Sign Here, John Hancock

The term John Hancock is a modern day synonym for signature in the United States. John Hancock is best known for his signature on the Declaration of Independence because it’s so large. Even though there were 56 signers on the Declaration of Independence, he typically is the one we remember first. A lesser-known fact is that he was also the first person to sign the Declaration. Maybe this explains why his signature is so large; everyone else just wrote smaller? Actually, there are a couple of reasons why he signed so largely.

John Hancock was born on January 23, 1737. His father died when he was seven and so he lived with his wealthy Uncle Thomas and Aunt Lydia in Boston, Massachusetts on the west edge of the Common. Hancock lived in a huge house (with 54 windows), dressed in expensive clothing, had a fabulous red curtain that draped around his bed, could eat plum cake any time he wanted it, and could ride any number of horses from the stable. Basically, he grew up in extreme wealth.

Hancock wanted nothing more than for people to like him, and they did; he was attractive, friendly, kind, generous, and threw amazing parties. But his kindness and generosity and amazing parties weren’t without their purpose. His goal was to get everyone to like him so much that they would elect him to public office; and to get elected he knew he needed to gain admiration and be noticed. To be noticed he dressed in exquisite embroidered satin, velvet and lace, wore gold and silver on his shoes…the richest clothing that he could find. When Hancock was 27 his uncle died and he inherited his massive fortune. It was enough to make Hancock the richest man in New England and the second richest man in America. Wow, that is massive. And so now more people did take notice of John Hancock.

Samuel Adams certainly took notice. Adams was a politician in Massachusetts who wanted to stop England from bothering America and he decided that John Hancock was the man to do it – because of his massive fortune and popularity. So Samuel Adams made sure that Hancock was elected to office as a selectman (a member of the governing board for the town of Boston).

In 1765 England enacted the Stamp Act on America. This imposed 55 different taxes on traded goods. John Hancock owned 20 ships that transported these taxable goods: whale oil, fish, lumber, cloth, paper, books, furniture, wine, salt, leather…you get the idea. Hancock said that there was not a person on earth or a single thing in the world that would make him pay a single cent of that “damned tax.” The Patriot Party and other Americans agreed. When England repealed the tax, Hancock threw an over-the-top party at his house (to celebrate and of course to increase everyone’s admiration of him). Flags adorned his house, tables were piled high with food, and when the townspeople gathered in droves on the Common, he opened his doors to everyone for the grandest party ever thrown in Boston. He brought out a 126-gallon cask of Madeira wine for people on the Common who couldn’t fit into the house. And at the end of the night, fireworks lit up the sky. John Hancock did everything in the grandest style to ensure that he was admired and popular.

So by this time John was well noticed and extremely popular and became one of Boston’s four representatives to Massachusetts’ governing body. He played his new position up big time. He would showboat around in one of his 9 modes of transportation: several chariots, a chaise, a sulky, a kittereen, sleighs... And when he felt people weren’t paying enough attention to him, he would give them very generous gifts – coins to children, a fire engine or concert hall or bandstand or lime trees to the town – generous gifts indeed. But he gave the gifts for the attention he received and not so much the needs of the recipients.

Anyhow, in 1767 England tried again to tax Americans. John Hancock refused to pay. In April of 1768 tax inspectors boarded one of Hancock’s ships. Hancock and his strongmen refused to let them inspect. Another time they locked an inspector in a cabin while they unloaded. This made King George furious, so the King put John Hancock’s name on his “Dangerous Americans” list. By 1775 it was clear that war between England and the Colonies was inevitable. Massachusetts had formed their own government and made John Hancock the president. The King then moved Hancock’s name to the very top position of his “Dangerous Americans” list and put a price of 500 pounds on Hancock’s head. English troops marched into Concord looking for weapons and John Hancock; John Hancock evaded the English army by fleeing to Philadelphia.

Hancock was a delegate from Massachusetts to the Continental Congress, a meeting of representatives from all of the Colonies. They met in Philadelphia to discuss what to do about England. A couple of weeks later they were suddenly without a president of the Congress. The members of Congress voted unanimously for John Hancock to be its new president. This would show the King how they felt about him and his “Dangerous Americans” list. John Hancock was in his element, the center of attention, admired, wearing his finest clothes and making important decisions. And signing his name to these important decisions he absolutely loved to do.

Over the years John Hancock practiced writing various styles of his signature using underlines, curlicues, and underlines with curlicues. By the time he became president of the Second Continental Congress, his signature became larger with more swoops and swirls including back and forth underlines that were entwined with curlicues. In the spring of 1776, Congress discussed whether or not America should declare their Independence. On July 2^nd they agreed yes, they should. It took two more days to agree on the wording and another month for the final to be drafted on parchment for members to sign.

John Hancock was first to sign. With his fancy lace cuffs flipped back, he dipped the quill pen into the inkstand and then signed his name – very large. “There! King George the Third can read THAT without his spectacles. Now he can double his reward for my head.” This is the most commonly accepted reason that John Hancock signed his name so large on the Declaration of Independence: so that King George could no doubt read it without his glasses. It was an “in your face King George” move. But the vain and egotistical and side of John Hancock, that liked to showboat about and throw fabulous parties and give generous gifts in return for praise, also knew that if America won the war, he would be praised and admired and honored as the first signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was making history. And being the first to sign America’s Declaration of Independence was his pinnacle “look how great I am” moment.

Now you’re a little smarter, Girlfriend — And so am I.

Want to know all 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence? Find it here:

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/print_friendly.html?page=declaration_signers_factsheet_content.html    

The Declaration of Independence

I mentioned in a recent blog, The Preamble, that I had bought a book about the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Being that it is the 4th of July weekend where most Americans will be celebrating in some manner, I thought the Declaration of Independence would be an appropriate topic to remind us it’s about more than just barbecues and fireworks.

“When in the Course of human Events...” is the beginning phrase of the Declaration of Independence written 234 years ago. The Declaration was a revolutionary manifesto meant to end British rule over America by proclaiming its justified end. Initially, the colonists wanted to avoid independence, even after the outbreak of war at Lexington and Concord in April of 1775. The Second Continental Congress were pressed by their constituents to reconcile with the mother country, which they tried. But after the arrival of more British troops in January of 1776, it was clear the King still held much hostility towards the states. Word spread among the colonists and the consensus was that the time had come to found new governments, free of kings and hereditary rulers, governments whose power came from the popular choice. This conclusion was based on the way the king had treated Americans over the previous years and not on the flaws of Britain’s form of government.

The colonist’s reasons for wanting independence from Britain were cited as King George III’s: refusal to answer their petition for peace from the Second Continental Congress; his approval of the Prohibitory Act of December 1775 essentially making their ships and ports vulnerable to attack by his Royal Navy; marking war on his subjects from America; burning American towns; enlisting slaves and indians to fight against the colonists; and contracting with Germany for mercenary soldiers to assist in his reestablishment of authority in North America.

The colonists knew they needed help from a non-British ally or face being destroyed by Britain’s larger and stronger forces. To attain help, they had to state their intent to cut ties with Britain. On June 7, 1776 they put forth this resolution:

“That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”

On June 11, Congress appointed a committee to draft a declaration to be issued if Congress adopted independence. The committee consisted of five men:

Thomas Jefferson – Virginia Delegate

John Adams – Massachusetts Delegate

Benjamin Franklin – Pennsylvania Delegate

Robert Livingston – Lawyer/Politician/Diplomat from New York

Roger Sherman – Lawyer/Politician from Connecticut

(a delegate is an elected non-voting member of the House of Representatives from a U.S. territory or from Washington, D.C.)

The Declaration of Independence, most of which was penned by Thomas Jefferson, was the action of Second Continental Congress and a unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America for freedom from Britain rule. Throughout the Declaration, the facts set forth for independence repeatedly

state “he,” meaning King George III. Probably the most well known excerpt from the Declaration, that most of us have heard, is; “...that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness...” But how the Declaration ends, the final sentence, I find to be most poignant. “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

Our independence from Britain was an impossible achievement, one that realistically we should not have succeeded in because they were a substantially stronger opponent. But it was accomplished through the unwavering determination of Americans from those 13 colonies who knew it was imperative and worthy of sacrifice. So every July 4th, we give thanks by remembering and honoring them for their fearless and steadfast commitment to the inception and the future of these now 50 United States of America.

Remarkably, John Adams died on July 4, 1826. His friend, Thomas Jefferson, died that same day.

Now you’re a little smarter, Girlfriend — And so am I.

The American’s Creed

I have to admit, I didn’t even know that we had an American’s Creed. But, with Independence Day fast approaching, now is an opportune time to learn about it. And with the fatigue from our current economic pinch and seemingly perpetual bad news, maybe we can find some inspiration from a truly selfless man – a true American in every sense of the word.

William Tyler Page of Maryland, who was an employee of the U.S. House of Representatives and Clerk of the House from 1919 to 1931, was the winner of a nationwide contest for the best summary of American political faith. His idea was to write a creed in the style of the Apostle’s Creed (I’ll have to look that one up.) It came to him while driving home from church in 1917, a time when the United States was fighting World War I. Page used the writings of the Declaration of Independence, Preamble to the Constitution and the Gettysburg Address for inspiration. The U.S. House of Representatives accepted Page’s Creed on behalf of the American people and in 1918, it became the official American’s Creed.

The prize William Tyler Page won: $1,000. I’m sure that was a substantial amount of money in 1918. But rather than keep it for himself, he used the money to buy Liberty Bonds and gave them to his church. Now that is a true American.

The American’s Creed

I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a Republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect Union; one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it; to support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its flag; and to defend it against all enemies.

Tomorrow, I am going to do a good deed for a fellow American because I am happy to be an American. Thanks for the inspiration, Mr. Page.

Now you’re a little smarter, Girlfriend — And so am I.

The Preamble

Well, it’s been far too long since I’ve blogged — I had good intentions. Time to get back to learning.

Last fall I got very involved in a local PAC (political action committee) for a great cause in which we were unfortunately defeated, but sometimes it only takes a few to make a big difference and you still have to try no matter the odds.

A couple of weeks ago, I bought a book at our local bookstore, Pages, about the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. It made me think a lot about the sacrifices made by so many, the courage and dedication of a handful, and how both made such an impact on our lives today. Our small PAC fighting for 13 acres of land would not have been possible had it not been for all of the people who have given so much for us to not have to give much at all. So I sat down with my book and memorized the Preamble. I felt like it was something I absolutely should know by heart. We all take our freedoms for granted, but even little things, like going against the world’s largest retailer, reminds me how truly fortunate we are to have our voices heard regardless of the outcome.

The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Now you’re a little smarter, Girlfriend — And so am I.

The XYZ Affair

I was reading a (children’s) book on the Presidents and ran across The XYZ Affair on the John Adams page. It sounded so contemporary and intriguing, like it could be the title of the next James Bond movie.

John Adams, the country’s first Vice President, beat Thomas Jefferson in the 1796 race for President. As our 2nd President, Adams held the same beliefs as George Washington in his desire to keep the U.S. neutral in the war between France and Britain. However, American shipping was suffering as a result of the fighting. After the French attacked U.S. ships in 1797, Adams sent diplomats to France to negotiate a commercial agreement to protect U.S. shipping and for peace talks.

Three French agents suggested America pay a bribe of $250,000 to Talleyrand, the French Foreign Minister, and a $10 million loan to France as a prelude to negotiations. In April 1798, the scheme of the three French agents (referred to as X, Y and Z in the diplomatic correspondence) was made public and the scandal became known as The XYZ Affair. There was public outcry and many Americans were very angry and wanted war with France. 

There was a period of undeclared naval warfare between France and the United States, but a formal war was avoided. In 1800 Adams sent more diplomats to France and this time they were successful and a peace treaty was signed. Adams ran for President again that year but lost to Thomas Jefferson.

Interesting Facts: John Adams established the U.S. Navy and ordered the first warships to be built • Thomas Jefferson was Adams’ Vice President • Fierce rivals after Adams lost his re-election to Jefferson, they became close friends as time passed • Adams died on July 4, 1826, just hours after Jefferson died • Thomas Jefferson was George Washington’s Secretary of State and wrote the Declaration of Independence in 1776

Now you’re a little smarter, Girlfriend — And so am I.

The Enlightenment

I watched a show on the History Channel about Ben Franklin (that would be a whole other blog topic–the man accomplished everything). They referred to the time period as The Enlightenment and honestly, I don’t remember ever learning that one. Must have been a “skip” day.

The period known as The Enlightenment refers to the Western philosophy in the 18th century, from around 1740 to 1789, prior to the French Revolution (1789-1799). There were remarkable cultural changes characterized by a loss of faith in traditional religious and political sources of authority and where reason based on democracy, human rights and science was advocated as the primary source for authority. The term Enlightenment was used by writers of the time, aware they were emerging from centuries of darkness and ignorance into a respect for humanity and reason. “Dare to know,” coined by German philosopher Immanuel Kant, was the motto of the age. The period is also referred to as the Age of Reason.

The signatories of the Declaration of Independence, including Ben Franklin, were motivated by the principles of Enlightenment, which were based more on a set of values and not on ideas or shared beliefs. The Bill of Rights, the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, and the Polish-Lithuanian Constitution of May 3, 1791 were all motivated by the values and principles of Enlightenment.

The precursors to The Enlightenment stemmed from new discoveries in science by Copernicus and Galileo, by philosophical rationalists Descartes and Spinoza, political philosophers Hobbes and Locke and skeptical thinkers such as Bayle in the 17th century. The most important common belief to philosophers and intellectuals of this period were an abiding faith in the power of human reason.

The Enlightenment ended with the French Revolution, which some see the social and political ferment of the period as being responsible for the Revolution. Conservatives believed the Enlightenment was too radical, while romantic writers and artists who came after the period found it to be without passion or soul.

The Enlightenment’s effects on the 19th and 20th centuries marked a decline of the church and growth of modern secularism and served as the model for political and economic liberalism.

Now you’re a little smarter, Girlfriend — And so am I.

Emancipation Proclamation

While I was researching the Magna Carta, it made me think about the Emancipation Proclamation and of course, I couldn't remember what it was. Gee, with as much as I don’t know, it’s hard to imagine I know anything at all.

President Abraham Lincoln was pressured by abolitionists and radical Republicans to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which he approved of in principle and drafted on July 13, 1862, but postponed action until he believed he had wider support from Americans. President Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation in the midst of the Civil War, announcing on September 22, 1862, that if the rebels did not end the fighting and rejoin the Union by January 1, all slaves in the rebellious states would be free.

The Emancipation Proclamation was formally issued by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863 as the nation approached its third year of the Civil War. The proclamation states, “that all persons held as slaves are, and henceforward, shall be free.” It was, however, limited only to states that had seceded from the Union, leaving slavery untouched in the loyal Border States. It also exempted parts of the Confederacy that already were under Northern control and the freedom it promised the slaves depended on the Union military victory.

Slaves were not immediately freed, but it fundamentally transformed the character of the war. The advancements of federal troops expanded the domain of freedom. Black men were accepted into the Union Arm and Navy and so the liberated became the liberators. By war’s end, nearly 200,000 black soldiers had fought for the nation, and their freedom.

Here is an excerpt from the Emancipation Proclamation indicating which states were in rebellion:

“…designate as the States and parts of States wherein the people thereof respectively, are this day in rebellion against the United States, the following, to wit:

Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, (except the Parishes of St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles, St. James Ascension, Assumption, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary, St. Martin, and Orleans, including the City of New Orleans) Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, (except the forty-eight counties designated as West Virginia, and also the counties of Berkley, Accomac, Northampton, Elizabeth City, York, Princess Ann, and Norfolk, including the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth[)], and which excepted parts, are for the present, left precisely as if this proclamation were not issued.”

History is so interesting. I wish I knew more of it other than just my own small existence. If I could, I'd go back to the 17-year-old me in history class and say, "hey, pay attention stupid–you don't end up with that boy anyway."

Now you’re a little smarter, Girlfriend — And so am I.

Magna Carta

I was watching a show on the History Channel and Magna Carta was mentioned, but not explained. I have, of course, heard of Magna Carta, but realized I could not even begin to say what it actually was.

Magna Carta means ‘The Great Charter’. It is England’s Charter of Liberties. Our 5th Amendment Bill of Rights stem from the Magna Carta. The 5th amendment basically states: No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, and property and without due process of law.

The Magna Carta was put forth in the year 1215 in response to King John’s abuses. Nobles revolted against the King, compelling him to execute the recognition of rights for both noblemen and ordinary Englishmen. It established the principle that no one, not even the king or lawmakers, is above the law.

Only three of the original clauses in Magna Carta are still law. One defends the freedom and rights of the English church. The second confirms the liberties and customs of London and other towns. The third is the most famous: No freeman shall be seized or imprisoned, stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled. Nor will we proceed with force against him except by the lawful judgment of his equals or by the law of the land. To no one will we sell, deny or delay right or justice.

The Magna Carta was confirmed by Edward I in 1297. Eventually, colonist brought the Magna Carta with them to the New World. Our Constitution was essentially based on the need for the Magna Carta. The new Americans understood the importance of the document to the freedoms of all people, thanks to the courage of Noblemen from the 12th century.

Here is a link if you would like to read the entire Magna Carta:

www.britannia.com

Now you’re a little smarter, Girlfriend — And so am I.

Bill of Rights

These are the amendments to the constitution. The first 10 are commonly known as the Bill of Rights. I think everyone knows without hesitation what the 1st amendment is. The rest, for me, get a bit fuzzy after, well, 2. I was very surprised to find out there were 27 amendments, the last being ratified in 1992.

Several delegates to the convention refused to sign the newly drafted constitution because it did not include a bill of rights, forcing government to recognize the rights of citizens. We are sure glad they did.

Amendment 1 – Freedom of religion and press.
Amendment 2 – Right to bear arms.
Amendment 3 – Quartering of soldiers.
Amendment 4 – Search and seizure.
Amendment 5 – Trial and punishment, compensation for takings.
Amendment 6 – Right to speedy trial, confrontation of witnesses.
Amendment 7 – Trial by jury in civil cases.
Amendment 8 – Cruel and unusual punishment.
Amendment 9 – Construction of constitution.
Amendment 10 – Powers of the states and people.
Amendment 11 – Judicial limits.
Amendment 12 – Choosing the president, vice president.
Amendment 13 – Slavery abolished.
Amendment 14 – Citizenship rights.
Amendment 15 – Race no bar to vote.
Amendment 16 – Status of income tax clarified.
Amendment 17 – Senators elected by popular vote.
Amendment 18 – Liquor abolished.
Amendment 19 – Women’s suffrage.
Amendment 20 – Presidential, congressional terms.
Amendment 21 – Amendment 18 repealed.
Amendment 22 – Presidential term limits.
Amendment 23 – Presidential vote for District of Columbia.
Amendment 24 – Poll tax barred.
Amendment 25 – Presidential disability and succession.
Amendment 26 – Voting age set to 18 years.
Amendment 27 – Limiting congressional pay increases.

The Preamble of the Constitution of the United States
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Now you’re a little smarter, Girlfriend — And so am I.

Purple Heart

I was driving on the freeway the other day and noticed a Purple Heart license plate. I then began to wonder why it's purple. I thought maybe it had something to do with "nobility" or being of a noble act. The color purple was originally exclusive to kings, queens and emperors because it was virtually impossible to produce naturally, and therefore, extraordinarily expensive. Good theory, but wrong.

The U.S. Army regulates that the Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died after being wounded.

Which then made me curious who initiated the honorary medal. I was surprised. It was none other than our greatest President, George Washington, then Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.

Engraved on the back of the Purple Heart was this:
"Let it be known that he who wears the military order of the purple heart has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countrymen."

So why was it purple? George Washington believed that color resembled the look of dried blood.

Now you’re a little smarter, Girlfriend — And so am I.

The Star-Spangled Banner

We all know The Star-Spangled Banner—Francis Scott Key, a lawyer, wrote our national anthem. But do you know what event in history inspired it? I’ll admit I had no idea. I’ll even admit that up until recently, I thought Francis was a female… yeah. That’s why this girl needs to get smart, girlfriend.

The event was the War of 1812, but it wasn’t until the turning point of the war more than two years later that Key was moved to pen the words to our national anthem.

Resentment for Britain’s interference with American international trade and impressments of American sailors combined with American expansionist visions led Congress to declare war on Great Britain in June of 1812. The war drug on and it wasn’t until Napoleon suffered a defeat against an on-going war with France that Britain turned their focus to an ill-prepared United States. August 24, 1814 British troops entered Washington, burning the US Capitol, President’s Mansion and other public buildings while local militia fled. With Washington in ruins, Britain next planned an attack on Baltimore by land and by water.

At 6:30 AM on September 13, 1814 British naval forces, planning to enter Baltimore Harbor and take the city, began a 25-hour bombardment of Fort McHenry. Rockets whistled through the air bursting into flames upon impact, bombshells exploded overhead raining down fiery shrapnel. Major Armistead’s men held Fort McHenry, refusing to surrender and forcing the British to pull back from their advancements. That night, British attempts at a diversionary attack failed and the next morning, the fleet withdrew. Due to a heavy rainstorm, Fort McHenry had flown its smaller storm flag during battle. When the British began to retreat, the smaller flag was replaced with a great garrison flag that could be seen for miles.

Eight miles down river aboard a British boat Francis Scott Key, who had been asked to assist in a legal matter with the release of his prisoner friend, was being detained. The British feared he would alert the fort of the impending attack after Key overheard details of the plan. Key had spent an anxious night watching the bombardment and hoping for a sign that the city—and nation—might be saved. When he saw “by the dawn’s early light” that the American flag soared above the fort, he knew that America had not surrendered. Moved by the sight, he began to compose a poem on the back of a letter he was carrying.

The poem was initially titled The Defense of Fort McHenry and was sung to the 18th century British melody Anacreon in Heaven. Sometime in October 1814, a music store published the words and music under the title The Star-Spangled Banner. During the 19th century it became one of the nation’s best-loved patriotic songs, gaining special significance during the Civil War. Decades later, President Hoover signed into law our official national anthem March 3, 1931.

The Star-Spangled Banner Lyrics

http://www.usa-flag-site.org/song-lyrics/star-spangled-banner.shtml

Now you’re a little smarter, Girlfriend — And so am I.