Blood Spilled for Freedom

Tom was on the high quarter-deck as the Tossea sailed from the dock in Philadelphia on tide with moderate wind filling all the ships canvas on Friday June 8, 1805. The June weather was warm but the cool breeze off the Delaware River kept the men cool. The ship was loaded with six hundred hogsheads of tobacco valued at $27,000. (2,100,000 today). Tossea was also loaded with Indigo, and furs. The destination of their voyage was known by only Tom and Jeff Pickering his first mate. Tom had casually mentioned the West Indies so the crew had something to talk about but their real destination was the port at Livorno, Italy. A buyer for the tobacco had been arranged in Florence. Tom did not share his friends name or the information he obtained with anyone. Tom was playing a difficult game of survival. Tom had created many enemies not because of his personality but because he was successful in being defiant of the British. Across the street from Independence Hall was the “Blue Ball” tavern. The tavern was mostly patronized by locals living in the area. The interior of the Tavern was small with wooden tables and benches. Back in the far left corner of the dingy room was a man sitting with his head hanging over a warm pint of beer. Tom entered the tavern, taking a seat near the entrance so he could be aware of anyone coming in that might be a threat to him. Tom ordered a beer and gazed out into the street. He took a few sips of his beer and then got up and left. He walked to the six plus acre Washington Square Park and waited. Shortly after his leaving the tavern the man in the back of the tavern also left. They both met in the park after being convinced they had not been followed. “It is good to see you Harry, you are looking healthy.” Tom said in a low voice. “I don’t know why, with the world tumbling down and our commerce going to hell,” Harry was more than a whipping boy for the leaders in Congress. “I am worried that merchants, like me, are becoming more vulnerable and fearful the United States does not have our backs.” “You should be Tom, the political attitude is, mind our own business and England will cave to our way of thinking.” “You know that is not true Harry, the English will see us all dead before that happens.” “I will tell you Tom that there are Americans that feel you are causing damage to our relationship with the British. I would watch your back.” “I appreciate your concern, but it is even worst on the ocean where Americans seem to be fair game without regard for life and safety.” “One thing you might assist me with is placing a loyal English American in the British Embassy. The old man that is the British Consul, Phineas Bond, is no friend of Americas.” Tom spent his days at the docks supervising the work on his ships and reviewing the cargo he was lining up for transporting to Europe. The gossip at the City Tavern was war with Britain was coming. Many of the men believed America should first take Canada, and kick the British out. The men were very sure of themselves that American could kick the asses of the British in no time at all. No consideration was given to the fact the British military was well trained, disciplined, and supplied. Free enterprise must control goods and services. Free enterprise must be restored to allow market innovation, competiveness, and leadership. Americans must be allowed to succeed and Americans must also be allowed to fail. People in need must be assisted though lifting themselves up and not be encouraged to live off of others.” "The gratitude we owe to the founding fathers perhaps cannot be expressed in words but in our hearts we will hold them close to us forever,” Tom was thinking to himself. “Stan, we have many enemies, they are jealous of our achievements, our achievements to lift a new country from nothing to become a power in the world. We do have to give the French credit for assisting us in 1778 with gold and silver that keep us alive. We also have to remember the French have experienced a revolution changing their government drastically. We also must not forget the sacrifices made by those who perhaps have never been paid for their service fighting for independence of their country.” “Have you read the Declaration of Independence?” Tom was looking Stan in the eyes. “Yes I have Tom but I admit I should read it more carefully,” Stan almost sounded like a young student in school responding. “Well I do encouraged everyone to read the Declaration of Independence and often. Everyone should have a copy and if you do not have a copy, please acquire one, and make sure you and your families all read it.” “My greatest fear Stan is that the preservation of our new Republic will depend on our faithfulness to the Declaration of Independence. May we never let our guard down!" America cannot be just a service economy with an expanding government subservient to the British. We need to allow the development of new small businesses that can succeed and employ those who need to work. We can only achieve this by removing all the mountains of British rules and regulations that have been killing entrepreneurs off. Government must allow the economy to grow; not create more Socialism. The Constitution does not guarantee anyone the right to hand outs and services they may need. The Constitution does guarantee each individual has the right to pursue those needs and the impediments of the British must be removed. The urgency in government today is to protect the Constitution not new British legislation. The dangers lie ahead and the solutions lie in the past.”