Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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George Washington on the Hunger of the Troops, 1778
A report on an army on the brink of starvation at Valley Forge and the lack of support from the states
Supporting Document
John Laurens to His Father on a Regiment of Freed Slaves, 1778
A letter proposing the enlistment and emancipation of enslaved men
Supporting Document
Nathanael Greene Reports on a Joint Franco-American Operation, 1778
Report on a planned attack derailed by a hurricane
Supporting Document
Phillis Wheatley’s “On the Death of General Wooster,” 1778
“On the Death of General Wooster” commemorates a Revolutionary War hero, General David Wooster. She used the poem to point out the hypocrisy of a war for freedom that left so many of those enslaved in chains.
Supporting Document
Philip Schuyler Orders an Attack on the Onondagas, 1779
Orders to attack Indigenous people on the frontier, where many had sided with the British
Supporting Document
Petition against Taxation without Representation for Free Black Men, 1780
A protest by Black businessmen who paid taxes but could not vote
Supporting Document
Thomas Paine Writes to General Greene about Benedict Arnold and John Andre, 1780
A report on the conspiracy to turn West Point over to the British
Supporting Document
Washington Appoints General Nathanael Greene to the Southern Army, 1780
Washington’s decision to replace Gen. Horatio Gates with Greene after a major loss
Supporting Document
A Letter from George Washington’s Spymaster, 1780
A coded letter about the Culper Spy Ring’s fears about their dangerous mission
Supporting Document
Lafayette Recommends Hamilton for Advancement, 1780
Lafayette’s report on his letter of recommendation for Hamilton
Supporting Document
Alexander Hamilton Woos Elizabeth Schuyler in a Letter to Her Sister Peggy, 1780
A letter highlighting courtship of Elizabeth during his time as Washington’s aide-de-camp in Morristown
Supporting Document
Alexander Hamilton’s Love Letter to Elizabeth Schuyler, 1780
A letter that intertwines love and statesmanship
Supporting Document