Jonah+C.+-+Historical+Fiction+Character

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Colonial Life
Hello, my name is Samuel Finley and I am currently 16 years old. I am in a family of 8, and I only have one younger brother in the family, Jack. Being apart of the Quaker society in England was tough at the time, mainly because my family was not paying taxes or obeying the king.

At the time, William Penn had been thrown in jail by the king for preaching his Quakers’ ideas. Soon enough, my family and I were unwelcome in England, and now set sights to Pennsylvania.

We chose Pennsylvania primarily because we knew it was an area where people of all faiths could be treated equally. Religion is an important part of my family, and being able to practice it freely was our main concern. Being apart of an agricultural middle class family, we also found that Pennsylvania consisted of rich soil and valleys perfect for farming.

Ever since we arrived in Pennsylvania, my dad, Jack, and I have been constantly cutting down trees to provide space for crops and livestock. Meanwhile, my mother and sisters have been taking care of each other while tending the house.

I do enjoy the fresh religious freedom that a Quaker colony provides, and someday I hope to carry on with the lifestyle I lead.

Revolution

 * Topic:** **Winter at Valley Forge**


 * Source 1:** Hart, Diane, and Bert Bower. //History alive!: the United States through industrialism.// Palo Alto, Calif.: Teachers’ Curriculum Institute, 2011. Print.

“Late in 1777, Congress declared a day of thanksgiving. By this time, Washington and his army were on their way to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to make camp for the winter” (94).

“…It gave each and every man a gill ( a few ounces) of rice and a tablespoon of vinegar! The army was now not only starved but naked. The greatest part were not only shirtless and barefoot, but destitute of (without) all other clothing, especially blankets” (94).

“ No punishment,” he fumed, “is to great for the man who can build his greatness upon his country’s ruin (94).

Baron Friedrich Von Steuben from Prussia, volunteered himself to take charge of training while Marquise de Lafayette supplied the desperate army with clothing (95).


 * Source 2:** Marshall-Dutcher, Joan . "The Winter At Valley Forge." americanrevwar. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2010. []

“Then came a cruel race with time to get hut’s erected before soldiers, barefoot and half naked, froze to death”.

“Each man had a few possessions and these he carried with him. His musket – by far the most popular weapon – a cartouche or cartridge box. If he had neither, the infantryman carried a powdered horn, hunting bag, and bullet pouch. His knapsack or haversack held his extra clothing (if he was fortunate to have any), a blanket, a plate and spoon, perhaps a knife, fork and tumbler. Canteens were often shared with others and six t eight men cooking utensils”.

“On June 19th, 1778, six months to the day following their arrival, the commander-in-chief General George Washington and the Continental Army departed Valley Forge and marched to Monmouth, New Jersey to engage the British in battle just nine days later”.

__Story Plot/Theme__

**Exposition** – It is the year of 1777. Samuel is struggling to tend the crops as the harsh, bitter winter drastically hits the American Colonies. –(Pennsylvania Frontier). Father died a year ago due to the battle of New York on August 27th, 1776.

**Rising Action** – winter prevents crop growth and Elizabeth (Mother) unexpectedly becomes sick with smallpox. By this time, the redcoats have taken over Philadelphia and waited for Washington to make his move. Sam realizes in order to provide money for his family, he must enlist for the Continental Army. Sam hears that George Washington and his army will provide pay for any man that is willing to join forces at Valley Forge, where Washington and his troops lie low for the winter, in order to chase British troops out of Pennsylvania.

**Climax** –Sam travels to Valley Forge with only a few personal items, including his father’s musket, a small knife, and just a few clothing items. He meets up with Washington and his troops, only to find himself in extreme conditions and on the verge of death.

**Falling Action** – As the time comes for Washington and his men to depart Valley Forge and travel to Monmouth, Sam decides to collect the measly money he “earned” during the stay at valley forge and go back to care for his suffering family. Although, George Washington does not receive any earnings for the men until later that month (by congress).

**Dénouement** – Sam travels a lonely road back to his family with no money, only to care for his mother who continues to fight small pox. His farm, family, and life are still on the line.

**__Theme__**

The American Revolution impacts Samuel and his family economically because the Continental Military does not recieve regular funds from Congress, leading soldiers unpaid and helpless.