OR Post 3: 1776

Now with winter in full force both sides were in preparation mode for an offensive. On February 14 Washington gathered his "council of war" comprised of top military men to plan an attack. He claimed that, "stroke well aimed at this critical juncture might put a final end to the war" (86). However marred by skeptisicm his meeting was it was not innapropriate. One of his Generals, Gates, was one of many who pressured the government for powder. In his own words he said, "Ye gods, give us powder!" (87). Because the attack on Boston was already vetoed, the next plan was to make the British come to them. They believed that if they had the element of fortification, they can win the war while greatly outnumbered. The plan was agreed upon by the council and the preparations to draw the British out were to be at Dorchester Heights.
Fortifications and cannons were rolled out during the night of March 4th and the plan was to make the British retreat or fight. The plan was working, for the British general, Howe, ordered an attack on the hill. Unfortunately for the Rebels, a storm swept in the next day preventing any such battle from occuring. And when the storm stopped Howe's advisors talked sense into him and convinced him that this was a trap. This was not however a toal failure for the Colonists because the British evacuated Boston and took Loyalists with them to Nova Scotia. The colonists believed it was the first significant victory against the crown.

With the conclusion of Part one of the book the theme of conflict and struggle is coming into light. The struggle for the Colonists is trying to win their independence from a now tyrranic crown. They must do so with overwhelming odds looming over their head. The penalty for losig is the ultimate price for some of the revolution leaders so they have everything on the line for the welfare of their nation. Now come the developments of a non- conventional style of war that the colonists begin to realize is the only way they have a chance against the world power. Instead of charging into battle in an open field against an army much more trained and well equipped then themselves they are trying more "cowardly" types of attacks.