Guns For General Washington

“‘In truth,’ [Will] muttered to himself, ‘if this puny piece were a heavy cannon, I’d teach Bowwow How and his lobsterbacks a thing or two. Aye, I’d send them packing.’”

The quote foreshadows the critical role artillery will play later in the story. Will’s idle fantasy about turning the tide of the conflict hints at the future strategic use of artillery, suggesting that the ability to match the British in firepower will be crucial. This moment lays the groundwork for the focus on military resources and their impact.

“With Howe’s watchdogs on duty, not a single musket ball, not an ounce of gunpowder, not a morsel of bread or beef could get through to the weary, hungry Bostonians.”

This quote uses anaphora to convey the comprehensive nature of the British blockade on Boston. By repeating “not a” before each item, Reit draws attention to the complete denial of essential supplies to the city’s residents. The repetition creates a rhythm that mirrors the relentlessness of the blockade, emphasizing the extent of the deprivation and the severity of the situation for those living under siege.

“So they’d come together to put an end to King George’s tyranny—this odd assortment of farmers and fishermen, carpenters and cobblers, tradesmen and teachers, barbers, blacksmiths, frontier scouts, seamen, clerks, weavers, tanners, tailors, shopkeepers, stone-masons, lumberjacks, and young men just seeking adventure.”

This quote points to the diverse backgrounds of individuals who came together against King George’s rule, showing the widespread discontent and shared desire for independence across various segments of colonial society. The long list of professions and roles reveals the many walks of life from which these people came, suggesting that the movement for independence was not confined to any single class or group but was a collective effort involving everyday people from all trades and regions, highlighting