Rise To Rebellion: A Novel of the American Revolution

New York, October 1771

As “nonimportation” sentiment—or refusal to allow British goods on to American soil—grows, the economic impact is felt in England. Gage assures his restless superiors in London that the sentiment will pass. To assure a dependence on English goods, he considers denying entry to non-English immigrants who might manufacture quality goods in America. Gage then receives a request to send troops to New Hampshire to settle a border dispute with New York. He refuses, content to let the colonies settle their own internal affairs. He imagines that these “barbaric” colonists will never be united.

Dublin, Ireland, October 1771

Franklin visits Ireland. He hires a carriage to take him to sites off the main roads. When they are forced to ford a small stream, the carriage takes on water. The driver is terrified of what his employer will do if he finds out.

They come to an open field dotted with crude mud huts. Franklin is eager to meet the occupants, but the driver refuses to stop. When they pass the huts, the driver explains that these folk don’t appreciate rich men in carriages “gawking” at them. As he tours more of the countryside, he finds the extent of the poverty sobering. It is the true face of British oppression. When the colonists rail against British oppression, the English point to African slaves in the colonies as evidence of hypocrisy. Franklin realizes that America is no different from Ireland or Scotland. The king keeps the colonies close because their “purpose is to serve. The child must give all to the mother” (80).

As he prepares to leave Ireland, Franklin is summoned to Lord Hillsborough’s estate near Dublin. Hillsborough insists he stay and enjoy the benefits of his estate. Suddenly conciliatory, he insists they set aside their differences. Franklin is wary.

After five days, Franklin departs for England, but his stay in Ireland has shaken him. He views the Empire with a grim fatalism. What has happened in Ireland can happen in America if the colonies grow too prosperous and England sees them as a threat.

In Narragansett Bay off the coast of Rhode Island, British frigate the Gaspee runs unchecked, stopping ships at whim, boarding them, and confiscating even legally documented goods. The crew raids farms along the coast, but the territorial government ignores the colonists’ complaints. When the Gaspee runs aground in shallow waters, colonists board the ship and burn it, setting the captain adrift.

Boston, October 1772

In the wake of the Gaspee incident, the British launch an inquiry, but the council has only English members, a violation of colonial legal autonomy. When no witnesses come forth, the king mandates all judges be appointed by the Crown. John Adams fears this act will dissolve the tenuous peace between England and the colonies. He decides to attend a town meeting and speak his mind.

At the meeting, Governor Hutchinson refuses to challenge the king’s decree. Adams then takes the stage, arguing that, contrary to what England believes, America is perfectly capable of managing its own judicial affairs. The king’s latest decree can easily lead to more egregious abuses. He urges the citizens of all 13 colonies to stand united. The crowd erupts in applause.

London, December 1772

Over dinner, Franklin and Strahan discuss Hillsborough’s replacement, Lord Dartmouth. The talk then turns to politics. Franklin fears competing loyalties will tear apart families and friendships (specifically, between him and his son). Once again, he argues for colonial representation in Parliament, which Strahan dismisses. Franklin claims the Empire is “ailing” and that America is vibrant, thriving, and will not be governed by an antiquated and oppressive system.

Later, Franklin receives several letters. He opens one with Governor Hutchinson’s name and reads it, the words filling him with anger. He sends the letters on to Boston.

Boston, March 1773

Adams, Joseph Warren, and the Sons of Liberty—a coalition of colonists advocating for independence—read the letters Franklin forwarded. Hutchinson argues for “an abridgement of what are called English liberties” (107). This is evidence that England wishes to control the colonies completely, by force if necessary, and that force will be aided and abetted by Americans like Hutchinson. Sam Adams and Joseph Warren argue that the letters must be read to the assembly, but John worries about Franklin’s safety if British authorities learn he has leaked private correspondence.

Braintree, April 1773

Adams laments his own inaction in the face of growing British oppression. His cousin, Sam, was quicker in understanding the threat. Adams begins to see revolution as inevitable, and he commits to it.