Friday, 30 March 2012

Tecumseh DIY

I bet that all of you out there read my blog about Tecumseh and said to yourself: "That dude seems like an awesome ninja guy, I want dress like him," but then you were like: "OH no, I don't know how to make myself look like this cool guy!" And so  I am going to show you exactly how to make your wardrobe match Tecumseh's! 
Cool?
So we start off with the headpiece
What you need to create the headpiece:
A red square of fabric, with the measurements 
30cm base and 23 cm height.
You will later cut off the sides of the square on an angle, creating a triangle. 
Yarn:
Orange Yarn, White yarn, and a thinner yarn that can be two colours, I used a skinny orange yarn that had little pieces of white thread sewn in, and finally lots of brown yarn. 
The brown yarn will be used for the hair, so you can use as much as you 
 see fit. For the orange yarn, depending on the size of your head you will need 5 strands that are between 75cm and 90cm. 
Depending on how much you would like to see used, the orange/white yarn can be as long as you like. However you shall need one strand that is about 10 cm long. This strand will be used for the design on the back of the hat.
The white yarn will be used also for the design. You will need one strand that is 36cm long, one that is 28cm long and finally one that is 18 cm long. 
Also, lots of hot glue, (& a glue gun!) as well as an optional needle and thread. Sometimes I find it easier to just use the glue gun if you are not going to be paying much close attention to the smaller details, but by all means feel free to use a needle and thread if you want your Tecumseh to look more professional.
Now if you see on the picture above, the orange yarn is used to hold the hat onto your head, bandanna style. Hold the 5 strands together and carefully loop a large strand of the orange/white yarn around it as many or as little times as you like. This will hold the orange yarn together.  Glue or sew the orange yarn onto the top of the bandanna ( the flat part opposite the tip of the triangle), leaving plenty hanging loose on the sides in order to tie it at the back of your head. 

The back of the bandanna:
This is where you use the carefully measured white yarn and orange/white strand. Starting with the biggest strand, the 36 cm one, arrange it in a pattern of your choice. I chose to use a triangle/arrow pattern, with the tips of my triangle/arrows pointing to the tip on the triangle of the bandanna.  

The Hair!
As I said before, using as much brown yarn as you like, you can place it strategically so it looks like Tecumseh Hair. I chose to place my yarn at the front sides of the bandanna. It gives the illusion that you have Tecumseh hair even though it is only a bit at the front. If you have lots of time on your hands and you would like to have Tecumseh hair around your whole head, you would to the same as you would for just the illusion:
Cut the hair up into clumps, maybe 40cm long per strand and maybe 2 dozen strands per clump. Tie each clump together with a little piece of yarn at the very top. Double knot it, we don't want this hair falling apart. Lay your bandanna down on a hard surface, with the design side down. Remember how we glued/sewed the orange bandana holder onto the side opposite the point? Well that is where you glue/sew the hair, except on the underside of the bandanna. You should glue/sew the top of the hair right under  the area where the orange thread is, if the orange thread was on the underside. Please remember to glue/sew it on the UNDERSIDE, not on the same side as the orange thread. 
And that is pretty much it. If you have other materials, like wooden beads, feathers, or earthy toned felt, you can add it on as part of the design. Really, there are no limits here, as long as the headpiece comes out looking somewhat like something Tecumseh would wear.  

Now the vest:
I had this vest at home, in my costume box, but if you don't have a costume you can make your own using a simple black vest or sweater and just embellish it with bits of felt, scraps of fabric, etc. I am sure that you would be able to find something like this at a thrift shop or a costume shop as well.

Just look at the unique details on the buttons! 

And so that's all! I think that you have all of the tools you need to succeed! Have fun becoming  Tecumseh!!!!!






Saturday, 24 March 2012

More with Isaac Brock- in 1812



British North Americans were unsure about how they would fight off an American Invasion. British troops were busy fighting off Napoleon, in Europe. Very few men could be spared for Canada.
It was also a question of Loyalty.
Isaac Brock didn't know how many people would actually want to fight off the Americans. Ever since the American Revolution, many American settlers had moved north to Canada. These 'Late Loyalists' had formed a much bigger population that the trusty 'original Loyalists'.  Nobody knew if the 'Late Loyalists' truly had appreciation, respect and strong feelings for Britain- instead it was suspected that the 'Late Loyalists' only came to upper Canada for the land. Some feared that the Late Loyalists would welcome the American Invasion!
Following the Invasion, some military members left British Forces. Several of the deserters joined the Americans, proving that the suspicion of disloyalty among Late Loyalists was too true.
By this time, the overall mood in upper Canada was pretty negative and depressing.
But not for the ever positive Isaac Brock.
Very little people thought that Upper Canada could ever be properly defended.
But my little happy- go -lucky friend here, Mr. Brock, refused to listen.

Major General Isaac Brock, his thoughts on General William Hull's proclamation & the Defence of Canada

When the war of 1812 first started, Isaac Brock was the administrator and major general of upper Canada. For quite a few years, Major General Isaac Brock was asking the British Government for a command in Europe. He really wanted to join the fight against Monsieur Napoleon Bonaparte. But soon after, when  war broke out with the Americans, he was determined to stay and defend the colony.
Major General Isaac Brock 
However, Brock still was concerned about Napoleon. His concern showed in his response to General William Hull's proclamation, ( another Proclamation, written by Isaac Brock).
In his Proclamation, he sought out to remind people of how good the benefits are under British Rule.
He touched at the dangers of siding with Americans. He also suggested that if Britain was to lose the war, America may be able to repay their debt by returning Canada to the French.

Friday, 23 March 2012

William Hull & Sandwich

Hello my passionate readers.
I am General William Hull.
Yes, Yes. Control your excitement.
 Now this little piece of history that I am writing  is all about an invasion.
This invasion takes place on July 12th, 1812. 
The invasion
I, General William Hull, am commander of the Northwestern Army of the United States. 
I know, it's quite a mouthful. 
Anyways, we (I had a force of 2000 men) invaded Canada. 
We sandwiched ourselves in Sandwich, which is now present day Windsor. 
From this point, we distributed an excellent proclamation to convince residents that our invasion was good, and hopefully get them to not oppose it.  



Here is my Proclamation:
INHABITANTS OF CANADA!
 After thirty years of Peace and prosperity, the united States have been driven to Arms. The injuries and aggressions, the insults and indignities of Great Britain have once more left them no alternative but manly resistance or unconditional submission. The army under my Command has invaded your Country and the standard of the United States waves on the territory of Canada. To the peaceful, unoffending inhabitant, It brings neither danger nor difficulty. I come to find enemies not to make them, I come to protect you not to injure you.
Separated by an immense ocean and an extensive Wilderness from Great Britain you have no participation in her counsels no interest in her conduct. You have felt her Tyranny, you have seen her injustice, but I do not ask you to avenge the one or redress the other. The United States are sufficiently powerful to afford you every security consistent with their rights and your expectations. I tender you the invaluable blessings of Civil, Political, and Religious Liberty, and their necessary result, individual and general, prosperity: That liberty which gave decision to our counsels and energy to our conduct in our struggle for INDEPENDENCE and which conducted us safely and triumphantly thro’ the stormy period of the Revolution...
In the name of my Country and by the authority of my Government I promise protection to your persons, property and rightsRemain at your homes, Pursue your peaceful and customary avocations. Raise not your hands against your brethern, many of your fathers fought for the freedom and Independence we now enjoy Being children therefore of the same family with us, and heirs to the same Heritage, the arrival of an army of Friends must be hailed by you with a cordial welcome, You will be emancipated from Tyranny and oppression and restored to the dignified status of freemen...If contrary to your own interest and the just expectation of my country, you should take part in the approaching contest, you will be considered and treated as enemies and the horrors, and calamities of War will stalk before you.
If the barbarous and Savage policy of great Britain be pursued, and the savages are let loose to murder our Citizens and butcher our women and children, this war, will be a war of extermination.
The first stroke with the Tomahawk the first attempt with the Scalping Knife will be the signal for one indiscriminate scene of desolation, No white man found fighting by the Side of an Indian will be taken prisoner Instant destruction will be his Lot.....
I doubt not your courage and firmness; I will not doubt your attachment to Liberty. If you tender your services voluntarily they will be accepted readily.
The United States offers you PeaceLiberty and Security your choice lies between these and WarSlavery, and destruction, Choose then, but choose wisely; and may he who knows the justice of our cause, and who holds in his hand the fate of Nations, guide you to a result the most compatible, with your rights and interests, your peace and prosperity.


I know- It is quite long, but isn't it interesting???
Quite well written too- if I do say so myself!
It's been fun!
Until next time, this has been General William Hull telling you about an
INVASION!!!

Saturday, 10 March 2012

War Hawks!!!

Hello. It is me again, the reporter who travelled back in time. Today I am going to tell you about War Hawks. 
The War Hawks are a more immediate cause of the War of 1812.  Made up of a group of American Politicians, from the Western & Southern States, the War hawks believed that the United States should expand it's borders. 

 British North America and the First Nations in the Ohio Valley were just obstacles in their way. The War Hawks thought that they should take over these territories . 


Here is a famous statement by former US president Thomas Jefferson in 1812.
'The Acquisition of Canada this year, as far as the neighbourhood of Quebec, will be mere matter of marching, and will give us experience for the attack of Halifax the next and the final expulsion of England from the American Continent."


Now what I think this means:
Well, expulsion means depriving membership, or expelling someone. So the American's want to gain Canada, so they plan to attack Halifax, which will expel the British from what they American's think is  their own Continent
. 
The 4th President of the United States, James Madison, was greatly influenced by The War Hawks, and on June 19th 1812, he declared war on Britain.


Thanks for reading my articles. I hope that I will find a way out of here soon, and I can get back to writing boring old news stories in 2012!

Tecumseh!!!

Hello. According to my name-tag, I am a live action news reporter. So now you think that I will tell you about all the current events in the news. Wrong! I have actually travelled back in time using a time machine that my wacky boss created. Time travel is not a pleasant. experience; I am still suffering from an upset stomach. And there is no Pepto Bismal here!!!   As soon as I get back to 2012, I am going to find myself a new employer. Anyways, while I'm here I decided to write a little news story. So I am going to tell you about some causes of the war of 1812, this guy named Tecumseh, and First Nations Alliances. You all know about the American revolution, right? Okay perfect.  
Right after the American Revolution, the people in Britain encouraged the First Nations in the west to keep a large expanse of space for their own personal use. Therefore, the Americans could not expand.
Now we get into a fun game of accusations. 
1:American's accused the British of encouraging the First Nations to be hostile toward them.


The American's believed that the British supported Tecumseh, an influential first nations leader, and his efforts to to protect the First Nations Land.
Tecumseh opposed the movement of Settlers onto the First Nations land, and to stop further settlements, he created an alliance of First Nations. The wise advice he shared with his alliances was to not sell any more land to the Americans. 
 And that is all I have for you today. Next time I will have lots of interesting information on War Hawks.

Saturday, 3 March 2012

The second short story written by Napoleon Bonaparte

Story 2: The Blockade will not stop me, Napoleon Bonaparte from conquering Europe! 
Hello, Bonjour again my friends. I have some news about the war strategy that Britain has concocted. They are using their failing Navy to Blockade Europe. This 'Blockade' prevents other countries from trading with France! This was supposed to hurt me. No, no, wait. It was supposed to hurt my war effort. But.... The American Economy is also suffering! They lost a major market for their goods. Maybe now the American's will turn to us as Allies and we can fight against Britain together...
The United States is already mad at Britain about this 'Impressment'. You see, a bunch of British Navy Sailers deserted Britain to go work in The United States American Merchant Navy. The American Merchant Navy had better pay and conditions than The British Navy that was protecting the shores of the English Channel. A merchant navy is used for trade and business, instead of war. The angry British began stopping American Ships at sea to search for their deserters. The British even began Impressing, (forcing), American Sailers to work in the British Navy!! 

A short story written by Napoleon Bonaparte

Story 1: 1793, Monsieur Bonaparte defends himself. 
Ah. Bonjour. My name is Napoleon Bonaparte. You may have heard some rumours about  me. Just to clear the air, I am not some evil genius wacko guy that is super short. No No! I am Napoleon Bonaparte: Man with a Plan! And that plan is a brilliant one if I do say so myself. It is to conquer all of Europe! Oui, I know to some of you it sounds like a horrible plan but it is not at all. I am a successful military leader, what plan could be bad when it comes out of my mouth? Well, actually, don't answer that question. Anyways, one of my top sources has informed me that Britain's main priority is go to war with my country, France!You see, those British think that we are going to invade England through the English Channel. Interesting.............
Until next time, this has been Napoleon Bonaparte



Tuesday, 21 February 2012

Another Column written by Tylissa Roy. #3

Well hello again. I hope that I left you on the edge of your seats last week. Anyways, where were we… Oh right. I was just telling you about what life’s like in Sierra Leone. Well, life is hardly any better here than it was in Nova Scotia. Our settlement, called Freetown, has been struggling with poor weather, awful relationships with our new African Neighbors, as well as long delays to get a land grant.  Our life was very very hard; it was like we were reliving Nova Scotia everyday.  Each morning I awake with what feels like stacks of bricks on my shoulders. Only when Freetown becomes a peaceful place to live, a happy place for the younger generations to grow up, a place where work piles up on us no longer, then I will be content. I hope that my dream will come true, but I strongly doubt it. When I hear children’s voices happily calling out instead of the rough grunts and groans of the men and women, then I will be happy.
      I hope that day comes in a hurry.

A journal entry from a Loyalist living in Quebec, 1787

Dear Journal,

I have finally found refuge! I am living with a fella  who I made friends with at the Loyalist camp in the summer. He was one of the lucky ones who got land. He has built himself a comfortable homestead with plenty of crops and space for another person. He found me huddled at the base of his property inside a small shack. He invited me to live with him and his wife until I can find my own home. I get some food here, in exchange for working for the fella. But the food is not enough. He and his wife had hardly enough food to go between the both of them, and now there is another belly to feed. The food is very little here. Everything except misfortune and hunger is little here. Clothes- I only have the ones on my back, tools- there are hardly any tools to work with here. To make matters worse, the government has ceased to support us any longer. Some other friends that I made have died off do to result of ‘The Hungry Years’ – a combination if miniscule food amounts and awful insects.  Oh the cruel challenges of Loyalists!
Will 

A Loyalist’s Journal, Nova Scotia, A day in the life of a Loyalist




December 1789
Dear Journal,
I can barely hold my hand still from shivering long enough to write anything. My fingers and lips are as blue as the summer sky. We have finally moved into our new home, but it is not all finished. The home is large and drafty, and there are minimal furnishings. Half the rooms are empty or unfinished. I sit beside the small fireplace, the heat doing little for my cold body. My empty stomach growls pitifully. Food is so scarce! I hope that Bob will come home soon. He ventured into town for some more building supplies despite my insisting pleas that he stay here.  I here some boots on the porch, and a silhouette of a hunched man in the window. It is Bob! I must go greet him!
Love Ellie

Another Column By Tylissa Roy, In Sierra Leone 1792 #2

Hello again, newsprint readers. Here I am in Sierra Leone. You might be wondering what I, a black Loyalist, am doing in Sierra Leone. Well, it all started when Thomas Peters started petitioning against the conditions that Black Loyalists are facing in Nova Scotia.  He traveled around to get his petition noticed, and eventually it was, by the Sierra Leone Company. The Sierra Leone Company was run by people who campaigned to end slavery and they were trying to establish a settlement for free former slaves in, obviously, Sierra Leone.  We Black Loyalists had very little other options. We could continue to attempt living on the tiny rocky land that we had in Nova Scotia, we could join the British Army, or we could get  land and free transportation to Sierra Leone. Seriously. Rocks, Army or  LAND? Let me just repeat this:LAND! AND FREE TRANSPORTATION! I hope you are following me, and the word FREE is screaming at you the same way it did to other Black Loyalists. Mr. Peters had convinced 1100 Black Loyalists to go to Sierra Leone in January, 1792. 1100. That is a big number. Considering the fact that there were 3000 Black Loyalists in Nova Scotia. That number, 1100, is over a third of our whole Black Loyalist POPULATION (in Nova Scotia).  So we traveled, FREE, to Sierra Leone. If you have not already figured this out, my family and I also took the FREE offer to Sierra Leone.  I would hope that you have already figured that out though. Anyways, we were............................
Sorry, you will have to wait until next week's paper comes out to find out what happens. Well, you all have the textbook, so you probably know what happens... just pretend you don't. Let the anticipation build....

African Society Newsprint- A Clipping written by a Black Loyalist & former slave named Tylissa Roy #1

So here we go. I am finally going to tell you exactly what happened to me so many years ago when I was a slave to some nasty british administrator,  a rebel's slave to one of 'em 13 Colonies uppity fellow, and finally a Black Loyalist and free woman.  Well, slaves are never really free. No matter what, you still fear at the brisk call of a white woman and wake up from nightmares where the whites are separatin' you from your children. 

I personally don't wanna tell ya'll about the years as the British Administrator's slave. It was so terrible, but  eventually I was sold to that man there with them 13 Colonies when the British were losing the war. The uppity Colonist man, Mr. Riley, promised me freedom, which I got when the American Revolution ended. I, 
with several thousand other former slaves, went north to Nova Scotia, where life was still very tough. The first goal we had of course was to build shelter. That was not easy. They did not give me and my family supplies quickly, we usually got it last. We were forced to scrounge for our own scrawny supplies until we received the hearty cut lumber from the British.  Our land was not ideal, as it was rough and jagged, filled with rocks and debris. The older boys and younger men in my family had been forced to work for numerous other settlers in town. The wages they bring home are despicable. I do cleanin' and washin' for other folks, and my meager income barely put the dishes on the table, never-mind the food! We earned about the same as slaves, but at least we are free and no one can hurt us no more. I think. 

Saturday, 4 February 2012

A Loyalist’s Journal, Nova Scotia, June 1788 A day in the life of a Loyalist

Dear Journal,
 We have just arrived here in this place called Nova Scotia. There are so many challenges my husband and I face here.  Thank goodness for the bright sun that greets me every morn. Otherwise, I would not find the strength to get up and out. Right now, Bob and I are living in a tent. It is very small and cramped. Every day, Bob gets up before the rooster wakes us and starts work. He hauls logs, stones, and bricks to the edge of the woods where we live now. When the rooster calls, I am up preparing breakfast over a hot fire. Then, after Bob eats, I help him clear the land on which our home will stand and our crops will grow. We have already gotten our Land Grant.  Later on, I will start planting the crops with Bob, and then to finish the day, we will gather more wood, bricks and stones for our house. We will eat a small meal and go to bed. This happens every single day, until all of our area has been cleared, the plants have been planted, and our house has been built. It is very tiresome and I yearn for our old life, filled with social gatherings and quiet time.
Love, Ellie


Saturday, 28 January 2012

A note from a member of the 13 Colonies

At last! We 13 Colonies have been given freedom! We have won the war and all British Supporters must pay! We shall go to the ends of the earth to unsure that any of those who turned on the 13 Colonies will get what they deserve. For that is only fair, right?

Letters from a wife of another British Administrator to her sister in Britain 1775-1783



Dearest Elizabeth,
I miss you so very much!  I hope you are well! Grandy has been so hard to live with lately. He is so uneasy and anxious, which is making me uneasy, anxious, and very stressed out.  These 13 Colonies I keep telling you about cause the stress.
 On and on he goes, “The 13 Colonies are going to revolt!  They are so rebellious! My career is over!” Blah blah blah.  The only thing that has really caught my attention since Grandy started blathering on was this meeting.  The meeting is called Continental Congress. The 13 colonies are holding the meeting next week. They are going to talk about their rebellious plans.  Wish me luck dear sister. I will be hearing about the details of this meeting until I am at my deathbed.

            Your loving sister,
                                  Balthilda



Dear Elizabeth,
            The worst possible situation has occurred (according to Grandy). A rumor has been flitting through town, and apparently, the 13 Colonies are going to take up arms against the British! Grandy is in the bathroom right now. He’s been there for over an hour. I should probably go check on him. At least he isn’t bawling anymore. Although I am hearing several distinct sniffles. Oh, the bawling just started again.   You know I really wished we stayed in Britain.
            Good wishes to all.

            Balthilda



Dear Elizabeth,
             You won’t believe it! War has broken out! I am very concerned for Grandy’s health.  Every night he comes home- he is not fighting in the war, he is overseeing some men in training and discussing possible target plans-  and falls asleep on the wooden chair in the kitchen. He doesn’t even lock himself up anymore to cry. Now he goes outside and chops wood. I don’t know which is worse.  Things are very tricky. Remember my old friend, Janie? I wrote you about her a long time ago. Well, her husband, Harry, was a part of the 13 Colonies. We used to chat at the market, but now we cannot. They are so strict here. If anyone who is for the British side shows favoritism to the 13 Colonies, you could get in big trouble. Likewise for the 13 colonies. Life is getting so complicated. Uh oh. I’d better sign off here. Grandy just came in from chopping the wood. He’s got a nice RED rag wrapped around his hand. It’s dripping.
Love you Elizabeth! ~Balthilda

            Dear Elizabeth,
                        The British have lost the American Revolution! Our neighbors, the Macdonald’s are good friends, and members of the 13 colonies. However, they favoured Britain. Now they are being forced to move out of the United States, by the 13 Colonies.   We are going to move with them. Grandy has lost his job, and there is no use for us here anymore. We love Britain more that the United States, and we can’t see our lives here anymore. We cannot afford to keep any of our belongings.  I do not know if, and when I will ever get the chance to write to you.  My life is getting more and more miserable. The 13 Colonies have been destroying the neighbor’s property. Just yesterday, they set fire to their Cornfield. The fire spread onto our home, and the logs Grandy has been so carefully stacking exploded. The fire seeped into our home, and all the curtains are black.  I love you, dear sister.
Balthilda

A journal Entry from Marina Macdonald, 1783



Oh! My life is filled wish anguish and despair. Today, those ruthless 13 Colonies put my husband on a mule and paraded him around, beating him. I locked Mary in the house and chased after those contemptible lunatics. I screamed at them to let my husband go, but they just flung me away. I have a big bruise at my temple. They called John such awful names; I must plead for forgiveness about even remembering them.  I have no more hope.

The next day:
Why? Why would those worthless people set fire to OUR CORNFIELD?? Mary was beyond upset. John told us that we are to leave tomorrow. At least our neighbor’s, Grandy and Balthilda, will join us. The fire caught onto their home too. 

The Day of The Move:
We were eating a bit of breakfast sadly, our belongings all packed up, when the vermin attacked again. They ran into our home and forced us brutally out the door! Can you believe the nerve! I am no longer upset that we have to leave, but I only wished that we had been treated fairly. Poor Mary was so scared. The only folks that speak to us around here are Grandy and Balthilda. Everyone else shuns us.
 There is no reason for us to live here anymore.


                  

Letters from a wife of another British Administrator to her sister in Britain 1775-1783




Dearest Elizabeth,
I miss you so very much!  I hope you are well! Grandy has been so hard to live with lately. He is so uneasy and anxious, which is making me uneasy, anxious, and very stressed out.  These 13 Colonies I keep telling you about cause the stress.
 On and on he goes, “The 13 Colonies are going to revolt!  They are so rebellious! My career is over!” Blah blah blah.  The only thing that has really caught my attention since Grandy started blathering on was this meeting.  The meeting is called Continental Congress. The 13 colonies are holding the meeting next week. They are going to talk about their rebellious plans.  Wish me luck dear sister. I will be hearing about the details of this meeting until I am at my deathbed.

            Your loving sister,
                                  Balthilda



Dear Elizabeth,
            The worst possible situation has occurred (according to Grandy). A rumor has been flitting through town, and apparently, the 13 Colonies are going to take up arms against the British! Grandy is in the bathroom right now. He’s been there for over an hour. I should probably go check on him. At least he isn’t bawling anymore. Although I am hearing several distinct sniffles. Oh, the bawling just started again.   You know I really wished we stayed in Britain.
            Good wishes to all.

            Balthilda



Dear Elizabeth,
             You won’t believe it! War has broken out! I am very concerned for Grandy’s health.  Every night he comes home- he is not fighting in the war, he is overseeing some men in training and discussing possible target plans-  and falls asleep on the wooden chair in the kitchen. He doesn’t even lock himself up anymore to cry. Now he goes outside and chops wood. I don’t know which is worse.  Things are very tricky. Remember my old friend, Janie? I wrote you about her a long time ago. Well, her husband, Harry, was apart of the 13 Colonies. We used to chat at the market, but now we cannot. They are so strict here. If anyone who is for the British side shows favoritism to the 13 Colonies, you could get in big trouble. Likewise for the 13 colonies. Life is getting so complicated. Uh oh. I’d better sign off here. Grandy just came in from chopping the wood. He’s got a nice RED rag wrapped around his hand. It’s dripping.
Love you Elizabeth! ~Balthilda

            Dear Elizabeth,
                        The British have lost the American Revolution! Our neighbors, the Macdonald’s are good friends, and members of the 13 colonies who liked Britain better, have left their home. They are being forced to move out of the United States. We are going with them. Grandy has lost his job, and there is no use for us here anymore. We love Britain more that the United States, and we can’t see our lives here anymore. We cannot afford to keep any of our belongings.  I do not know if, and when I will ever get the chance to write to you.  My life is getting more and more miserable. The 13 Colonies have been destroying the neighbor’s property. Just yesterday, they set fire to their Cornfield. The fire spread onto our home, and the logs Grandy has been so carefully stacking exploded. The fire seeped into our home, and all the curtains are black.  I love you, dear sister.
Balthilda

Sunday, 22 January 2012

Another letter from Hélène and Marc-André


Dear Amélie and Jean Frédéric,

     How are you keeping up North??   I have some très bonne news for you. The British have finally gotten rid of that ridiculous Stamp Act! We 13 Colonists are very happy with this news. This afternoon, we got a letter from our old neighbours, remember the Moreau’s? Elyse and Martin? They are colonists who moved to Boston, and did something quite similar to what my Marc-André and our colonists have done. Remember the boycott?? Well a tax on imported tea caused the Colonists there to jump on the boat and dump out all the tea into the water! I am mad, but glad to know that the British aren’t just picking on us.  I believe that these British are treating us unfairly. We should get to choose our own government to pay taxes to!!!

    With love and affection,
       Hélène, Marc-André


Wednesday, 18 January 2012

Written by a member of the 13 Colonies regarding the American Revolution



     Dear Amélie and Jean Frédéric,

     I hope that you both have found peace and happiness up in the North Valley. Marc-André and I miss you dearly but are glad you no longer are under such strict and cruel British rulings. I apologize for not writing sooner but Marc and I have not found the money. Ah excusez-moi.... j'ai oublié! You see, the British people have created a new tax that is called The Stamp Act. This tax is so how do I say this.... absurdité! These idiot British are making us French pay for every piece of printed-paper we use. Apparently, this extra tax would be used to pay the cost of defending us 13 Colonies from the British. How ridicule!! Marc-André says: “They are pushing their limits! They are going to need that money to defend all of the angry colonists at their doorsteps tomorrow!!” He also sends his love.  Marc- André and other colonists have organized a boycott. From now on, we 13 Colonists resolve to never, ever buy any goods or services from these British.


   We will write soon.  With love, your dearest relatives,
 Hélène and Marc-André Lachapelle