisions. These things take time. Bates tells them they are out of time. He threatens to take his men over to the city powder magazine and blow up the city if they don't get what they want. Now.
Hamilton is not worried. (My dog speaks more eloquently than thee!) With his irreproachable logic, he reminds Bates if they fire one shot in this room or carry out their gunpowder threat, they will all be tried and hanged for mutiny, insurrection and civil disobedience. Dead men don't get paid. No sweat off our brow, Congress can easily spend your money elsewhere. Think about that!
Bates agrees to stand down while Congress votes unanimously to put this issue of how to fund the war veterans' demands at the top of today's "to-do" list. A message is sent that very day to George Washington who will call in a few favors from wealthy friends to raise the emergency money needed. Congress calls in the Pennsylvania State militia to defend them and the city but they refuse! Alexander Hamilton declares this cowardly action, "Disgusting!"
The author admits in the Chapter Notes he took some license in the conversation between Hamilton and Bates. While most of the actual conversation is quoted verbatim, Hamilton did not act as Voice, someone else did. Since Hamilton is already known to the reader, he made a good substitute. Hamilton's statement calling the local militia "weak and disgusting" is the only part he played in this historical drama.

Chapter 12
June 1783

It is Monday wash day in Boston and Kathleen is keeping busy outside with the tubs which she must do or fingers will point and tongues will wag. She multitasks caring for baby John, who just turned two, (he was born May 1781, see vol 6) while scrubbing laundry and staying on top of other chores. Matthew arrives, he's home! They share a tearful reunion as this is the first time they've seen each other since John was born.
For some reason, Kathleen's two younger siblings, Charles and Faith, whom she was left to care for after their mother died, have disappeared completely from the narrative. They haven't been seen since vol 6, chapter 27 when a very pregnant Kathleen gave them their lunch pails and sent them off to school.
Apparently, they never returned!
Margaret and the rest of the Dunson family come over to welcome Matthew home and it's a very nice family reunion. Billy hasn't arrived yet but Margaret reports Dorothy expects him home very soon.

Chapter 13
Billy is home and has his own joyful, tearful reunion with his mother and sister. Like Matthew, Billy is shocked at the state of Boston's commerce district. The shipping yard is quiet, shops are closed, the entire city is in a state of financial depression because no one has any hard currency. (Until Alexander Hamilton can start America's bank.) The common people are bartering and trading food and services to keep food on their tables. Billy was expecting to return to his old accounting job but, like all the other businesses, it too is boarded up, gone bankrupt. There is no work, no money, no jobs.

Chapter 14
The next day the Dunson and Weems families get together for breakfast at Matthew and Kathleen's home. There is a lot of catching up to do. Caleb is still traveling with the freed slaves and the story is recounted for the two families. Billy and Matthew excuse themselves to take a walk so they can discuss the financial situation of how to support their families. Maybe they can throw in their lots together and start some kind of shipping business...

Chapter 15
August 1783

Benjamin Franklin has been in France for so long but he's still alive and kicking and serving his country as ambassador. He's also on hand to represent the United States in negotiating the peace treaty (The Treaty of Paris) with England. Other Americans, John Jay and John Adams are also here to help while England has sent her own representatives. The war is truly over.

Chapter 16
October 1783

Billy works odd jobs for whoever will pay cash but it's meager. He returns home, discouraged, to eat supper. Matthew comes knocking with the latest news. The American shipping economy is failing because of the gridlock between the newly formed states who are all bankrupt. In a desperate attempt to get money, everyone set their own taxes on importing and exporting goods between the state lines and it's a mess. There are no laws and no one can agree on anything. However, there is one way to make a new shipping business like theirs work-the promise of pay after the goods are delivered. It just might work...

Chapter 17
November 1783

The setting is a tavern in New York City where Commander-in-Chief, General George Washington, wants to share one last meeting, and a round of drinks, with some of his most trusted men who fought so valiantly by his side in the War for Independence. There's a few pages as everyone remembers the long, bloody seven, almost eight years of fighting with their beloved General who was there with them every step of the way. Tears run freely as all drink a toast. Next, Washington invites all the men to come up so he can personally shake each hand. Henry Knox and German General von Steuben are the only two mentioned by name. Washington hugs all his officers one by one and every single man returns it. How we love this great founding father!

Chapter 18
December 1783

Caleb's home! He too is troubled by the great depression of Boston as he walks along the quiet shipping docks in the equally quiet harbor. Shame on Caleb, he left home six years ago (see vol 4, chapter 12) and never wrote his mother (okay he wrote ONE letter, but still) or came to visit or anything! Because this isn't the best part of town to be walking alone, he is assaulted in the snowy street by two men, desperate for money. Too bad they picked the wrong target as Caleb easily takes both men down. Learning the men are brothers and returning war veterans like himself, he gives them what cash he has in his pocket and doesn't call for the constable. He lets them go instead, scoffing at being a "hand of God" as the two men gratefully call him.
Margaret weeps welcoming her prodigal son, home at last, feeds him and makes a fuss over him. They talk as Caleb has lots of stories and adventures to share with his mother and siblings. Caleb joins them for evening prayers but when Margaret calls on him to say it, he declines. This troubles Margaret but hopes when Caleb meets with his big brother tomorrow to discuss the new family business, they can talk about war trauma and how to deal with it. Caleb is a very changed young man.
We learn the slaves and Primus were safely settled on some land in Nova Scotia, Canada with Primus as their leader who now has big dreams to return to Africa. Talk turns to this new shipping venture. Caleb will help but agrees it's very risky.

Chapter 19
Caleb checks on his old newspaper job but it too is gone, forced to foreclose just like everything else. He's walking away from the boarded up building when a distraction draws him to a gathering crowd. One man is about to kill another in an unfair fist fight. Like a comic book hero, Caleb jumps in swinging and intervenes, using his strength and those talented fists to bring down a man much larger than himself. The excitement over, the crowd breaks up. One lingering observer warns Caleb he just made himself some enemies as that man he just bested in front of everyone is a notorious prize fighter.
Sure enough, later that day, after many unsuccessful job inquires, Caleb notices he's being followed. The stranger tells him that man he humiliated earlier today wants revenge. Caleb says fine, tomorrow we end this and a time and place is determined. He goes home to his supper, saying nothing to his family about what happened.
Next day, the biggest bully on the waterfront wants to fight but not if Caleb reports him to the authorities. Another man suggests a secluded showdown with lots of spectators (and a purse). Caleb hates the idea. His mentor, Charles Dorman, always stressed that fighting is for self defense only, never for money, but Caleb, not wanting a repeat of what happened in the army, really wants to settle this with this man he defeated and sees no other way out.

Chapter 20
December 1783

George Washington has tendered his letter of resignation! Congress is aghast. Washington wants to go home. Permission is granted. No choice in the matter really, you don't say no to this man!

Chapter 21
December 1783

After a meeting with Matthew to discuss the start up of the business, Billy looks over the paperwork then leaves his house late in the afternoon to call on Matthew at his home. Billy is nervous because he wants to show Matthew the love letters and confess this torch he's been carrying all these years for Brigitte, his best friend's little sister. In the absence of their deceased father, will Matthew give his blessing if Billy comes calling, formally, on Brigitte with intentions to court her? Does Matthew even approve of such a plain, unattractive, poor man attempting to court a woman so high above him? (He doesn't have a dollar to his name, an acre of land, a troop to command, a dollop of fame, just a couple college credits but hardly what I'd call a top notch brain!) Matthew mimics exactly what Turlock and Eli told Billy, if you love this woman go get her!
The next day, while leaving church, Billy takes Brigitte aside and they walk. At long last he gives her the letters, asks her to just read them and to take all the time she needs in giving him an answer.
In a daze, Brigitte enters her house and goes straight to her room to read the letters and swoon.
Margaret, concerned, knocks and enters. Brigitte shows her the letters and tells all.
Over at the Weems house, Billy is having the same conversation with Dorothy. Though they have yet to speak to each other formally about this sudden development, both mothers approve the match.

Chapter 22
Time for the big waterfront prizefight showdown. The location is a seedy, run down old warehouse by the docks. Caleb faces his opponent but lets the other man win, falling to the canvas, pretending to be beaten. The whole thing is over in less than three minutes and the crowd is very disappointed but, oh well it's over. Even though he didn't win the purse, Caleb never wants to fight for money ever again.

Chapter 23
January 1784

It's the first official day of Dunson & Weems shipping (D&W shipping from here on out) now open for business! A solemn, sober event as the previous owner of this shipping office signs over the papers doubtful these young men will succeed. Their first crew has been rounded up, plans are underway with a promise to the bank that money will be found to make their first mortgage payment.
Caleb will also be joining the crew of the first and only merchant ship to be sailing out of Boston harbor in months.
They are headed to Virginia to pick up the first order-a long overdue tobacco shipment. If they succeed, the merchant in New York will pay them lots of cold, hard cash and they will make a profit. It's a very dangerous venture, hard to round up enough sailors to make up their first crew who, if they fail, will walk out on them. Coincidentally, one man, the one who tried to rob Caleb from Chapter 18, is also part of the crew. He proves he can be trusted by speaking up in Caleb's behalf when the other men tattle on Caleb to Matthew about the secret prizefight which Caleb sort of won by forfeit. Matthew and Billy shake their heads and hope Caleb can stay out of trouble.

Chapter 24
March 1784

In Vermont, Eli is back at the farm of his sister, Lydia, and brother-in-law. His daughter, Laura, is now four. He brings in a deer for the family table and enjoys a pleasant dinner. He is happily settled into his life here, he even has his own place near Lydia's who continues to raise Laura as her own daughter while he lives alone.
Next morning, a stranger pulls up looking for Eli Stroud. He's a lawyer from New York City with good news. A probate. Remember in Vol 3, To Decide Our Destiny, chapter 14 when Mary was nearly killed in the fire that burned her childhood mansion home to the ground, rescued by the old British doctor who bequeathed a nice fortune on her but in Vol 4, The Hand of Providence, chapter 8, Mary learned war and legal issues prevented her from claiming the money? Well, it's all come full circle. That distant relative in England who tried to lay claim on the money is dead. The war is over. The money is sitting in a New York City bank. All Eli needs is the proper legal papers so he can rightfully claim his late wife's fortune as next of kin.

Chapter 25

The D&W ship from Boston arrives in the Jamestown, Virginia harbor with little trouble but the captain and crew, including Caleb, aren't very happy to learn if they want the tobacco, they must first pay a ridiculous tariff, as well as taxes, not just to Virginia but to Maryland as well because both states share the same river. Here sits a fully loaded ship which they can't sail back to Boston due to these stupid state politics! Of course they didn't bring enough money to pay both fees to the two states. What will they do?
Caleb recalls his history lesson, the Boston tea party of 1773. He was just a child at the time but why not do the same thing here? Defy authority, sneak on board, take the guards on the ship hostage and just sail her out. They can come back for their own ship later. With both states fighting over water rights, who will dare fire the first shot?
They start a fire on the opposite side of town as a distraction and get away. It worked! Three days later they arrive in New York City, unload the cargo and get their well deserved pay to take home to Boston.

Chapter 26
March 1784

Priscilla "Prissy" Dunson, twin sister to Adam, now eleven years old, steals softly into Margaret's bedroom one night to talk. What's wrong with Brigitte? Is she okay, is she in trouble? Why is she so quiet and, most importantly, why did she put Richard Buchanan's things away? Margaret tells her and it's a sweet mother/daughter discussion about what it means to really fall in love and get married to the right man, (from the right country) in the right place at the right time. Billy is practically family. He's a good man and he and Brigitte will make a nice family. Prissy thinks this is the most romantic love story she's ever heard. Her mother promises it will be just as wonderful for her.

Chapter 27

Caleb and all the men are back! And have they got a story to tell the owners of D&W shipping, but it's not over yet. That ship they took to Jamestown is now stuck in the harbor, under confiscation until the fees, taxes, tariffs and anything else the states can think up, are paid in full. Nobody has any legal rights on trading goods between the new states. They will be unable to retrieve their ship until it's all figured out. What a mess!

Chapter 28
April 1784

Eli is on his way to Boston to find Billy. He needs his signature, in writing, as his legal witness for his marriage to Mary so he can claim the estate as next of kin. Eli runs into an old friend we've never met before, an old mountain man, Ormond Sykes, who lives alone in the wilderness, surviving in the forest like Natty Bumppo and dressing like an Indian. He ran into some bear trouble. Eli helps him tend his leg wound where Mama bear tried to take a bite out of him, just like when he helped Billy in Volume 4, chapter 2. When Sykes learns Eli is on his way to civilization, he asks him to take a message about the local uprisings in these parts, which includes possible British regrouping to attack the colonists, to the proper authorities. Eli will do it so Sykes can stay in the shelter Eli helped him make and recover.

Chapter 29
Matthew has gone to Annapolis, Maryland where the Continental Congress is now currently meeting. (They really must find a more permanent place to establish a capital city for the United States.) He plans to meet with one Thomas Jefferson to get advice on what to do back in Boston to help establish order.
Jefferson is happy to meet Matthew who has a letter of introduction from a prominent man in Boston. Matthew learns Jefferson is just as frustrated. A new nation, a new country and nobody can agree on who has the authority to run it. All the people in contention, but, (before they come crawling back to King George III) he tells Matthew, there is something a common merchant man like him can do for his community and country. Go back home to Boston, organize your neighbors and friends into a Committee of Correspondence. Get everyone talking and working together to address and solve our most serious issues. Matthew agrees to do this and returns home.

Chapter 30
Billy can't believe it when Eli strolls into their shipping office, completely unannounced. He shows Billy the papers, tells him all about the fortune he's on his way to claim. They go see a lawyer to assure Billy's signature is legally notarized as witness to the Stroud/Flint marriage and return to the office where Eli asks Billy to draft a letter for him to send to George Washington. There's trouble everywhere, as Ormond Sykes, Eli and Billy already know. Billy promises to send the letter. Eli is on his way to New York City.

Chapter 31
Margaret and Caleb talk one early morning as neither one could sleep. Caleb offends her by denying the existence of God. They are interrupted by Brigitte who remains while Caleb retreats to his room, not in the mood to continue this discussion. Both women agree they are worried about Caleb's attitude. They hope he hasn't permanently turned his back on religion and can almost hear John turning over in his grave.

Chapter 32
Matthew's back from his Annapolis trip in time for supper at his home. Next day, he meets Billy and Caleb at the office to discuss what Thomas Jefferson told him to do. Since Caleb once worked as a copy boy for their local paper, Matthew thinks he's the best person to publish committee ideas for public consideration.
Then Billy tells his partner the bad news, they have three days to find money for additional taxes and fees on their business or the bank will foreclose them. They didn't turn a big enough profit and they can't process any more orders. There's also that little problem with their company ship down in that Virginia harbor still waiting to be straightened out. Where will they ever get the money?
Just then, like a delivering angel, in walks Eli, carrying a small chest full of hard British sterling that he doesn't know what to do with. Could they use it?

Chapter 33
May 1784

Thanks to Eli's investment "bailout" (he's now a partner in their business, of course) their business is booming, offers from reputable merchants are pouring in. Their fleet of ships now totals six.
Latest news from Annapolis is, before a new nation can be formed, all the states must first come together and talk, if they can ever stop arguing. The question of what to do about slavery is also a major sore point between North and South. Figuring out who should have all the power is proving harder than anyone thought.

Chapter 34
September 1784

Some farmers in a wagon pull up outside the D&W office one day. Nathan Tredwell introduces himself as their leader. They've come from a large town upstate, several miles east of Boston where there's trouble due to rich men demanding poor farmers pay high taxes, evicting them off their land if they don't pay up, just like they do in Great Britain. This isn't Great Britain. Violent protests are erupting in these and similar areas all over the New England states. These farmers heard about Matthew's committee and came to see if anybody could help them.
Caleb agrees to go with them. He will also write about the experience which will make for a good news story. On the way, he and the party come across a homeless family in desperate need of help, just one of many forced off their farm. The mother just gave birth here on the side of the road but she's dying. The baby too. The father and young daughter are in shock, too scared and intimidated to do anything but sit there and watch her die.
Caleb goes for a midwife and wet nurse. The young daughter helps the midwife deliver the afterbirth, the cause of the mother's illness, the newborn is nursing, both will be okay. Caleb slips off into the woods, returning the next morning with a deer to feed the family.
Their good deeds done, the group gets back on the road. Their destination is Springfield where a large public meeting will be held on Monday. Caleb is put up with the family of one of his new friends.

Chapter 35
Sunday passes with Caleb attending the local church service and sharing Sunday dinner with the family. On Monday evening, a large crowd, both rich and poor, gather to witness the community discussion about debts nobody can pay and how to do it without making everyone homeless. Caleb is standing in the back when he notices action outside, troublemakers who don't agree with this meeting of compromise, sent by the rich farmers to stop it. Caleb nips it in the bud by marching them inside where the crowd, learning their intentions, demands justice. The local sheriff takes them away to be tried later. This act unifies the entire community.
Next day, like the Lone Ranger, Caleb knows his work here is finished and he can move on. It takes six days to walk back to Boston where he makes his report to Billy and Matthew. He wrote it all down too.
There's going to be a big conference next year in March in Annapolis with representatives from almost all the states, like Virginia and Maryland, to discuss how they can all come together to form one nation.

Chapter 36
April 1785

Matthew is back from this big conference which was actually moved to Mount Vernon (historically called The Mount Vernon Compact), George Washington's estate. He tells Kathleen all about it. Washington was a gracious host and Matthew was very impressed by his large mansion and the luxury enjoyed by all. The conference went well with important first steps taken to fix the currency problems among the states who, until now, have all been printing their own money. Agreement over tariffs and taxes needing to be changed was decided too but something major will have to be done soon. In the meantime, there's talk of holding another conference and inviting other big states like Pennsylvania, to come. The D&W shipping business is chugging along, leaving Matthew free to attend these conferences.
Kathleen tells him in less than nine months, their son, John, is going to have a baby brother or sister.

Chapter 37
November 1786

George Washington reflects on last year's Mount Vernon conference held here on his estate. Mail arrives and he reads a short letter from Matthew Dunson and another from Nathan Tredwell in Springfield, MA included by Matthew to give Washington an idea of the growing discontent among war veterans who feel slighted working their farms with nothing to show for it while the rich men in the area grab all the wealth they fought so hard for. What happened to living in a free country? There's murmuring everywhere as Washington learns as he opens up letter after letter from civilians all with the same complaints.
Washington moves to his desk and pens a letter to the one man he think can help most, James Madison.

Chapter 38
February 1787

Matthew's Committee of Correspondence is has matured into the Boston Committee of Merchants, which makes sense because he's now running a successful business with other merchants who managed to beat the economic depression. A letter from Washington arrives informing Matthew that there's trouble again in Springfield where shots were exchanged and people killed over economic conditions.
Hearing this Billy, Matthew and Caleb start packing for the trip. They plan to leave tomorrow. Matthew and Caleb take off early while Billy stays behind, putting in some extra hours.
He is just finishing up his paperwork when Brigitte walks in. She's here to give him an answer. (Sheesh, Brigitte, when Billy gave you those letters back in Chapter 21 it was 1783! Sure took your sweet time deciding if you love him or not.) They kiss and it's official, she loves him and they're engaged!
Billy goes home where Dorothy and Trudy scream at the news.
Next morning, the men load a wagon for their trip. Billy tells his good news. Caleb is the first to formally give his blessing while Matthew simply hugs him. They hit the road and arrive at Nathan Tredwell's farmhouse where Nathan's wife informs them her husband and oldest boys have been gone since last month, left to join the resistance movements. There's talk of a possible battle.
The men find the area where thousands of men have assembled into a militia ready to fight those not in agreement with them.
Matthew brings a letter from George Washington himself, giving him the authority to intervene. The leader is impressed but regrets there's nothing anyone can do. They will fight to defend their cause.
Matthew and company go talk to the leader of the opposing camp who says, thanks, but we're tired of waiting on Congress to come up with a new plan. After six years fighting for our freedom, the only way to compromise with our enemies appears to be with muskets. We fight!
The men get back in their wagon and are about to pull out when...Hey Eli! What are you doing here? Eli took the liberty of scouting the two camps. It's pretty much settled, there will be fighting tomorrow morning with cannon and muskets. Nobody knows how to stop it but Eli has an idea...
(This is a really long chapter) Back in good old "Batman and Robin" mode, Billy and Eli sneak into one of the camps, knock out a picket and set fire to a powder magazine. (Very original, guys.) To the west, Matthew and Caleb calmly enter the tent of the other leader and tell him all that noise and explosions he's hearing is the enemy coming to attack and maybe it would be best if they just pack up and go home and forget all this.
Some leave, but the battle still takes place. Eli returns to Vermont, while Matthew and his group return to Boston. Well guys, we tried.
This battle between Shay's followers and Massachusetts State Militia made up of disgruntled war veterans still waiting for their pay and some respect for all their service really did take place.

THE END