The Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad was a system of people helping runaway slaves to freedom. The people along this roadway didn't believe in slavery and were trying to help any way they could. The conductors, as they were called, consisted of blacks that had already escaped like Harriet Tubman, also known as Moses, and Fredrick Douglas. There were blacks that had been born free like William Still. Then there were kind whites such as Thomas Garret and Susan B. Anthony.

The fugitives traveling on the Underground Railroad used the North Star as a sense of direction. They were scared to trust anybody and were being pursued by slave hunters. They had to be brave and have stamina to make it all the way to Canada. If they were caught, they were to be returned to their owners, who would probably beat them. I think the thought of being owned again helped them keep moving.

People who were offering food and shelter or guiding the slaves had certain signs and such things to tell slaves they were helping them. An example is a lantern hanging on a hitching post.

Qualities of a Hero

A heroine of the American Revolution is Elizabeth Zane. She was in Fort Henry when it was attacked by a group of Indians. Elizabeth highlighted the battle by risking her life to get gunpwder from her brother's, Ebenezer Zane's, home. The house was about sixty yards from the fort, and the soldier's gunpowder was running very low. Elizabeth insisted she go after Colonel Shephard asked for a volunteer to go get gunpowder from Ebenezer's house, and three men volunteered. She must have covinced them to allow her to go because the story goes that she went through with the mission. As she ran to her brother's house from the fort, not a shot was fired, for the Indians couldn't figure out what she was doing. When she began the journey back however, bullers streamed all around her, but not one hit her, and she brought back the needed gunpowder safely. This shows real courage, and real courage is a quality that a real hero or heroine should have.

Modern Day Heros

My hero is my dad, David Alan Jones. He has inspired and encouraged me to do many things in my life, like just doing my best at everything. That is one thing my dad always expects me to do. He always says, "If you do your best, I can't expect any more out of you." Dad is very understanding and will listen to what you say. He is opinionated and is not afraid to speak his mind, but I admire him for that. My dad is also very brave. He's been in the National Guard for as long as I can remember. When I was in 3rd grade, he went to Iraq and didn't come back until the next year. Dad has taught me about working hard for what you want. That is an important thing in my family.

Proclomation of 1763

King George III,


I'm a colonist, a veteran of the French and Indian war, and a very upset individual. I want to tell you that this Proclomation of 1763 is making a lot of people over here very angry. We have fought seven long, hard years for this land, and we don't feel that we should give it up. I know that you believe you're doing what's best for us by forbidding us to have the land that is rightfully ours, but the people here believe differently. Please rethink your proclomation.



Sincerely,
Jamie

I am a French Soldier in the French and Indian War.

Mother Dearest,
I'm sure you've heard about the war that this little land dispute has become. I'm proud to say the French have not started this thing. George Washington, the assassin, started the battles by killing Joseph Coulon de Villiers de Jumonville, a diplomat. The fool will surely be the English's downfall. There is absolutely no way they can win with that screw-up on their side. I have been lucky enough to not have seen the battle fields yet, although there is a battle here at the fort for food. Our supplies are slow coming from our territory up north, and they disappear fast, for our men are very hungry. The fort has a very bad odor also, for soap is very hard to come by anymore. I have to admit I don't smell very well either. This war is terrible. It makes me wonder if the land is really worth it. Everyday I wake up to hear people moaning and groaning. I think it is from the wounded that are brought here to be taken care of. I pray that all this suffering and sadness will soon end, and we will emerge from our misery victorious. The only thing somewhat positive about this is that I have met some interesting, kind people. My French comrads and I get along very well. The Indians are however a different story. Their abilities amaze me but also scare me. I will admit I am afraid of these people although it is probably just my imagination acting up. I miss you mom. Please write me back as soon as possible.
With love,
Jamie