Act 1
Washington lead this side.
Who lead the Patriots?
William: It's not safe anywhere now. People on both sides are turning on each other. Look at the damage to the store. They smashed the windows and turned over the barrels of pickles. And the farmers refuse to sell produce to Father.
Why are the Barton's feeling unsafe?
Robert: My dear family, I'm sorry for such a bleak Christmas. The British blockade of the harbor has nearly shut down our store. And, of course, the local farmers refuse to sell to me. So, we must be happy that we are all safe--and all together.
Why was Christmas such a sad time for the Bartons?
Robert wanted to move here.
New York
Robert: That is true. He's loyal to Great Britain and has represented us well. But those rebels, the Patriots, call him a traitor.
A traitor is someone who betrays their country.
What is a traitor?
Robert: Well, he may be a fine leader, but he has not won any battles. Those rebel Patriots have no navy, and their army needs guns and supplies. They don't stand a chance!
How does Robert feel about the Patriots army?
Robert: William, I will not listen to your impudent and rash statements any longer! You are a traitor to all that I believe in. Get out of my house!
How Robert feels about his son at the end of scene 2.
Robert was feeling a lack of support from his community. Farmers wouldn't sell to him.
Why Robert moved his family out of New Jersey.
How does Mary feel about the British Army?
Abigail: William, are you going to a Sons of Liberty meeting? You must take me with you!
What was the turning point for the Patriots?
Robert: How can you say that, William? Do not forget that Great Britain protected us against France in the last war! Wars cost a lot of money, and we should pay our part. Of course, I don't like to pay taxes any more than the next man. But it is our duty as subjects of the British crown.
How does Robert feel about paying taxes to Great Britain?
Abigail: I know it's unfair, but it's also unfair that I get left out. I want to be a Patriot as much as you do. I don't want to just knit socks like the other women.
Why does Abigail want to go to the Sons of Liberty meetings?
With the help of Abigail's information from spying, she was able to lead the Patriots to this victory.
What is the Battle of Trent?
The Barton's are concerned about the raised taxes, but continue paying them to support the King. The Barton's start to have some issues with their store.
What happens in the beginning?
As the scene opens, a crowd of Patriots is approaching the Barton store. The crowd members want to take the law into their own hands. They want to judge and pass sentence to Robert Barton, a staunch Loyalist. The crowd pushes into the store.
Why does the crowd show up at the Barton store with pitchforks?
Soldier: You make a good argument, young lady. Report your findings to Mr. Smith, the blacksmith. He is standing at the back of the room. And you, William Barton, what do you have to say for yourself? Remember what we are fighting for. It is our right to govern ourselves. We do not need Great Britain telling us how to live our lives. As Thomas Paine said, "These are the times that try men's souls." But if we work together and follow General Washington, we will find ourselves victorious.
How can Abigail help the Patriot cause?
Why they move their family out of New Jersey.
Robert, Mary, Abigail, and Ben are on the dock waiting to board the ship to this place.
Going to New York.