We all need encouragement from time to time. Right now, many people do. This reminds me of a particular favorite piece of writing, The American Crisis by Thomas Paine. I love both the words and the real-life historical impact.
In December of 1776, the American Revolution was looking desperate as early successes and excitement gave way to despair. In March that year the Continental Army fortified Dorchester Heights and forced the British to retreat from Boston. That July the Continental Congress declared independence. It was downhill from there. The Continental Army moved to New York commanded to hold it. They didn't. In a string of defeats Washington retreated from Long Island and Manhattan, losing the young nation's most important commercial city and port. The army retreated into New Jersey with winter setting in. Congress fled Philadelphia. Most soldiers enlistment ended with the year. Was it all over?
At this time Paine, a philosopher and writer, traveled with the Continental Army. Already well known for Common Sense, laying out the reasons for independence, he penned the first American Crisis paper, using a drum for a desk. It begins:
"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated."
He went on to reason out why God supported independence, recap recent events, and express his support for General Washington. As a man of the Enlightenment, he used logic to explain why the colonists needed to be free and why the struggle was worth the pain, writing in a style accessible to the common man. His pamphlet was read aloud to the army on December 23rd, days before Christmas and an improbable attack.
Christmas Night, General Washington and a few thousand men crossed the Delaware River and ambushed the Hessians (Germans) in Trenton the following morning. Contrary to popular belief, the Hessians were not drunk from Christmas celebrations, but they also did not resist long. It was a small but vastly influential victory for Washington. Army morale improved, enlistments were boosted, and it got the attention of the French, the eventual invaluable ally. It essentially saved the Revolution. The crossing also inspired a particularly famous work of art.
I don't know how much Thomas Paine's words directly influenced the soldiers in those crucial days. But I know it's important to have meaning in all things. Paine gave them a reason to fight when things looked bleak. Many were about to go home, or so they thought. One victory led to others. Paine's work was published across the young nation to inspire the colonies at large.
Today we're in crisis again, and while it may not be unique to America, or a war, we can all use encouragement. I'm encouraged by Paine, especially when we says 'What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.' Life is just as dear as freedom. Thanks for reading.
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