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feature items. items have been published since the last newsletter was sent out and are re-publications. For ease of browsing, drilldowns are available on both Era and Author. Mainstream and/or opinion pieces are labelled Non-AH Content.

American Revolution

In 1789 on this day the Plural Executive took the oath of office on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street. It was the triumph of good governance that Benjamin Franklin had fought for at the Philadelphia Convention. And if he cut a less than striking image well perhaps that was the whole point, a first step towards collective responsibility.Benjamin Franklin calls for a "Plural Executive" Steve Payne In 1758 on this day Americas first three-term President James Monroe was born on  his parents house located in a wooded area of Westmoreland County, Virginia. Birth of Three-Term President "Monroe" Steve Payne In 1721 on this day the first Vice President of the United States Roger Sherman was born in Newton, Massachusetts.Birth of Vice President "Roger Sherman" Steve Payne
In 1790 on this day <a href=http://www.todayinah.co.uk/index.php?story=39555-7>Americas first president, Benjamin Franklin</a>, died in the capitol at Philadelphia in the middle of his first term.<span class=EditorText>This article is part of the <a href=http://www.todayinah.co.uk/index.php?thread=American_Heroes>American Heroes</a> thread</span>.Passing of President "Franklin" Robbie Taylor In 1765 it might have been pure ignorance paired with a certain amount of overconfidence that made the British general Jeffrey Amherst act like he had an army of 10.000 behind him when he triggered the Great Indian War, because, actually, Amherst had no army to speak of. <span class=EditorText>This post was written by Dirk Puehl the highly recommended author of <a href=https://plus.google.com/u/0/101959956375064214309/posts>#onthisday #history</a> Google+ posts.</span>British general Jeffrey Amherst triggers "Great Indian War" Dirk Puehl In 1778 fatally pierced by splinters from the mizzen yard, John Adams murmoured "I ought to do my Share of fighting" before expiring in the arms of his ten-year old son John Quincy onboard the Continental Navy frigate Boston."John Adams" killed during AmRev David Tenner
In 1732 on this day the shadowy historical character of the Baron of Ohio, George Washington was born in Westmoreland County, Colony of Virginia, British America.Baron of Ohio, "George Washington" Steve Payne In 1807 former Vice President of the United States Aaron Burr is arrested for treason in Wakefield, Alabama and confined to Fort Stoddert."Aaron Burr" arrested for treason Robbie Taylor In 1776 Benjamin Franklin sent a letter to General Charles Lee, expressing his wish that "pikes could be introduced" along with "bows and arrows", which, Franklin added, "were good weapons, not wisely laid aside". What if the Continental Congress and the American army had taken up Franklins suggestion? Fighting the AmRev with "Guns and Bows and Arrows" Brian Tubbs
In 1793 John Hancock, first president of the United States of America, celebrated his fifty-seventh birthday.

President "John Hancock" celebrates his fifty-seventh birthday Eric Lipps In 1737 on this day American merchant and statesman John Hancock was born in Braintree in the Province of Massachusetts Bay.Birth of "John Hancock", Redux Steve Payne In 1790 on this day <a href=http://www.todayinah.co.uk/index.php?story=39555-7>Americas first president, Benjamin Franklin</a> was born in Boston, Massachusetts Bay.<span class=EditorText>This article is part of the <a href=http://www.todayinah.co.uk/index.php?thread=American_Heroes>American Heroes</a> thread</span>.Passing of America's First President "Benjamin Franklin" Steve Payne



In 2006 the U.S. National Archives noted that today marks the 300th anniversary of Benjamin Franklins birth (January 17, 1706-April 17, 1790). During his life, Franklin had many careers including service as a diplomat, a printer, a writer, an inventor, a scientist, a lawmaker, and a postmaster, among others. In his later years he became vocal as an abolitionist and in 1787 began to serve as President of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery. The Society was originally formed April 14, 1775, in Philadelphia, as The Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage; it was reorganized in 1784 and again in 1787, and then incorporated by the state of Pennsylvania in 1789. The Society not only advocated the abolition of slavery, but made efforts to integrate freed slaves into American society.Benjamin Franklin ends the Silence on "Slavery" Steve Payne In 1737 on this day American merchant and statesman John Hancock was born in Braintree in the Province of Massachusetts Bay.Birth of "John Hancock" ring-leader of failed AmRev Robbie Taylor In 1750 on this day inaugural Speaker-President Frederick Muhlenberg (pictured) was born in Trappe, Pennsylvania.Birth of Speaker-President "Frederick Muhlenberg" Steve Payne
In 1735 on this day the silversmith and renowned loyalist Paul Revere (pictured) was born in the North End of Boston.<span class=EditorText>A post from <a href=http://www.todayinah.co.uk/index.php?thread=American_Heroes>American Heroes</a> thread.</span>Loyalist "Paul Revere" has a Nightmare on King Street Steve Payne In 1798 the Kentucky State Legislature passed a resolution stating that acts of the national government beyond the scope of its constitutional powers were "unauthoritative, void, and of no force". <span class=EditorText>An article from the <a href=http://www.todayinah.co.uk/index.php?thread=American_Heroes>American Heroes</a> thread</span>"VP Jefferson" Impeached over Kentucky Resolutions Steve Payne In 1754 on this day the British Colonel Banastre Tarleton (pictured) better known variously as "Bloody Ban", "The Butcher", "The Green Dragoon" was born in the City of Liverpool. He was the fourth of seven children born to the merchant, ship owner and slave trader, John Tarleton of Liverpool, who served as Mayor of Liverpool and had extensive trading links with Britains American colonies. <span class=EditorText>An article from the <a href=http://www.todayinah.co.uk/index.php?thread=American_Heroes>American Heroes</a> thread</span>Jefferson killed in the "Tragedy at Charlottesville" Steve Payne
In 1797 on the eve of the inauguration, George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson dined at the Presidential Mansion in Philadelphia. <span class=EditorText>An article from the <a href=http://www.todayinah.co.uk/index.php?thread=American_Heroes>American Heroes</a> thread</span>Washington ensures Adams "Bipartisan Strategy" works Steve Payne In 1740 on this day American diplomat and spy Dr Arthur Lee was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia.Birth of Dr "Arthur Lee" Steve Payne In 1783 after years of fighting, the War of Independence for the United States was coming to a close. "Newburgh Conspiracy" Marches Jeff Provine
In 1825 on this day Kentuckian Hero
General James Wilkinson died in Frankfort, the capital of the Independent Commonwealth that he had fought so hard to establish. He was sixty-eight years old.General "James Wilkinson" passes away Steve Payne In 1790 on this day the tenth State ratified the Second Constitution and George Washington became President-for-Life.Gen Washington refuses "Disagreeable Scheme" to serve as President, Redux Steve Payne In 1782 on this day Colonel Lewis Nicola proposed to General Washington that due to the ineffectiveness of the Congress during the war he should be crowned King of the United States.Gen Washington refuses "Disagreeable Scheme" to serve as President Steve Payne



In 1745 on this day American President John Jay was born to a wealthy Hugenot-descended family of merchants and government officials in New York City.Birth of President "John Jay" Robbie Taylor In 1791 on this day the United States Bill of Rights (the collective name for the first eleven amendments to the Constitution) went into affect after ratification by the State of Virginia. "XIth Amendment" To The Bill Of Rights Steve Payne In 1804 on this day passage of the proposed Twelfth Amendment was frustrated by the failure to achieve ratification from the required number of state legislatures.States reject the "12th Amendment" Steve Payne
In 1783 no sooner had the British Army marched out of New York City than the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army was proclaimed King Washington.All Hail "King Washington" Steve Payne In 1790 on this day an anonymous letter appeared in the New York Journal, almost certainly written by the former US Secretary of the Treasury, Colonel Alexander Hamilton (pictured). <span class=EditorText>An article from the <a href=>Hamilton Quits</a> thread</span>Alexander Hamilton quits as Secretary of the Treasury: "Part 2" Steve Payne In 1790 on this day Colonel Alexander Hamilton (pictured) resigned his position as the US Secretary of the Treasury. <span class=EditorText>An article from the <a href=>Hamilton Quits</a> thread</span>Alexander Hamilton quits as Secretary of the Treasury: "Part 1" Steve Payne
In 1778 on this day Major General Charles Lee was forced to withdrew his advanced guard from the Monmouth Court House in the face of overwhelming British opposition.<span class=EditorText>A reversal of the earliest post <a href=http://www.todayinah.co.uk/index.php?story=39732-R>All Hail King Washington</a>.</span>Long Live King "Lee" Steve Payne In 1976 on this day the reputation of the American tyrant <a href=http://gamersector.com/news/all-hail-king-washington-in-assassins-creed-iiis-dlc>King Washington</a> was partially restored by his <a href=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_11>posthumous appointment</a> to the grade of General of the Armies. The appointment was by congressional joint resolution Public Law 94-479 and approved by the President of the Republic, Ronald Reagan.All Hail "King Washington" Steve Payne In 1792 on this day a Founding Father of the Republic of Virginia George Mason IV died at his home in Gunston Hall in Fairfax County, VA. He was sixty-six years old.Founding Father of the Republic of Virginia "George Mason IV" Steve Payne
In 1774 in a public letter dated on this day the First Continental Congress formally invited French-Canadians to join in a second meeting of the Congress to be held in May 1775.Canada falls to the "Arnold-Montgomery Expedition" Steve Payne In 1775 on this day an invasion force led by Colonel Ethan Allen crossed the St Lawrence River and forced the Governor-General of Canada Sir Guy Cartleon to abandon British Montreal.The Fall of Montreal: "Ethan Allen's Big Adventure" Steve Payne In 1759 on this day George Washington was rewarded with a commission in the British army in recognition of his military service in the explusion of French Forces from the Ohio Country.Brigadier General "George Washington" Steve Payne



In 1776 on this day in Philadelphia, an odd group of rich colonial landowners collaboratively authored a global declaration of republican principles known as Mr Jeffersons Letter.Mr "Jefferson's Letter" from the Colonies Steve Payne "Fourth of July", The Declaration of Independence Matt Dattillo Non-AH Content In 1799 on this day master orator, attorney, planter and anti-monarchist politician Patrick Henry died on his five hundred and twenty acre plantation at Red Hill near Brookneal, Virginia in Charlotte County.Death of Republican Stalwart "Patrick Henry" Steve Payne
In 1775 American rebels faced off against British troops led by General William Howe (pictured) at Breeds Hill in Massachusetts. After his first charge against the rebel position was met with a volley of repelling fire, Howe organized a second, which met with just as little success.American Victory at "Breed's Hill" Robbie Taylor Thoughts on "Memorial Day" Matt Dattillo Non-AH Content The "Homestead Act" Signed, May 20, 1862 Matt Dattillo Non-AH Content
In 1811 on this day Sally Cary Fairfax passed away in Charlestown on the Caribbean island of Nevis; she was survived by her second husband, Royal Navy Admiral George Washington (retd.).<span class=EditorText>This post is an article from the <a href=http://www.todayinah.co.uk/index.php?thread=Midshipman_Washington>Midshipman George Washington</a> thread.</span>Midshipman George Washington: "Part 7" Steve Payne In 1783 indifferent sailor Horatio Nelson cut his losses, declaring his intention to resign his Royal Navy commission and stand for Parliament in a letter dated this day and addressed to his former commanding officer and mentor Captain William Locker.<span class=EditorText>This post is an article from the <a href=http://www.todayinah.co.uk/index.php?thread=Midshipman_Washington>Midshipman George Washington</a> thread.</span>Midshipman George Washington: "Part 6" Steve Payne In 1768 on this day Sally Fairfax and prominent members of the Loyalist Community bade farewall to George Washington as he boarded the HMS Endeavour and set sail for the south Pacific Ocean under the command of Captain James Cook (pictured).<span class=EditorText>This post is an article from the <a href=http://www.todayinah.co.uk/index.php?thread=Midshipman_Washington>Midshipman George Washington</a> thread.</span>Midshipman George Washington: "Part 5" Steve Payne
Midshipman George Washington: "Part 4" Steve Payne In 1803 on this day the Jacobin sympathizer Thomas Jefferson (pictured) famously remarked that the wheel of the American Revolution must have turned full circle for British Redcoats to march into Philadelphia and New York City to protect the beleagured Northern Federalist Bloc.<span class=EditorText>This post is an article from the <a href=http://www.todayinah.co.uk/index.php?thread=Midshipman_Washington>Midshipman George Washington</a> thread.</span>Midshipman George Washington: "Part 3" Steve Payne In 1801 the two decades of brutal military government euphemistically known as "the interregnum" finally ended with the death of the American tyrant, Benedict Arnold (pictured). Empowered with supreme authority by the Second Continental Congress he defeated the British Empire but then refused to disband the Continental Army which he used to rule the thirteen colonies with a rod of iron.<span class=EditorText>This post is an article from the <a href=http://www.todayinah.co.uk/index.php?thread=Midshipman_Washington>Midshipman George Washington</a> thread.</span>Midshipman George Washington: "Part 2" Steve Payne



In 1743 on this day on Ferry Farm, King George County, Virginia, Augustine Washington died age forty-nine. His son George inherited the former Strother property and its slaves, but instead of joining the landed gentry and becoming a planter and slaveholder, he accepted Admiral Vernons invitation to enroll in the Royal Navy.<span class=EditorText>This post is an article from the <a href=http://www.todayinah.co.uk/index.php?thread=Midshipman_Washington>Midshipman George Washington</a> thread.</span>Midshipman George Washington: "Part 1" Steve Payne In 1776 South Carolinian Edward Rutledge writes what will become the most influential letter of the brief war for American independence to John Jay of New York.Edward Rutledge's conciliatory "Letter" to John Jay Robbie Taylor In 1787 representatives of the thirteen original states met in Philadelphia to draft the first articles of what would eventually become the United States Constitution.Double Jeopardy: "Part 14" Chris Oakley
In 1758 on this day the fourth <a href=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Attorney_General#List_of_attorneys_general>US Attorney General</a> Noah Webster, Jr. was born in West Hartford to an established Yankee family; his father, Noah Sr. was a descendant of Connecticut Governor John Webster; his mother Mercy (née Steele) was a descendant of Governor William Bradford of Plymouth Colony.Connecticut Yankee in "King Alexander"'s Court Steve Payne In 1776 an eloquently worded demand for republican rule was routinely dismissed by His Britannic Majestys Government.Mr "Jefferson's Letter" reaches London Steve Payne The "Newburgh" Conspiracy Matt Dattillo Non-AH Content
In 1844 debate begins in British Parliament over the Colonial Reform Act. Championed by Daniel Webster of the Massachusetts colonial legislature (pictured), the Act proposes that the American colonies be granted representation in the House of Commons. "Colonial Reform" Act of 1844 Eric Lipps In 1777 after much political infighting and discussion, the Continental Congress announced promoting five men to the rank of major general. "Benedict Arnold" Promoted Jeff Provine In 1775 on this day an invasion force led by Colonel Ethan Allen crossed the St Lawrence River and forced the Governor-General of Canada Sir Guy Cartleon to abandon British Montreal.Ethan Allen captures "British Montreal" Steve Payne
In 1775 on this day Lt. John Paul Jones hoisted the Grand Union Flag above the Alfred, a man-of-war of the Continental Navy which was moored in Philadelphia Docks.Lt. John Paul Jones hoists the "Grand Union Flag" Steve Payne In 1791 as the "Beast" Alexander Hamilton subdued the "monster with thirteen heads" his libertarian adversaries Maximilien Robespierre, Jean-Paul Marat and Thomas Jefferson spent a convivial evening at Monticello smoking Virginia Hemp."Mashed Up" at Monticello Steve Payne In 1793 when "Citizen" Genêt informed General Washington of inappropriate remarks made in private by Thomas Jefferson the President had no choice by to summarily dismiss his Secretary of State for a serious breach of political integrity.Jefferson "dismissed" for remarks to Citizen Genet Steve Payne



In 1779 the Revolutionary War ended with the final surrender of British forces to the Continental Army at Yorktown, Virginia.Double Jeopardy: "Part 13" Chris Oakley WI Continental Congress elects different "C-in-C"? Ian C. Racey Benedict Arnold: The "Father of Our Country" Lee Krystek
What if "George Washington" had Never Been born? Brian Tubbs In 1795 needing more time to suppress the four-year long Whiskey Rebellion and having waited a respectful amount of time since the Fourth of July to avoid drawing cynicism from libertarians George Washington confirmed his intention to serve a full third term of office as President of the United States.Gen Washington pays for hanging "the Firebrand" Steve Payne In 1743 on this day Sir Thomas Jefferson was born in Charlottesville, Virginia. Jefferson was serving in the Virginia House of Burgesses when, in 1775, he was called upon by the Second Continental Congress to draft a letter to King George III that sought to reconcile the colonies with their mother country. "Sir Thomas Jefferson" drafts a letter to King George III Steve Payne
In 1776 reacting to Thomas Jeffersons refusal to excise a paragraph condemning the slave trade in the proposed declaration of independence from Great Britain under debate in the Continental Congress, the delegations of South Carolina and Georgia vote "no" on its adoption. Since it had earlier been agreed that adoption required a unanimous "yes" vote, the resolution fails.Collapse of the "Revolt" Eric Lipps In 1778 Britains last hope for crushing the American Revolution was dashed when Lord Cornwallis, commander of the British expeditionary force in Virginia and the Carolinas, was killed by sniper fire during an assault on Continental Army regimental lines northwest of Charleston, South Carolina.Double Jeopardy Part 12: "Death of Cornwallis" Chris Oakley In 1800 vindicated by a principled yet desperately unpopular "do nothing" decision that had destroyed his own re-election prospects John Adams seized the opportunity to call for a Constitutional Amendment that would restrict the office of the US Presidency to just a single term.American Hero "John Adams" Steve Payne
In 1789 the crashing <a href=http://www.todayinah.co.uk/index.php?story=39793-J>failure of the Philadelphia delegates</a> to "chain the dogs of war" was ruthlessly exposed when a long-running <a href=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennamite-Yankee_War>border dispute</a> in the Wyoming Valley escalated into armed conflict between the Sovereign Republics of Virginia, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.Pennsylvania "Uber Alles" Steve Payne In 1836 on this day in Agua Dulce Creek, Coahuila y Tejas Province, the sun was gradually creeping over the far hilltops, but it wasnt likely to obscure the vision of the waiting cavalry.Formation of the "Golden Bear" Republic Steve Payne In 1783 500 officers of the Continental Army of the United States met at Newburgh, New York to decide whether to abandon the fight against the British, now nearly won, and either move out West and "mock" the Continental Congress for its refusal to provide back pay and pensions it had promised or to march on Philadelphia.Gen Gates confronts an angry officers at "Newburgh Camp". Eric Lipps



In 1767 on this day the so-called "Townshend Acts" were voted down in the British Parliament. Originated by Charles Townshend and designed to collect revenue from Britains American colonists by imposing customs duties on imported glass, lead, paints, paper, and tea, the acts were rejected as likely to cause even more resistance than had the recently-repealed Stamp Act.

The British Parliament infuriates partisans by voting down the "Townshend Acts". Eric Lipps In 1722 on this day statesman, political philosopher and Founding Father Samuel Adams was born in Boston in the British colony of Massachusetts.





First President of Massachusetts "Le fameux Adams" Steve Payne In 1789 on this day Benjamin Franklin opened the inaugural meeting of the plural executive that he had successfully argued for at the Philadelphia Convention.Inaugural meeting of the "Plural Executive" Steve Payne
In 1791 on this day the delegates of the Confederation Congress chose Thomas Jefferson for Presiding Officer marking the election of the nineteenth and final holder of the ceremonial office of "President of the United States in Congress Assembled"."Thomas Jefferson", President of Congress Assembled Steve Payne In 1776 on this day a five-man drafting committee placed the Declaration of Independence before the Second Continental Congress after striking out the inappropriate fifty-five word preamble penned by the young idealistic author, Thomas Jefferson.Jefferson's "55 word" preamble struck out Steve Payne In 1790 twelve months after Mrs Alexander Hamilton served the <a href=http://althistory.blogspot.com/2004/06/trojan-forces-invade-greece.html>very first dish of ice cream</a> to a thrilled President Washington, her husbands receipe for the Public Credit was rejected as unpalatable to Southern States, support deserted the Secretary of the Treasury and his own piece de la resistance, the Assumption Plan was narrowly voted down by the US Congress.Famous only for his wife's "Ice Cream" Steve Payne
In 1777 the Continental Congress, the organization of rebel leaders for the American revolution, promotes several rebel officers to the rank of Major General. New Yorks General Benedict Arnold is not among those elevated, and is quite bitter about that.Congress overlooks "Benedict Arnold" Steve Payne In 2011 on this day the Mount Vernon Ladies Association announced the chance discovery of the letters from the First US President George Washington to his wife Martha that she had claimed to have burnt following his death in 1799.The mising letters of "George Washington" are finally discovered. Steve Payne In 1789 deputies of the Troisieme Estate-General, a national body that represented the commoners of France, rename themselves the National Assembly and send an ultimatum to King Louis XVI - accept a constitution limiting his powers or face revolt from the commoners.  Bourbons agree to a "Constitutional Monarchy" Steve Payne
In 1759 on this day in the town of Braintree on Massachusetts Bay, friends of the struggling lawyer John Adams burst into his drawing room just moments after his "Sweet Orlinda" Hannah Quincy had accepted his rash proposal of marriage.John Adams marries his "Sweet Orlinda" Steve Payne In 1787 on this day the foundation and source of the legal authority underlying the existence of both the Union and the federal government was adopted by the Constitutional Convention and later ratified at a local level in the name of "We, the States". "We, the States.." rhetoric of Patrick Henry wins the day at Philadelphia Steve Payne In 1778 fatally pierced by splinters from the mizzen yard, John Adams murmoured "I ought to do my Share of fighting" before expiring in the arms of his ten-year old son John Quincy onboard the Continental Navy frigate Boston.John Adams dies on board the "Boston" in 1778. Steve Payne



In 1796 largely due to the destructive misbehaviour of John Adams the victor of the first contested American presidential election was Alexander Hamilton (pictured).John Adams "powers of self-destruction" gift the 1796 election to Alexander Hamilton. Steve Payne In 1776 reacting to Thomas Jeffersons refusal to excise a paragraph condemning the slave trade in the proposed declaration of independence from Great Britain under debate in the Continental Congress, the delegations of South Carolina and Georgia vote "no" on its adoption. Since it had earlier been agreed that adoption required a unanimous "yes" vote, the resolution fails.Jefferson's refusal causes the "Collapse of the Revolt" Steve Payne




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A blog by Professor Jeff Provine dedicated to showing significant events in years past on this day that shaped history... just, not our history.

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