CF5

Biography-

 Alice James, 16, is a patriot to the colonies. She is also the oldest of four kids (her siblings’ names are John, George, and Betsy) and has a father in the war. The war is putting a major strain on her family. In addition to taking care of her younger siblings, Alice has a mother that has fallen ill with smallpox. She not only must carry her family but also chooses to take a part in war as well by constructing spun-cotton uniforms for American soldiers. As a girl from New York, her family didn’t own slaves and the entire burden falls on her. 

Alice preparing dinner for her family (1781)

October 1st, 1781 Dear Diary- Mom’s smallpox is becoming increasingly worse. I don’t know how long I can tolerate this. Yesterday Betsy fell and scraped her knee. All she did was cry for our mother but I can’t risk Betsy’s health by bringing her to the room with my mom. If my mother coughs on her, Betsey can catch this awful illness[1]. Word has been spreading about town that new uniforms are needed in the military so naturally I decided to help. When John, George, and Betsy all went to sleep I stayed up nearly all night spinning cloth. Although the ones that I make would look very simple, compared to those of the lobster backs', i figured it would be better than nothing.[2] I would become a nurse to the soldiers but I already am one to my mother. Small pox is a huge challenge to try and manage. My mother constantly has the chills and is always nauseous. I am the one who has to clean up her vomit. Often, her muscles are in such pain that she can barely move. Yesterday, rashes starting forming in areas of her body such as her arms and stomach. [1[3]My father may be fighting in war, but I'm battling challenges too. If only my father comes home safe, I will be happy. It has been almost two months since he has been sent to war. My family and I need to stay strong. [[image:http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/revolution.jpg width="114" height="114"]] symbol for strength

October 4th, 1781 Dear Diary- Today was a very good day! Mother mostly slept and the boys and Betsy were relatively calm playing around. Best of all, I received a letter from my father. It is so nice to finally hear from him because I have been so worried. The letter read- //My Dearest Alice- // //      I miss you so much. How have you been? I am well. I am in a very good military with very respectable authority figures. Right now I am placed in Yorktown, Virginia. I hope this letter gets to you. War life is harsh but tolerable. I have recently observed that us soldiers are quite selfish. We do not listen to commands unless we are told why we have to do something but in the end, everything somehow gets done. Today we started digging a trench to prepare for battle. // //  The last thing I want is for you to worry about me. I can only imagine how you are managing your siblings and your mother. I do appreciate all that you do for our family. As soon as this war is over I will come home and help with everything. I can’t wait to see you. Stay strong. // //    <span style="color: rgb(251, 35, 45);">-Dad //

I am so relieved to hear that he is doing okay I just hope that he is not lying so that I do not spend my time worrying. I cannot wait until we win this war and he comes home.

October 21st, 1781 Dear Diary- Sorry I haven’t been writing lately but a lot has happened. On October 9th, 1781 my mother passed away. I had just woken up and made her soup as usual when I went into her bedroom to give it to her and I see her still with her eyes open. I collapsed on the floor, broke the bowl and just wept. I had no idea how I was supposed to tell George, John, and Betsy, they are so young. How am I supposed to tell my father? He’s not even home yet! He will be devastated. Where did I go wrong? I thought I was doing a decent job of taking care of her.

Alice's mother, Abigail, days before her death

October 26, 1781 Days after my mother's death, my father came home. His hand was hit with a bayonet and was sent home early because he no longer had the ability to fight in combat. As expected, he was devastated at the news of my mother but I could not help but feel happy that he was home.

bayonet warfare

Dear Diary, Now that we have won the war, my family and I could not be happier, what's left of it anyway. I hope that this means peace within the colonies from now on. I am glad that my duties of making cloth for the soldiers is over so I can get back to my plans for an education even if it is not the same quality that a male would receive. [4] Most of all, I am extremely thankful that my father has come back in one piece. I don’t know what would have happened if that bayonet did not wound my father’s hand, it’s hard for me to even imagine him not being here. I’ve already lost one parent; I couldn’t bear to lose another. My family is slowly recovering from my mother’s death but now that the war is over, I’m sure we will be okay. Even though it is a sore subject, my father has been telling me stories about what combat was like. General Washington made life miserable for the British for practically two weeks! “We sent bomb after bomb after bomb non-stop!” my father would say gloriously. [2]



March 1783 Dar Diary- The government has recently passed the Treaty of Paris. We are recognized as an independent country in the eyes of Great Britain, finally! This means development for the colonies in so many ways. This gives me hope that life can have more meaning. We can grow economically and create and effective government with no imposing taxes. Our land now includes from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River. [3[5] I especially like the open-mindedness of our new country. We are treating the loyalists well even though many do not agree with their beliefs. I hope the colonies can flourish successfully.

May 1785 Dear Diary- Lately, government has become very active in changing society and life in the colonies. Land West of the Appalachian Mountains has recently been under the ownership of America but no one knew what to do with it. To raise money through sale of land, the government issued the Land Ordinance. This is good for my family because now we can occupy more land. The land is systematically squared into townships and sold equally to colonists. [4[6] This did not have the effect that the government had hoped for. Rich men are buying many squares and selling them for profit. This isn’t fair because ultimately, the rich end up on top.



map of the colonies and Northwest Territory

January 1787 Dear Diary, Although we have won the war the country is still struggling financially, we are in debt. The new government that has been created is not only ineffective, but also has no power to raise money because they central government has no authority. They are foreclosing on farms have the audacity to tax the citizens heavily when they are already struggling with their homes being taken away. [5] Word is spreading about town that a rebellion took place in Massachusetts over the whole issue. Supposedly, Farmers rioted courts and a bunch of men were injured. I hope no one was seriously hurt.

March 1787 Dear Diary- Rumors of revolt are true. My father heard all about it when he went to town today. The farmers rebelled against government for taking their land and farms. This act was lead by Daniel Shays. These farmers had every right to do what they want to get a say in government, it is their land for heaven sake. In this day, your land is all you have. I think this will ultimately lead to a change in government, or at least it should. National Congress has no sovereignty. What ended up happening was General Benjamin Lincoln leading 4,400 men against the men of rebellion. The farmers, having lost many men, surrendered. [6] I’m glad that it is over but I have a hunch that problems with the government will still arise.

**__Works Cited__** <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 42, 44); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;"> "Battle of Yorktown." __Virtuology.com__. 20 Dec. 2008 <http://battleofyorktown.com/>. "Land Ordinance of 1785." __Social Studies for Kids__. 22 Dec. 2008 <http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/wwww/us/landordinance1785def.htm>. "Shay's Rebellion." __Infoplease: Encyclopedia, Almanac, Atlas, Biographies, Dictionary, Thesaurus. Free online reference, research & homework help. — Infoplease.com__. 21 Dec. 2008 <http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/history/A0844765.html>. "Smallpox symptoms." __Skin care information, cosmetic and beauty tips__. 21 Dec. 2008 <http://skin-care.health-cares.net/smallpox-symptoms.php>.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 42, 44); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 42, 44); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">   <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 42, 44); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial; line-height: 19px;">  <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 42, 44); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">"Treaty of Paris, 1783." __U.S. Department of State - Home Page__. 22 Dec. 2008 <http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ho/time/ar/14313.htm>.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 42, 44); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 42, 44); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">     <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 42, 44); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial; line-height: 19px;">  <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 42, 44); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 42, 44); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial; line-height: 19px;">  <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 42, 44); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">"Untitled Document." __Homework Server__. 22 Dec. 2008 <http://homework.northport.k12.ny.us/ocean/mdavidson/est572/clothing.htm>. "Women and the Revolutionary War." __American History and World History__. 22 Dec. 2008 <http://www.historycentral.com/Revolt/Americans/women.html>.

[1[1] Smallpox symptoms." __Skin care information, cosmetic and beauty tips__. 21 Dec. 2008 <http://skin-care.health-cares.net/smallpox-symptoms.php >. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 42, 44); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 20px;"> [2]Untitled Document." __Homework Server__. 22 Dec. 2008 <http://[|homework.northport.k12.ny.us/ocean/mdavidson/est572/clothing.htm]>.// //  [3] Smallpox symptoms."   __Skin care information, cosmetic and beauty tips__. 21 Dec. 2008 <http://skin-care.health-cares.net/smallpox-symptoms.php >. [2[3] "Battle of Yorktown." __Virtuology.com__. 20 Dec. 2008 <http://battleofyorktown.com/>. [4]<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 42, 44); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 20px;">"Women and the Revolutionary War." __American History and World History__. 22 Dec. 2008 <http: //.">www.historycentral.com/Revolt/Americans/women.html>. [3[5] <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 42, 44); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 20px;">"Treaty of Paris, 1783." __U.S. Department of State - Home Page__. 22 Dec. 2008 [|.] [4[6] <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 42, 44); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 20px;">"Land Ordinance of 1785." __Social Studies for Kids__. 22 Dec. 2008 <http://.">www.socialstudiesforkids.com/wwww/us/landordinance1785def.htm>. [5[7] Class notes [6[8] Shay's Rebellion." __Infoplease: Encyclopedia, Almanac, Atlas, Biographies, Dictionary, Thesaurus. Free online reference, research & homework help. — Infoplease.com__. 21 Dec. 2008 <http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/history/A0844765.html>.