Persuader, SASS # 74492 Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed theDeclaration of Independence?Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured beforethey died.Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sonscaptured.Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the RevolutionaryWar.They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacredhonor.What kind of men were they?Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men ofmeans, well-educated,but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that thepenalty would be death ifthey were captured.Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his shipsswept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties topay his debts, and died in rags.Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move hisfamily almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and hisfamily was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and povertywas his reward.Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton,Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, andMiddleton.At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson,Jr., noted that the British GeneralCornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietlyurged General George Washington to open fire. The home wasdestroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed hiswife, and she died within a few months.John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid towaste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home tofind his wife dead and his children vanished.So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silentlythank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.Remember: freedom is never free! We thank these early patriots, as well asthose patriots now fighting to KEEP our freedom!I hope you will show your support by sending this to as many people as youcan, please. It's time we get the word out that patriotism is NOT a sin, andthe Fourth of July has more MEANING to it than beer, fireworks, HOT DOGS,and picnics...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Plasters, SASS#60943 Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 INDEPENDENCE DAY!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anvil Al #59168 Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 WOW. Great post. Something we should all remember. I might have to copy this and post it someplace else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peach Tree Kid Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 I enjoyed that, Just got back from Philadelphia seen a lot of history there. Your post put a lot of things in perspective. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Persuader, SASS # 74492 Posted July 4, 2014 Author Share Posted July 4, 2014 To the top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fillmore Coffins, SASS #7884 Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 Part of being a patriot is to not walk lock step with everyone else without knowing the facts. Never swallow what they're trying to feed you, no matter who "they" are, with all due respect. http://www.snopes.com/history/american/pricepaid.asp Fillmore Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griff Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 Too bad we don't have that type of courage in today's politicians... Happy Birthday, America! Still better'n anywhere else! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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