Women of Washington
Communicating America’s Founding Principles
Women of Washington is an educational organization with a focus on understanding local, national, and global issues that are critical to our world today.
STATEN ISLAND PEACE CONFERENCE.
Upon receipt of the Declaration of Independence from the Continental Congress in mid-July of 1776, the irate British Parliament instructed Lord Admiral Richard Howe to communicate with George Washington to put an end to this rebellion. However, Washington returned Howe's letter because of Howe's refusal to address him as the Commanding General of the Continental Army.
Howe then wrote to Benjamin Franklin proposing a truce and offering pardons and amnesties for the colonists. Franklin's response was terse and direct: "...It is impossible we should think of Submission to a Government, that has with the most wonton Barbarity and Cruelty, burnt our defenseless towns..." Nevertheless, the Staten Island Peace Conference was scheduled for September 11th. at the Billop House on Staten Island.
The American delegates, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edmund Rutledge were escorted past armed guards to begin negotiations with their British counterparts.
Howe began the three-hour discussions by insisting the immediate retraction of the Declaration of Independence. The Americans were equally adamant that America was now a sovereign nation. Howe said that he would feel America's loss "like the loss of a brother." Franklin responded saying, "We will do our utmost endeavors to save your lordship that mortification." When Howe unhappily stated that he could not view the American delegates as anything but British subjects, Adams responded saying, "Your lordship may consider me in what light you please, except that of a British subject."
Within the week, the British army engaged American forces on Manhattan's Harlem Heights on September 16th.
Note: In Colonial times, travelers needed to make do with whatever scarce accommodations could be found between destinations. Such was the case as the American Congressional delegation traveled to Staten Island to meet with Lord Admiral Richard Howe. There were only two rooms available at the roadside inn, and Adams and Benjamin had to share a tiny bedroom, barely large enough for one bed and one small window. Fortunately, we have Adams' written account of the discussions between these two historic figures on, among other things, matters of health and the benefits or ills of fresh air.
Adams closed the small window and got into bed. "Oh, don't shut the window," Franklin retorted. "We shall be suffocated." To this, Adams said that he was infirm and would catch a cold from the night air. Thus prompted, Franklin said, "I believe you are not acquainted with my theory of colds." Adams wrote that he opened the window and leapt back into bed while his roommate continued with his theory. "The Doctor then began to harangue upon Air and cold and Respiration and Perspiration..." as Adams drifted off to sleep.
References:
www.revolutionary-war.org/staten-island-peace-conference;www.americanhistorycentral.com/staten-island-peace-conference;www.mentalfloss.com/time-ben-franklin-and-john-adams-shared-a-bed.
Howe then wrote to Benjamin Franklin proposing a truce and offering pardons and amnesties for the colonists. Franklin's response was terse and direct: "...It is impossible we should think of Submission to a Government, that has with the most wonton Barbarity and Cruelty, burnt our defenseless towns..." Nevertheless, the Staten Island Peace Conference was scheduled for September 11th. at the Billop House on Staten Island.
The American delegates, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edmund Rutledge were escorted past armed guards to begin negotiations with their British counterparts.
Howe began the three-hour discussions by insisting the immediate retraction of the Declaration of Independence. The Americans were equally adamant that America was now a sovereign nation. Howe said that he would feel America's loss "like the loss of a brother." Franklin responded saying, "We will do our utmost endeavors to save your lordship that mortification." When Howe unhappily stated that he could not view the American delegates as anything but British subjects, Adams responded saying, "Your lordship may consider me in what light you please, except that of a British subject."
Within the week, the British army engaged American forces on Manhattan's Harlem Heights on September 16th.
Note: In Colonial times, travelers needed to make do with whatever scarce accommodations could be found between destinations. Such was the case as the American Congressional delegation traveled to Staten Island to meet with Lord Admiral Richard Howe. There were only two rooms available at the roadside inn, and Adams and Benjamin had to share a tiny bedroom, barely large enough for one bed and one small window. Fortunately, we have Adams' written account of the discussions between these two historic figures on, among other things, matters of health and the benefits or ills of fresh air.
Adams closed the small window and got into bed. "Oh, don't shut the window," Franklin retorted. "We shall be suffocated." To this, Adams said that he was infirm and would catch a cold from the night air. Thus prompted, Franklin said, "I believe you are not acquainted with my theory of colds." Adams wrote that he opened the window and leapt back into bed while his roommate continued with his theory. "The Doctor then began to harangue upon Air and cold and Respiration and Perspiration..." as Adams drifted off to sleep.
References:
www.revolutionary-war.org/staten-island-peace-conference;www.americanhistorycentral.com/staten-island-peace-conference;www.mentalfloss.com/time-ben-franklin-and-john-adams-shared-a-bed.
Women of Washington
1100 Bellevue Way NE, Ste. 8A-427
Bellevue, WA 98004
Send Email
