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Burning of Norfolk

From Diary of the American Revolution, Vol I. Compiled by Frank Moore and published in 1859. January 2. –Yesterday, at about quarter after three o’clock, the British fleet lying off Norfolk, Virginia, commenced a cannonade against that town, from upwards of one hundred pieces of cannon, and continued till nearly ten o’clock at night, without…

Battle of the Great Bridge

From Diary of the American Revolution, Vol I. Compiled by Frank Moore and published in 1859. December 9. –This morning, after reveille beating, two or three great guns and some muskets were discharged from the enemy’s fort near Great Bridge, 1 which, as it was not an unusual thing, was little regarded by Colonel Woodford.…

The Rattle-Snake as a Symbol of America

Messrs. PRINTERS, I observed on one of the drums belonging to the marines now raising, there was painted a Rattle-Snake, with this modest motto under it, “Don’t tread on me.” As I know it is the custom to have some device on the arms of every country, I supposed this may have been intended for…

Bradshaw’s Epitaph

The following inscription was made out three years ago on the cannon near which the ashes of President Bradshaw were lodged, on the top of a high hill near Martha Bray in Jamaica, to avoid the rage against the Regicides exhibited at the Restoration: STRANGER, Ere thou pass, contemplate this CANNON, Nor regardless be told…