This newspaper was written and illustrated by Ms. Burke s 5 th graders

This newspaper was written and illustrated by Ms. Burke s 5 th graders Stony Point Elementary School May 2007

We dedicate this book to all of the Stony Point teachers that have helped us through our elementary school years.

The Process We chose what we wanted to study in the Revolutionary War period, after making a huge brainstorm list. Our key subject areas were patriotism, founding fathers, a new nation, and revolution. Then our classes found books about the era s people and ideas. After that, we each drew quick sketches of our Revolutionary symbols. Next, we used Apple Works 5, on our computers, to paint our symbols. We wrote newspaper style articles informing readers of our exciting recent events.

Why the Patriots are Fighting June 6, 1778 Our spies have spotted a group of Patriots on their way over to the Loyalist s territory. They think they re so grand walking all the way over here in their gray button-up coats. The Patriots stink!!! They want freedom from King George! King George is the most exulted ruler of all time!!!! England is just trying to help the colonies. The Patriots don t want our help, but they really need it. They think they can govern themselves, but they really can t. They need our help because they can t run their own country! I mean, they can t purchase all of their goods from England if they break away from King George/England. The Patriots just need to give up or they will never be able to live. By: Abby Weaver

GENERAL CORNWALLIS SURRENDERS!! Alex McNair Breaking news! General Cornwallis of the Loyalists has surrendered! We investigate the scene. Here is one of the soldiers that was at the event. It happened so fast, we were chasing him down the fields and meadows, screaming and yelling and finally, we trapped him down by the peninsula, I really don t know the name. The Patriots have won the war! Here are some of the reactions of the Loyalists. Oh fiddlesticks! I really thought that we were going to win! At last, the war is over, the pain and agony is over!! The biggest battle of the century!! Patriots vs. Loyalists Patriots win their independence!!

Mysterious Drawer By: Alyssa Carroll Someone has drawn a wonderful design for the nation s capital of the government. He decided to sign it A.Z to keep his name secret. It has ten great columns and a wonderful dome at the top. He was impressed with the domes designed by the 16 th century Italian architect, Palladio and decided to use one. We just found out who drew that wonderful drawing of an idea for the nation s capital building. It is Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson has also designed some other buildings such as Monticello, Maison Carre e.

Freedom at Last By Amy Ni Today the Virginia Declaration of Rights, written by George Mason, will be release to the British! From now on We, Virginia citizens, will not be ruled by the British! George Mason s document called the Virginia Declaration of Rights will save us all from the rules of the British. This document was written in May 1776, and Thomas Jefferson s Declaration of Independence opening paragraph used parts of that document. The Marquis de Condorcet called the Virginia Declaration of Rights the first Bill of Rights to merit the name. Now the people are having a meeting to decide what rules will be changed. George Mason s beautiful document started to set our freedom! We will update you on the meeting in future articles.

MERIWETHER LEWIS AND WILLAM CLARK TRAVEL CROSS COUNTRY! By: Brandon Wiseman President Jefferson sent two men to go cross country to explore the Louisiana Purchase, by the name of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The two explorers were traveling across the country and found a young girl by the name of Sacagawea. They brought a dog by the name of Seaman (which is Meriwether s black lab) and a freed slave named York. Clark says that the natives called him Black Bear because they could not wash off the color. They found different types of plants such as flowers, weeds, and grass. This expedition is also called the greatest camping trip of them all.

GOT BRITISH? By: Brittany Murphy Breaking News! Paul Revere hung two lanterns to show that they where coming by sea! The British are coming! The British are coming! Paul yelled through the Middlesex Village. Has the war begun? Paul said, Yes, I am afraid it has. BOOM! Men go down by the second. BOOM! Guns go off. Kids cry. Every thing is quiet! THEN! BOOM! Is it the end?

Battlefront Victory Weapons -Buddy Andersen These weapons are commonly used in the bloody battles on Britain. They are mass used by the American and French-American infantry to fight the British soldiers and officers who wield similar weapons on the battlefield against the colonies. The battles are bloody, and the weapons used need to be able to hold up in the harsh conditions our volunteers take them through. Whether defense or offense, fight flame with flame. These weapons defend our freedom, the American heritage, valiantly, braving us through the toughest battles, and defending us, the colonists of our wonderful and powerful United States of America. The outcome, no less than the land of the king, we used take orders from, the Redcoats fell, the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the war was on. Then, it was over, with the stars and stripes boldly flapping in the wind, we emerged from the smoke and flame unscathed and victorious against the Western European tyrant! And with that, a new country was born, a strong one, America, to never be defeated. We shall always emerge from the most brutal of battles with our flag flying high, marching, alive, and victorious from the enemy, whoever they are.

George Washington Becomes 1 st President By Cage Lambert George Washington became our 1 st president yesterday. In honor of this presidency we shall remember all the good times, such as when he led the Continental army across the Delaware River and when he helped to win the war. When Washington crossed the Delaware, he stopped the Loyalists from attacking the southern states where most of the Patriots were located. Those are just a few of the things that George Washington has already done in his lifetime. In honor of the first president we will be polite, honorable citizens for the country. He was chosen for commander of the Continental Army for being a brave and good solider. He was chosen as the first president for being such a strong leader.

Bonhomme Richard Destroys the Serapis! Chandler Hamilton Yesterday, an astounding, and unlikely victory occurred! The old battleship, Bonhomme Richard, won against the Serapis! We lived and won all because of Captain John Paul Jones! exclaimed sailor Gorganzola Strombolliman. John Paul Jones victory made him very respected and very popular. Nobody would ever forget when JPJ shouted We have not even begun the fight!! So tell me, John, what inspired you to become a naval captain? When I was a kid, I always wanted to sail out into open sea. I was hungry for action, thirsty for adventure, and dreaming of the sea. The government wanted to celebrate him with JPJ day but the citizens knew they just wanted more taxes paid. Instead, we will honor him and someday remember him.

The Declaration of Independence - Chloe Herring On July 9 th 1774, New York voted YEA to adopt the Declaration. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America was its fancy new title. Philadelphia s state House Bell, later known as the Liberty Bell, pealed all day long. To make it official, the declaration was engrossed----that is, written in large, clear letters on parchment. With a steady hand, quill pen and special ink, engrosser Timothy Matlock wrote forty-four lines of the declaration on a two-and-a-halffoot-long sheet of parchment. Every S looked like an F, but since that was the way people wrote, nobody minded. Signing day was August 2 nd, 1776. John Hancock signed the engrossed Declaration first. He wrote big bold letters so that the British could read his name without spectacles.

The Star Spangled Banner By: Cole Dickerson Francis Scott Key has been through a perilous war, but he has made a great outcome. Yesterday in Baltimore, Francis Scott Key named his poem The Star Spangled Banner. Everybody s been going on about it. Key said, When I saw the flag standing, I was inspired to write a poem about the battle, so people could remember those terrible days and the people who dedicated their lives for their country. There has even been talk about making the Star Spangled Banner the national anthem! I would be amazed to see the Star Spangled Banner be the national anthem. Wouldn t you? Francis Scott Key said he was flabbergasted by the war. His ears were ringing from the horrible sound of muskets flinging bullets. He said wind was blowing his hair back. He felt real heavy, but then suddenly the dark smoke cleared and he said he could see The American Flag very faintly. He felt a wave of joy and started writing The Star Spangled Banner. The next thing he new, The Star Spangled Banner was a nominee for the national anthem.

American Flag By: Dalton/Buck McWilliams Boom boom boom! All night long canon fire, no one can sleep while the war has been raging. We all get up the next morning at daylight to the American flag flying over the fort. We all cheered with tears of joy that the American flag had another triumph. Betsy Ross has been asked to make the American flag. The 13 stripes on the American flag represent the 13 original colonies. And the 13 stars represent the13 states. The face of the American flag will fly after every war it is ever in. A lot of people think the American flag represents the best army in the world. The American flag also represents freedom and liberty.

Young Man Observes the Battle September 12, 1814 By Elise Mollica Francis Scott Key, Washington lawyer, witnessed the attack on Fort McHenry five days ago from an astounding point of view. From aboard a British ship! Key was bartering for his old friend, Dr. William Beans freedom. Beans was captured and became a prisoner on one of the British ships for getting three troublemakers jailed. As soon as he heard the news, Key requested an audience with President Madison. The president granted him permission, allowing a determined Key to travel aboard a British ship under a flying flag of truce. Colonel John Skinner, the agent in charge of prisoner exchanges, agreed to accompany Francis Key in his mission. Worried about his old friend, Key hurried to Baltimore the next morning. By now, the young man was desperate to sail in search of the British fleet. It wasn t until the afternoon of the 7 th that the two men came upon the ships. Skinner spotted the eighty-gun flagship, the Tonnant, and steered the small boat towards it. Francis and John boarded hurriedly and were led straight to Admiral Cochrane s cabin. Key confronted the admiral with the problem immediately, but the Brit declined casually. Finally, after much persuasion and the agreement of another British general, Key was assured of Beans freedom, but on one condition. Skinner, Beans, and Key would be forced to stay on the ship until the British attack on Baltimore was over! The three men were united and forced below deck. Days later, at dawn, on the 10 th, the bombardment began. Later Key informed us that the cannons had crashed around the three for hours without end. The noise had been deafening, yet when Key crawled above deck, the beautiful flag still soared above the fort. Trying to capture the moment, Key wrote a poem of the spectacular sight. The battle is over, but the memory of it will haunt me forever, Francis Key proclaimed.

John Hancock signs the Declaration of Independence By: Franklin Morris On July 4, of 1776 John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence-- the document that Thomas Jefferson wrote. This document declared independence from Great Britain for the first 13 colonies of America. They were: Virginia, New Jersey, Kentucky, Vermont, Pennsylvania, New York, North and South Carolina, Georgia, New Hampshire Mary land, Delaware, and Rhode Island. This document allowed the first 13 colonies to be freed from Great Britain. Mr. John Hancock wanted everyone to be freed from Great Britain because he believed that everyone had their own rights. He didn t think they had to be ruled by King George III. From 1607 to 1776 they were never freed. He also wanted blacks to be freed and not be slaves.

A Spy in Action By: Hannah Harper Whispers were coming from outside the linen closet. Lydia Darragh, a great woman from Ireland listened in to find important information from her British neighbor, General Howe. On December 2, 1777 Lydia heard from the linen closet that General Howe, commander of the British army, was planning a surprise attack on the Continental army. The morning after Lydia heard about the attack, she headed out to find a Washington soldier to tell Howe s plan to. She did find a Washington soldier who she told Howe s plan to, and the British attack failed. The British knew someone had betrayed them, but they didn t know who. A little while later, they questioned Lydia Darragh. They released her knowing this small town woman was the reason for their defeat.

Independence for Everyone! *By Mica Girstantas * BREAKING NEWS! The Declaration of Independence has been signed! Yesterday evening, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock and more, signed the Declaration of Independence! The Declaration of Independence says that the 13 colonies shouldn t have to pay taxes and they should be free.

The Supreme Court Finally Built! By: Jacob Morris Breaking news, today, the Supreme Court was finally built, through the bloody battle of the Revolutionary War. Wow to think that it took about 6 or more years to build a masterpiece such as this, bragged reporter Jacob. And don t forget that it s also a building where justice is made and cases are closed with a hit of a hammer, blurted a local pedestrian. Yes, but the only way you can get there is by being permitted by a local court. Yea, yea, yea, now let s get back to how it looks, Jake said abruptively. Fine then, not only is it a government building, it s also a work of art. As you can see, there s a carving of people at the top and the columns have carvings at the top also. So as you can see the Supreme Court is a magnificent place to be.

King James III By: Larry Castle King James III was the King of England and the ruler of the thirteen colonies. King James III said that if a government doesn t treat people properly to change the government. He declared that all men are created equal. He also announced that all colonies were now independent of Great Britain. After discussion and revising, on July 4, 1776, the second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. The former colonies had declared their independence. But this was not the end of their struggle with the Great Britain. Now the colonies had to fight for their beliefs.

ELEVEN AMERICANS SHOT BY: KRISTINE EVANS On the night of March 5, 1770, Captain Preston s British soldiers fired a lot of shots at a mob of American colonists! Some Americans were killed on the spot! A couple of Americans were injured and died. After the shooting, the Americans gathered up the people that were killed, and the hurt men were brought to their families. People, such as doctors, helped spread the news about the mob. Captain Preston will go on trial for murder and if he is found guilty, he will be put to death!

LEWIS AND CLARK RETURN By: Hailey Gelzer Yesterday in Washington, D.C. Lewis and Clark returned after their long journey. They have successfully mapped out the Louisiana Purchase and more. Soon we will start building there and have more room for everything, new houses, crops, and more people. Before the trip, Lewis knew that the journey would take two years. He knew he couldn t lead by himself. Lewis chose William Clark; they had served in the army for six months together. Over 100 men applied to join Lewis and Clark. Reuben and Joseph Field were among the first men to join the Lewis and Clark expedition. The expedition finally started on May 14, 1804. When they got there they met a native tribe known as the Tetons. We couldn t have done it without them, Clark said. Sacagawea from the Shoshone tribe was our guide, Lewis said. On the trip because food was scarce, they had blubber from a whale to eat. Lewis and Clark left their names in trees and carved their names on rock formations. Lewis and Clark did a wonderful job and many thanks to them and their men.

James Armistead Lafayette Double-Crossed The British Luke Opitz This former slave was freed when Marquis de Lafayette, a French general who fought for us, asked him to be a spy for the Patriots. In order to spy on the British, Armistead went to their side to work for the British. While he worked, he picked up information on British plans and gave it to Lafayette. He was such a great spy, the British asked him to spy for them! This way he was able to give them false information about our plans. After the war, Armistead changed his name to James Armistead Lafayette. Because of him, we won the war. If we didn t have him we probably would have lost.

America Wins! By: Macon Forloines Breaking news, America defeated the British in a bloody battle to end the Revolutionary War. The fight between the Patriots and Loyalists is finally over. The Patriots are Americans and Loyalists are British. On October 19, 1781, Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown with his army of seven to eight thousand men. It was a major defeat for the British, and in fact, it was the final big battle in the colonies.

Hat and Sword By Madelyn Jensen We just found Marquis De Lafayette s hat and sword. He used them in war; he was the commander and chief of the French-American side for the war. His parents were killed in the war; his brother Gilbert is still alive after the war. Lafayette was only twenty-four and he was already famous. He helped the French-American win the war. Lafayette had many grand children and great grand children. Lafayette helped America win her freedom! He played a game called Hunt the Fox. He and his men ran across the country back and forth like tiny foxes. The English tried to capture them, but did they not succeed. The English were furious. Then some troops that were trying to help Lafayette, got into a battle with the English. The French-Americans were seriously outnumbered.

Nathan Hale By: Marie Schneider This is an exclusive picture of Nathan Hale (Patriot spy) being captured by British troops. General Howe ordered his men to hang Nathan the next morning. Over the night Nathan was locked in a greenhouse next to the General s office. The greenhouse that Nathan was locked in was watched over by a guard. Nathan could not escape. So he prepared himself to be hung. He asked the prison officer if a minister could visit him and to have a Bible. The prison officer said the only thing a spy needs is to be hung. Nathan asked if he could write a letter to his brother and Colonel Knowlton. When he had finished writing his letters he gave them to the jailer to see if he could mail them, the jailer said yes and took the letters from Nathan then later destroyed them. The next morning Nathan was brought outside to be hung. Nathan was calm, then he said, I only regret that I have only one life to lose for my country. Once he was done the rope was placed around his neck, and Hale was hung.

The Boston Informer By: Maydha Kapur Two men, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, have just completed a difficult trek across the newly bought area of our nation to find a suitable passage. They discovered amazing new plants and animals and have discovered their common household uses. Another main goal was to find the long dreamed of, Northwest Passage. President Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis as leader of their mission. Their breath-taking journey started at St. Louis, Missouri, on May 14, 1804, two years ago. They started off on the Missouri River, where enormous crowds of cheering people saw them off. The expedition was under way. Three boats carried the 34 men who were also coming, the dog, and their supplies for the whole trip. Their largest boat, a keelboat, was an incredible 55 feet long. Meriwether and Lewis rode in this boat, while everybody else, including the supplies, rode in 2 small dugout boats. The men got a variety of snakebites, cuts, and sores. Everyday, the troop rose at dawn and trekked as far as they could. While the men shot game at night, Meriwether took note of the birds, plants, and animals. This went on until they met Indians. They traded and did their best to communicate with them. Soon they met Sacagawea. She was quick-thinking and helped them on many occasions. Once, during a storm, instruments and notes were dumped overboard, Sacagawea calmly fished them out of the water. So they trudged on. On the way back, one man died. Finally they reached home and told us of their discoveries.

Benjamin Franklin By Michael Bryant Benjamin Franklin just returned from a trip to England. He went to the English House and spoke against the Stamp Act. The American colonists felt it was unfair because they should not have to pay for stamps when they are not represented in England. Franklin helped to convince the English to end the tax. This is good news for the colonists.

A Riveting Battle By: Morgen Leake After a long, but bloody battle the British are finally going home! In a stunning move Washington and his troops, with the French s help, rushed to Yorktown and found Cornwallis troops there like sitting ducks. When the British troops tried to retreat to Gloucester point all they saw were French battle ships waiting to bombard the island. Once there, the Patriots started pounding the town with cannons and muskets until Cornwallis surrendered. Even though the war is over, they are still trying to find many missing families and wounded soldiers not accounted for after numerous battles. Although approximately 4,435 soldiers didn t make it through the war, all of the soldiers that put their lives in jeopardy for their country, should be remembered throughout history and the world.

Dolly Saves George Washington! By: Allison Keenan Yesterday the British troops invaded Washington and set the White House on fire. President James Madison and his wife Dolly Madison got out of the burning building safely. After everybody had left, Dolly Madison ran right into the flaming building and saved the famous portrait of George Washington. The portrait is in a safe, but secret location. James and Dolly will reside at the Octagon House while the White House is being rebuilt. I am almost positive that our own Dolly Madison has become a very important part of history.

THE STAMP ACT By: Parker Miller 3/23/75 Yesterday, the stamp tax was passed by the British Parliament. All American colonists are required to pay a tax to get a stamp on every piece of printed paper the colonists used. Ship's papers, legal documents, licenses, newspapers, other publications, and even playing cards are taxed. The money collected goes to help pay the costs of defending and protecting the American frontier near the Appalachian Mountains (10,000 troops were to be stationed on the American frontier for this purpose.) 4/3/75 The colonists are very upset about the stamp act. Some gathered in groups and the biggest one had Patrick Henry for a leader. He made a Stamp Act Resolves for the. House of Burgesses It said that Virginians should pay no taxes except those voted by the Virginia House of Burgesses and that anyone supporting the right of Parliament to tax Virginians, should be considered an enemy of the colony. The House of Burgesses defeated the most extreme of Henry's resolutions, but four of the resolutions were adopted. Virginia Governor Fauquier did not approve of the resolutions, and he dissolved the House of Burgesses in response to their passage.

A Flag for America By Sophie Bromberger Betsy Ross has created a work of art! General Washington requested that she make a new American flag. The flag consists of alternating red and white stripes on the majority of the flag starting with red and ending with red, thirteen of them to represent the thirteen original colonies of the United States of America. Also, in the top left hand corner of the flag is a blue square with thirteen fivepointed white stars in the form of a circle, again, thirteen to represent the thirteen original colonies. Now, about the five-pointed stars; General Washington had imagined six- pointed stars, but Betsy insisted on five- pointed stars. The reason for that was because she can cut a five pointed star with one snip of her scissors, to prove that, she took a piece of paper, folded it and cut! Just like that she had a five- pointed star. General Washington then decided that Betsy was right and that the flag should have five- pointed stars.

White House Burns By Tom Sam During the war of 1812, when James Madison was president, British troops stormed into Washington. On August 23, 1814, soldiers set fire to the White House. First Lady Dolly Madison took some valuables and other things that were important. The thick sandstone walls of the White House did survive, although they were scarred with smoke and scorch marks.

The Daily Progress by Cody Herring Yesterday at the House of Burgesses, Patrick Henry spoke some powerful words. Gentlemen may cry peace, peace - but there is no peace. The next gale that sweeps the North will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms. Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?

This newspaper was written and illustrated by Ms. Burke s 5 th graders Stony Point Elementary School May 2007

We dedicate this book to all of the Stony Point teachers that have helped us through our elementary school years.

The Process We chose what we wanted to study in the Revolutionary War period, after making a huge brainstorm list. Our key subject areas were patriotism, founding fathers, a new nation, and revolution. Then our classes found books about the era s people and ideas. After that, we each drew quick sketches of our Revolutionary symbols. Next, we used Apple Works 5, on our computers, to paint our symbols. We wrote newspaper style articles informing readers of our exciting recent events.

Why the Patriots are Fighting June 6, 1778 Our spies have spotted a group of Patriots on their way over to the Loyalist s territory. They think they re so grand walking all the way over here in their gray button-up coats. The Patriots stink!!! They want freedom from King George! King George is the most exulted ruler of all time!!!! England is just trying to help the colonies. The Patriots don t want our help, but they really need it. They think they can govern themselves, but they really can t. They need our help because they can t run their own country! I mean, they can t purchase all of their goods from England if they break away from King George/England. The Patriots just need to give up or they will never be able to live. By: Abby Weaver

GENERAL CORNWALLIS SURRENDERS!! Alex McNair Breaking news! General Cornwallis of the Loyalists has surrendered! We investigate the scene. Here is one of the soldiers that was at the event. It happened so fast, we were chasing him down the fields and meadows, screaming and yelling and finally, we trapped him down by the peninsula, I really don t know the name. The Patriots have won the war! Here are some of the reactions of the Loyalists. Oh fiddlesticks! I really thought that we were going to win! At last, the war is over, the pain and agony is over!! The biggest battle of the century!! Patriots vs. Loyalists Patriots win their independence!!

Mysterious Drawer By: Alyssa Carroll Someone has drawn a wonderful design for the nation s capital of the government. He decided to sign it A.Z to keep his name secret. It has ten great columns and a wonderful dome at the top. He was impressed with the domes designed by the 16 th century Italian architect, Palladio and decided to use one. We just found out who drew that wonderful drawing of an idea for the nation s capital building. It is Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson has also designed some other buildings such as Monticello, Maison Carre e.

Freedom at Last By Amy Ni Today the Virginia Declaration of Rights, written by George Mason, will be release to the British! From now on We, Virginia citizens, will not be ruled by the British! George Mason s document called the Virginia Declaration of Rights will save us all from the rules of the British. This document was written in May 1776, and Thomas Jefferson s Declaration of Independence opening paragraph used parts of that document. The Marquis de Condorcet called the Virginia Declaration of Rights the first Bill of Rights to merit the name. Now the people are having a meeting to decide what rules will be changed. George Mason s beautiful document started to set our freedom! We will update you on the meeting in future articles.

MERIWETHER LEWIS AND WILLAM CLARK TRAVEL CROSS COUNTRY! By: Brandon Wiseman President Jefferson sent two men to go cross country to explore the Louisiana Purchase, by the name of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The two explorers were traveling across the country and found a young girl by the name of Sacagawea. They brought a dog by the name of Seaman (which is Meriwether s black lab) and a freed slave named York. Clark says that the natives called him Black Bear because they could not wash off the color. They found different types of plants such as flowers, weeds, and grass. This expedition is also called the greatest camping trip of them all.

GOT BRITISH? By: Brittany Murphy Breaking News! Paul Revere hung two lanterns to show that they where coming by sea! The British are coming! The British are coming! Paul yelled through the Middlesex Village. Has the war begun? Paul said, Yes, I am afraid it has. BOOM! Men go down by the second. BOOM! Guns go off. Kids cry. Every thing is quiet! THEN! BOOM! Is it the end?

Battlefront Victory Weapons -Buddy Andersen These weapons are commonly used in the bloody battles on Britain. They are mass used by the American and French-American infantry to fight the British soldiers and officers who wield similar weapons on the battlefield against the colonies. The battles are bloody, and the weapons used need to be able to hold up in the harsh conditions our volunteers take them through. Whether defense or offense, fight flame with flame. These weapons defend our freedom, the American heritage, valiantly, braving us through the toughest battles, and defending us, the colonists of our wonderful and powerful United States of America. The outcome, no less than the land of the king, we used take orders from, the Redcoats fell, the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the war was on. Then, it was over, with the stars and stripes boldly flapping in the wind, we emerged from the smoke and flame unscathed and victorious against the Western European tyrant! And with that, a new country was born, a strong one, America, to never be defeated. We shall always emerge from the most brutal of battles with our flag flying high, marching, alive, and victorious from the enemy, whoever they are.

George Washington Becomes 1 st President By Cage Lambert George Washington became our 1 st president yesterday. In honor of this presidency we shall remember all the good times, such as when he led the Continental army across the Delaware River and when he helped to win the war. When Washington crossed the Delaware, he stopped the Loyalists from attacking the southern states where most of the Patriots were located. Those are just a few of the things that George Washington has already done in his lifetime. In honor of the first president we will be polite, honorable citizens for the country. He was chosen for commander of the Continental Army for being a brave and good solider. He was chosen as the first president for being such a strong leader.

Bonhomme Richard Destroys the Serapis! Chandler Hamilton Yesterday, an astounding, and unlikely victory occurred! The old battleship, Bonhomme Richard, won against the Serapis! We lived and won all because of Captain John Paul Jones! exclaimed sailor Gorganzola Strombolliman. John Paul Jones victory made him very respected and very popular. Nobody would ever forget when JPJ shouted We have not even begun the fight!! So tell me, John, what inspired you to become a naval captain? When I was a kid, I always wanted to sail out into open sea. I was hungry for action, thirsty for adventure, and dreaming of the sea. The government wanted to celebrate him with JPJ day but the citizens knew they just wanted more taxes paid. Instead, we will honor him and someday remember him.

The Declaration of Independence - Chloe Herring On July 9 th 1774, New York voted YEA to adopt the Declaration. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America was its fancy new title. Philadelphia s state House Bell, later known as the Liberty Bell, pealed all day long. To make it official, the declaration was engrossed----that is, written in large, clear letters on parchment. With a steady hand, quill pen and special ink, engrosser Timothy Matlock wrote forty-four lines of the declaration on a two-and-a-halffoot-long sheet of parchment. Every S looked like an F, but since that was the way people wrote, nobody minded. Signing day was August 2 nd, 1776. John Hancock signed the engrossed Declaration first. He wrote big bold letters so that the British could read his name without spectacles.

The Star Spangled Banner By: Cole Dickerson Francis Scott Key has been through a perilous war, but he has made a great outcome. Yesterday in Baltimore, Francis Scott Key named his poem The Star Spangled Banner. Everybody s been going on about it. Key said, When I saw the flag standing, I was inspired to write a poem about the battle, so people could remember those terrible days and the people who dedicated their lives for their country. There has even been talk about making the Star Spangled Banner the national anthem! I would be amazed to see the Star Spangled Banner be the national anthem. Wouldn t you? Francis Scott Key said he was flabbergasted by the war. His ears were ringing from the horrible sound of muskets flinging bullets. He said wind was blowing his hair back. He felt real heavy, but then suddenly the dark smoke cleared and he said he could see The American Flag very faintly. He felt a wave of joy and started writing The Star Spangled Banner. The next thing he new, The Star Spangled Banner was a nominee for the national anthem.

American Flag By: Dalton/Buck McWilliams Boom boom boom! All night long canon fire, no one can sleep while the war has been raging. We all get up the next morning at daylight to the American flag flying over the fort. We all cheered with tears of joy that the American flag had another triumph. Betsy Ross has been asked to make the American flag. The 13 stripes on the American flag represent the 13 original colonies. And the 13 stars represent the13 states. The face of the American flag will fly after every war it is ever in. A lot of people think the American flag represents the best army in the world. The American flag also represents freedom and liberty.

Young Man Observes the Battle September 12, 1814 By Elise Mollica Francis Scott Key, Washington lawyer, witnessed the attack on Fort McHenry five days ago from an astounding point of view. From aboard a British ship! Key was bartering for his old friend, Dr. William Beans freedom. Beans was captured and became a prisoner on one of the British ships for getting three troublemakers jailed. As soon as he heard the news, Key requested an audience with President Madison. The president granted him permission, allowing a determined Key to travel aboard a British ship under a flying flag of truce. Colonel John Skinner, the agent in charge of prisoner exchanges, agreed to accompany Francis Key in his mission. Worried about his old friend, Key hurried to Baltimore the next morning. By now, the young man was desperate to sail in search of the British fleet. It wasn t until the afternoon of the 7 th that the two men came upon the ships. Skinner spotted the eighty-gun flagship, the Tonnant, and steered the small boat towards it. Francis and John boarded hurriedly and were led straight to Admiral Cochrane s cabin. Key confronted the admiral with the problem immediately, but the Brit declined casually. Finally, after much persuasion and the agreement of another British general, Key was assured of Beans freedom, but on one condition. Skinner, Beans, and Key would be forced to stay on the ship until the British attack on Baltimore was over! The three men were united and forced below deck. Days later, at dawn, on the 10 th, the bombardment began. Later Key informed us that the cannons had crashed around the three for hours without end. The noise had been deafening, yet when Key crawled above deck, the beautiful flag still soared above the fort. Trying to capture the moment, Key wrote a poem of the spectacular sight. The battle is over, but the memory of it will haunt me forever, Francis Key proclaimed.

John Hancock signs the Declaration of Independence By: Franklin Morris On July 4, of 1776 John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence-- the document that Thomas Jefferson wrote. This document declared independence from Great Britain for the first 13 colonies of America. They were: Virginia, New Jersey, Kentucky, Vermont, Pennsylvania, New York, North and South Carolina, Georgia, New Hampshire Mary land, Delaware, and Rhode Island. This document allowed the first 13 colonies to be freed from Great Britain. Mr. John Hancock wanted everyone to be freed from Great Britain because he believed that everyone had their own rights. He didn t think they had to be ruled by King George III. From 1607 to 1776 they were never freed. He also wanted blacks to be freed and not be slaves.

A Spy in Action By: Hannah Harper Whispers were coming from outside the linen closet. Lydia Darragh, a great woman from Ireland listened in to find important information from her British neighbor, General Howe. On December 2, 1777 Lydia heard from the linen closet that General Howe, commander of the British army, was planning a surprise attack on the Continental army. The morning after Lydia heard about the attack, she headed out to find a Washington soldier to tell Howe s plan to. She did find a Washington soldier who she told Howe s plan to, and the British attack failed. The British knew someone had betrayed them, but they didn t know who. A little while later, they questioned Lydia Darragh. They released her knowing this small town woman was the reason for their defeat.

Independence for Everyone! *By Mica Girstantas * BREAKING NEWS! The Declaration of Independence has been signed! Yesterday evening, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock and more, signed the Declaration of Independence! The Declaration of Independence says that the 13 colonies shouldn t have to pay taxes and they should be free.

The Supreme Court Finally Built! By: Jacob Morris Breaking news, today, the Supreme Court was finally built, through the bloody battle of the Revolutionary War. Wow to think that it took about 6 or more years to build a masterpiece such as this, bragged reporter Jacob. And don t forget that it s also a building where justice is made and cases are closed with a hit of a hammer, blurted a local pedestrian. Yes, but the only way you can get there is by being permitted by a local court. Yea, yea, yea, now let s get back to how it looks, Jake said abruptively. Fine then, not only is it a government building, it s also a work of art. As you can see, there s a carving of people at the top and the columns have carvings at the top also. So as you can see the Supreme Court is a magnificent place to be.

King James III By: Larry Castle King James III was the King of England and the ruler of the thirteen colonies. King James III said that if a government doesn t treat people properly to change the government. He declared that all men are created equal. He also announced that all colonies were now independent of Great Britain. After discussion and revising, on July 4, 1776, the second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. The former colonies had declared their independence. But this was not the end of their struggle with the Great Britain. Now the colonies had to fight for their beliefs.

ELEVEN AMERICANS SHOT BY: KRISTINE EVANS On the night of March 5, 1770, Captain Preston s British soldiers fired a lot of shots at a mob of American colonists! Some Americans were killed on the spot! A couple of Americans were injured and died. After the shooting, the Americans gathered up the people that were killed, and the hurt men were brought to their families. People, such as doctors, helped spread the news about the mob. Captain Preston will go on trial for murder and if he is found guilty, he will be put to death!

LEWIS AND CLARK RETURN By: Hailey Gelzer Yesterday in Washington, D.C. Lewis and Clark returned after their long journey. They have successfully mapped out the Louisiana Purchase and more. Soon we will start building there and have more room for everything, new houses, crops, and more people. Before the trip, Lewis knew that the journey would take two years. He knew he couldn t lead by himself. Lewis chose William Clark; they had served in the army for six months together. Over 100 men applied to join Lewis and Clark. Reuben and Joseph Field were among the first men to join the Lewis and Clark expedition. The expedition finally started on May 14, 1804. When they got there they met a native tribe known as the Tetons. We couldn t have done it without them, Clark said. Sacagawea from the Shoshone tribe was our guide, Lewis said. On the trip because food was scarce, they had blubber from a whale to eat. Lewis and Clark left their names in trees and carved their names on rock formations. Lewis and Clark did a wonderful job and many thanks to them and their men.

James Armistead Lafayette Double-Crossed The British Luke Opitz This former slave was freed when Marquis de Lafayette, a French general who fought for us, asked him to be a spy for the Patriots. In order to spy on the British, Armistead went to their side to work for the British. While he worked, he picked up information on British plans and gave it to Lafayette. He was such a great spy, the British asked him to spy for them! This way he was able to give them false information about our plans. After the war, Armistead changed his name to James Armistead Lafayette. Because of him, we won the war. If we didn t have him we probably would have lost.

America Wins! By: Macon Forloines Breaking news, America defeated the British in a bloody battle to end the Revolutionary War. The fight between the Patriots and Loyalists is finally over. The Patriots are Americans and Loyalists are British. On October 19, 1781, Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown with his army of seven to eight thousand men. It was a major defeat for the British, and in fact, it was the final big battle in the colonies.

Hat and Sword By Madelyn Jensen We just found Marquis De Lafayette s hat and sword. He used them in war; he was the commander and chief of the French-American side for the war. His parents were killed in the war; his brother Gilbert is still alive after the war. Lafayette was only twenty-four and he was already famous. He helped the French-American win the war. Lafayette had many grand children and great grand children. Lafayette helped America win her freedom! He played a game called Hunt the Fox. He and his men ran across the country back and forth like tiny foxes. The English tried to capture them, but did they not succeed. The English were furious. Then some troops that were trying to help Lafayette, got into a battle with the English. The French-Americans were seriously outnumbered.

Nathan Hale By: Marie Schneider This is an exclusive picture of Nathan Hale (Patriot spy) being captured by British troops. General Howe ordered his men to hang Nathan the next morning. Over the night Nathan was locked in a greenhouse next to the General s office. The greenhouse that Nathan was locked in was watched over by a guard. Nathan could not escape. So he prepared himself to be hung. He asked the prison officer if a minister could visit him and to have a Bible. The prison officer said the only thing a spy needs is to be hung. Nathan asked if he could write a letter to his brother and Colonel Knowlton. When he had finished writing his letters he gave them to the jailer to see if he could mail them, the jailer said yes and took the letters from Nathan then later destroyed them. The next morning Nathan was brought outside to be hung. Nathan was calm, then he said, I only regret that I have only one life to lose for my country. Once he was done the rope was placed around his neck, and Hale was hung.

The Boston Informer By: Maydha Kapur Two men, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, have just completed a difficult trek across the newly bought area of our nation to find a suitable passage. They discovered amazing new plants and animals and have discovered their common household uses. Another main goal was to find the long dreamed of, Northwest Passage. President Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis as leader of their mission. Their breath-taking journey started at St. Louis, Missouri, on May 14, 1804, two years ago. They started off on the Missouri River, where enormous crowds of cheering people saw them off. The expedition was under way. Three boats carried the 34 men who were also coming, the dog, and their supplies for the whole trip. Their largest boat, a keelboat, was an incredible 55 feet long. Meriwether and Lewis rode in this boat, while everybody else, including the supplies, rode in 2 small dugout boats. The men got a variety of snakebites, cuts, and sores. Everyday, the troop rose at dawn and trekked as far as they could. While the men shot game at night, Meriwether took note of the birds, plants, and animals. This went on until they met Indians. They traded and did their best to communicate with them. Soon they met Sacagawea. She was quick-thinking and helped them on many occasions. Once, during a storm, instruments and notes were dumped overboard, Sacagawea calmly fished them out of the water. So they trudged on. On the way back, one man died. Finally they reached home and told us of their discoveries.

Benjamin Franklin By Michael Bryant Benjamin Franklin just returned from a trip to England. He went to the English House and spoke against the Stamp Act. The American colonists felt it was unfair because they should not have to pay for stamps when they are not represented in England. Franklin helped to convince the English to end the tax. This is good news for the colonists.

A Riveting Battle By: Morgen Leake After a long, but bloody battle the British are finally going home! In a stunning move Washington and his troops, with the French s help, rushed to Yorktown and found Cornwallis troops there like sitting ducks. When the British troops tried to retreat to Gloucester point all they saw were French battle ships waiting to bombard the island. Once there, the Patriots started pounding the town with cannons and muskets until Cornwallis surrendered. Even though the war is over, they are still trying to find many missing families and wounded soldiers not accounted for after numerous battles. Although approximately 4,435 soldiers didn t make it through the war, all of the soldiers that put their lives in jeopardy for their country, should be remembered throughout history and the world.

Dolly Saves George Washington! By: Allison Keenan Yesterday the British troops invaded Washington and set the White House on fire. President James Madison and his wife Dolly Madison got out of the burning building safely. After everybody had left, Dolly Madison ran right into the flaming building and saved the famous portrait of George Washington. The portrait is in a safe, but secret location. James and Dolly will reside at the Octagon House while the White House is being rebuilt. I am almost positive that our own Dolly Madison has become a very important part of history.

THE STAMP ACT By: Parker Miller 3/23/75 Yesterday, the stamp tax was passed by the British Parliament. All American colonists are required to pay a tax to get a stamp on every piece of printed paper the colonists used. Ship's papers, legal documents, licenses, newspapers, other publications, and even playing cards are taxed. The money collected goes to help pay the costs of defending and protecting the American frontier near the Appalachian Mountains (10,000 troops were to be stationed on the American frontier for this purpose.) 4/3/75 The colonists are very upset about the stamp act. Some gathered in groups and the biggest one had Patrick Henry for a leader. He made a Stamp Act Resolves for the. House of Burgesses It said that Virginians should pay no taxes except those voted by the Virginia House of Burgesses and that anyone supporting the right of Parliament to tax Virginians, should be considered an enemy of the colony. The House of Burgesses defeated the most extreme of Henry's resolutions, but four of the resolutions were adopted. Virginia Governor Fauquier did not approve of the resolutions, and he dissolved the House of Burgesses in response to their passage.

A Flag for America By Sophie Bromberger Betsy Ross has created a work of art! General Washington requested that she make a new American flag. The flag consists of alternating red and white stripes on the majority of the flag starting with red and ending with red, thirteen of them to represent the thirteen original colonies of the United States of America. Also, in the top left hand corner of the flag is a blue square with thirteen fivepointed white stars in the form of a circle, again, thirteen to represent the thirteen original colonies. Now, about the five-pointed stars; General Washington had imagined six- pointed stars, but Betsy insisted on five- pointed stars. The reason for that was because she can cut a five pointed star with one snip of her scissors, to prove that, she took a piece of paper, folded it and cut! Just like that she had a five- pointed star. General Washington then decided that Betsy was right and that the flag should have five- pointed stars.

White House Burns By Tom Sam During the war of 1812, when James Madison was president, British troops stormed into Washington. On August 23, 1814, soldiers set fire to the White House. First Lady Dolly Madison took some valuables and other things that were important. The thick sandstone walls of the White House did survive, although they were scarred with smoke and scorch marks.

The Daily Progress by Cody Herring Yesterday at the House of Burgesses, Patrick Henry spoke some powerful words. Gentlemen may cry peace, peace - but there is no peace. The next gale that sweeps the North will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms. Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?

This newspaper was written and illustrated by Ms. Burke s 5 th graders Stony Point Elementary School May 2007

We dedicate this book to all of the Stony Point teachers that have helped us through our elementary school years.

The Process We chose what we wanted to study in the Revolutionary War period, after making a huge brainstorm list. Our key subject areas were patriotism, founding fathers, a new nation, and revolution. Then our classes found books about the era s people and ideas. After that, we each drew quick sketches of our Revolutionary symbols. Next, we used Apple Works 5, on our computers, to paint our symbols. We wrote newspaper style articles informing readers of our exciting recent events.

Why the Patriots are Fighting June 6, 1778 Our spies have spotted a group of Patriots on their way over to the Loyalist s territory. They think they re so grand walking all the way over here in their gray button-up coats. The Patriots stink!!! They want freedom from King George! King George is the most exulted ruler of all time!!!! England is just trying to help the colonies. The Patriots don t want our help, but they really need it. They think they can govern themselves, but they really can t. They need our help because they can t run their own country! I mean, they can t purchase all of their goods from England if they break away from King George/England. The Patriots just need to give up or they will never be able to live. By: Abby Weaver

GENERAL CORNWALLIS SURRENDERS!! Alex McNair Breaking news! General Cornwallis of the Loyalists has surrendered! We investigate the scene. Here is one of the soldiers that was at the event. It happened so fast, we were chasing him down the fields and meadows, screaming and yelling and finally, we trapped him down by the peninsula, I really don t know the name. The Patriots have won the war! Here are some of the reactions of the Loyalists. Oh fiddlesticks! I really thought that we were going to win! At last, the war is over, the pain and agony is over!! The biggest battle of the century!! Patriots vs. Loyalists Patriots win their independence!!

Mysterious Drawer By: Alyssa Carroll Someone has drawn a wonderful design for the nation s capital of the government. He decided to sign it A.Z to keep his name secret. It has ten great columns and a wonderful dome at the top. He was impressed with the domes designed by the 16 th century Italian architect, Palladio and decided to use one. We just found out who drew that wonderful drawing of an idea for the nation s capital building. It is Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson has also designed some other buildings such as Monticello, Maison Carre e.

Freedom at Last By Amy Ni Today the Virginia Declaration of Rights, written by George Mason, will be release to the British! From now on We, Virginia citizens, will not be ruled by the British! George Mason s document called the Virginia Declaration of Rights will save us all from the rules of the British. This document was written in May 1776, and Thomas Jefferson s Declaration of Independence opening paragraph used parts of that document. The Marquis de Condorcet called the Virginia Declaration of Rights the first Bill of Rights to merit the name. Now the people are having a meeting to decide what rules will be changed. George Mason s beautiful document started to set our freedom! We will update you on the meeting in future articles.

MERIWETHER LEWIS AND WILLAM CLARK TRAVEL CROSS COUNTRY! By: Brandon Wiseman President Jefferson sent two men to go cross country to explore the Louisiana Purchase, by the name of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The two explorers were traveling across the country and found a young girl by the name of Sacagawea. They brought a dog by the name of Seaman (which is Meriwether s black lab) and a freed slave named York. Clark says that the natives called him Black Bear because they could not wash off the color. They found different types of plants such as flowers, weeds, and grass. This expedition is also called the greatest camping trip of them all.

GOT BRITISH? By: Brittany Murphy Breaking News! Paul Revere hung two lanterns to show that they where coming by sea! The British are coming! The British are coming! Paul yelled through the Middlesex Village. Has the war begun? Paul said, Yes, I am afraid it has. BOOM! Men go down by the second. BOOM! Guns go off. Kids cry. Every thing is quiet! THEN! BOOM! Is it the end?

Battlefront Victory Weapons -Buddy Andersen These weapons are commonly used in the bloody battles on Britain. They are mass used by the American and French-American infantry to fight the British soldiers and officers who wield similar weapons on the battlefield against the colonies. The battles are bloody, and the weapons used need to be able to hold up in the harsh conditions our volunteers take them through. Whether defense or offense, fight flame with flame. These weapons defend our freedom, the American heritage, valiantly, braving us through the toughest battles, and defending us, the colonists of our wonderful and powerful United States of America. The outcome, no less than the land of the king, we used take orders from, the Redcoats fell, the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the war was on. Then, it was over, with the stars and stripes boldly flapping in the wind, we emerged from the smoke and flame unscathed and victorious against the Western European tyrant! And with that, a new country was born, a strong one, America, to never be defeated. We shall always emerge from the most brutal of battles with our flag flying high, marching, alive, and victorious from the enemy, whoever they are.

George Washington Becomes 1 st President By Cage Lambert George Washington became our 1 st president yesterday. In honor of this presidency we shall remember all the good times, such as when he led the Continental army across the Delaware River and when he helped to win the war. When Washington crossed the Delaware, he stopped the Loyalists from attacking the southern states where most of the Patriots were located. Those are just a few of the things that George Washington has already done in his lifetime. In honor of the first president we will be polite, honorable citizens for the country. He was chosen for commander of the Continental Army for being a brave and good solider. He was chosen as the first president for being such a strong leader.

Bonhomme Richard Destroys the Serapis! Chandler Hamilton Yesterday, an astounding, and unlikely victory occurred! The old battleship, Bonhomme Richard, won against the Serapis! We lived and won all because of Captain John Paul Jones! exclaimed sailor Gorganzola Strombolliman. John Paul Jones victory made him very respected and very popular. Nobody would ever forget when JPJ shouted We have not even begun the fight!! So tell me, John, what inspired you to become a naval captain? When I was a kid, I always wanted to sail out into open sea. I was hungry for action, thirsty for adventure, and dreaming of the sea. The government wanted to celebrate him with JPJ day but the citizens knew they just wanted more taxes paid. Instead, we will honor him and someday remember him.

The Declaration of Independence - Chloe Herring On July 9 th 1774, New York voted YEA to adopt the Declaration. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America was its fancy new title. Philadelphia s state House Bell, later known as the Liberty Bell, pealed all day long. To make it official, the declaration was engrossed----that is, written in large, clear letters on parchment. With a steady hand, quill pen and special ink, engrosser Timothy Matlock wrote forty-four lines of the declaration on a two-and-a-halffoot-long sheet of parchment. Every S looked like an F, but since that was the way people wrote, nobody minded. Signing day was August 2 nd, 1776. John Hancock signed the engrossed Declaration first. He wrote big bold letters so that the British could read his name without spectacles.

The Star Spangled Banner By: Cole Dickerson Francis Scott Key has been through a perilous war, but he has made a great outcome. Yesterday in Baltimore, Francis Scott Key named his poem The Star Spangled Banner. Everybody s been going on about it. Key said, When I saw the flag standing, I was inspired to write a poem about the battle, so people could remember those terrible days and the people who dedicated their lives for their country. There has even been talk about making the Star Spangled Banner the national anthem! I would be amazed to see the Star Spangled Banner be the national anthem. Wouldn t you? Francis Scott Key said he was flabbergasted by the war. His ears were ringing from the horrible sound of muskets flinging bullets. He said wind was blowing his hair back. He felt real heavy, but then suddenly the dark smoke cleared and he said he could see The American Flag very faintly. He felt a wave of joy and started writing The Star Spangled Banner. The next thing he new, The Star Spangled Banner was a nominee for the national anthem.

American Flag By: Dalton/Buck McWilliams Boom boom boom! All night long canon fire, no one can sleep while the war has been raging. We all get up the next morning at daylight to the American flag flying over the fort. We all cheered with tears of joy that the American flag had another triumph. Betsy Ross has been asked to make the American flag. The 13 stripes on the American flag represent the 13 original colonies. And the 13 stars represent the13 states. The face of the American flag will fly after every war it is ever in. A lot of people think the American flag represents the best army in the world. The American flag also represents freedom and liberty.

Young Man Observes the Battle September 12, 1814 By Elise Mollica Francis Scott Key, Washington lawyer, witnessed the attack on Fort McHenry five days ago from an astounding point of view. From aboard a British ship! Key was bartering for his old friend, Dr. William Beans freedom. Beans was captured and became a prisoner on one of the British ships for getting three troublemakers jailed. As soon as he heard the news, Key requested an audience with President Madison. The president granted him permission, allowing a determined Key to travel aboard a British ship under a flying flag of truce. Colonel John Skinner, the agent in charge of prisoner exchanges, agreed to accompany Francis Key in his mission. Worried about his old friend, Key hurried to Baltimore the next morning. By now, the young man was desperate to sail in search of the British fleet. It wasn t until the afternoon of the 7 th that the two men came upon the ships. Skinner spotted the eighty-gun flagship, the Tonnant, and steered the small boat towards it. Francis and John boarded hurriedly and were led straight to Admiral Cochrane s cabin. Key confronted the admiral with the problem immediately, but the Brit declined casually. Finally, after much persuasion and the agreement of another British general, Key was assured of Beans freedom, but on one condition. Skinner, Beans, and Key would be forced to stay on the ship until the British attack on Baltimore was over! The three men were united and forced below deck. Days later, at dawn, on the 10 th, the bombardment began. Later Key informed us that the cannons had crashed around the three for hours without end. The noise had been deafening, yet when Key crawled above deck, the beautiful flag still soared above the fort. Trying to capture the moment, Key wrote a poem of the spectacular sight. The battle is over, but the memory of it will haunt me forever, Francis Key proclaimed.

John Hancock signs the Declaration of Independence By: Franklin Morris On July 4, of 1776 John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence-- the document that Thomas Jefferson wrote. This document declared independence from Great Britain for the first 13 colonies of America. They were: Virginia, New Jersey, Kentucky, Vermont, Pennsylvania, New York, North and South Carolina, Georgia, New Hampshire Mary land, Delaware, and Rhode Island. This document allowed the first 13 colonies to be freed from Great Britain. Mr. John Hancock wanted everyone to be freed from Great Britain because he believed that everyone had their own rights. He didn t think they had to be ruled by King George III. From 1607 to 1776 they were never freed. He also wanted blacks to be freed and not be slaves.

A Spy in Action By: Hannah Harper Whispers were coming from outside the linen closet. Lydia Darragh, a great woman from Ireland listened in to find important information from her British neighbor, General Howe. On December 2, 1777 Lydia heard from the linen closet that General Howe, commander of the British army, was planning a surprise attack on the Continental army. The morning after Lydia heard about the attack, she headed out to find a Washington soldier to tell Howe s plan to. She did find a Washington soldier who she told Howe s plan to, and the British attack failed. The British knew someone had betrayed them, but they didn t know who. A little while later, they questioned Lydia Darragh. They released her knowing this small town woman was the reason for their defeat.

Independence for Everyone! *By Mica Girstantas * BREAKING NEWS! The Declaration of Independence has been signed! Yesterday evening, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock and more, signed the Declaration of Independence! The Declaration of Independence says that the 13 colonies shouldn t have to pay taxes and they should be free.

The Supreme Court Finally Built! By: Jacob Morris Breaking news, today, the Supreme Court was finally built, through the bloody battle of the Revolutionary War. Wow to think that it took about 6 or more years to build a masterpiece such as this, bragged reporter Jacob. And don t forget that it s also a building where justice is made and cases are closed with a hit of a hammer, blurted a local pedestrian. Yes, but the only way you can get there is by being permitted by a local court. Yea, yea, yea, now let s get back to how it looks, Jake said abruptively. Fine then, not only is it a government building, it s also a work of art. As you can see, there s a carving of people at the top and the columns have carvings at the top also. So as you can see the Supreme Court is a magnificent place to be.

King James III By: Larry Castle King James III was the King of England and the ruler of the thirteen colonies. King James III said that if a government doesn t treat people properly to change the government. He declared that all men are created equal. He also announced that all colonies were now independent of Great Britain. After discussion and revising, on July 4, 1776, the second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. The former colonies had declared their independence. But this was not the end of their struggle with the Great Britain. Now the colonies had to fight for their beliefs.

ELEVEN AMERICANS SHOT BY: KRISTINE EVANS On the night of March 5, 1770, Captain Preston s British soldiers fired a lot of shots at a mob of American colonists! Some Americans were killed on the spot! A couple of Americans were injured and died. After the shooting, the Americans gathered up the people that were killed, and the hurt men were brought to their families. People, such as doctors, helped spread the news about the mob. Captain Preston will go on trial for murder and if he is found guilty, he will be put to death!

LEWIS AND CLARK RETURN By: Hailey Gelzer Yesterday in Washington, D.C. Lewis and Clark returned after their long journey. They have successfully mapped out the Louisiana Purchase and more. Soon we will start building there and have more room for everything, new houses, crops, and more people. Before the trip, Lewis knew that the journey would take two years. He knew he couldn t lead by himself. Lewis chose William Clark; they had served in the army for six months together. Over 100 men applied to join Lewis and Clark. Reuben and Joseph Field were among the first men to join the Lewis and Clark expedition. The expedition finally started on May 14, 1804. When they got there they met a native tribe known as the Tetons. We couldn t have done it without them, Clark said. Sacagawea from the Shoshone tribe was our guide, Lewis said. On the trip because food was scarce, they had blubber from a whale to eat. Lewis and Clark left their names in trees and carved their names on rock formations. Lewis and Clark did a wonderful job and many thanks to them and their men.

James Armistead Lafayette Double-Crossed The British Luke Opitz This former slave was freed when Marquis de Lafayette, a French general who fought for us, asked him to be a spy for the Patriots. In order to spy on the British, Armistead went to their side to work for the British. While he worked, he picked up information on British plans and gave it to Lafayette. He was such a great spy, the British asked him to spy for them! This way he was able to give them false information about our plans. After the war, Armistead changed his name to James Armistead Lafayette. Because of him, we won the war. If we didn t have him we probably would have lost.

America Wins! By: Macon Forloines Breaking news, America defeated the British in a bloody battle to end the Revolutionary War. The fight between the Patriots and Loyalists is finally over. The Patriots are Americans and Loyalists are British. On October 19, 1781, Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown with his army of seven to eight thousand men. It was a major defeat for the British, and in fact, it was the final big battle in the colonies.

Hat and Sword By Madelyn Jensen We just found Marquis De Lafayette s hat and sword. He used them in war; he was the commander and chief of the French-American side for the war. His parents were killed in the war; his brother Gilbert is still alive after the war. Lafayette was only twenty-four and he was already famous. He helped the French-American win the war. Lafayette had many grand children and great grand children. Lafayette helped America win her freedom! He played a game called Hunt the Fox. He and his men ran across the country back and forth like tiny foxes. The English tried to capture them, but did they not succeed. The English were furious. Then some troops that were trying to help Lafayette, got into a battle with the English. The French-Americans were seriously outnumbered.

Nathan Hale By: Marie Schneider This is an exclusive picture of Nathan Hale (Patriot spy) being captured by British troops. General Howe ordered his men to hang Nathan the next morning. Over the night Nathan was locked in a greenhouse next to the General s office. The greenhouse that Nathan was locked in was watched over by a guard. Nathan could not escape. So he prepared himself to be hung. He asked the prison officer if a minister could visit him and to have a Bible. The prison officer said the only thing a spy needs is to be hung. Nathan asked if he could write a letter to his brother and Colonel Knowlton. When he had finished writing his letters he gave them to the jailer to see if he could mail them, the jailer said yes and took the letters from Nathan then later destroyed them. The next morning Nathan was brought outside to be hung. Nathan was calm, then he said, I only regret that I have only one life to lose for my country. Once he was done the rope was placed around his neck, and Hale was hung.

The Boston Informer By: Maydha Kapur Two men, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, have just completed a difficult trek across the newly bought area of our nation to find a suitable passage. They discovered amazing new plants and animals and have discovered their common household uses. Another main goal was to find the long dreamed of, Northwest Passage. President Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis as leader of their mission. Their breath-taking journey started at St. Louis, Missouri, on May 14, 1804, two years ago. They started off on the Missouri River, where enormous crowds of cheering people saw them off. The expedition was under way. Three boats carried the 34 men who were also coming, the dog, and their supplies for the whole trip. Their largest boat, a keelboat, was an incredible 55 feet long. Meriwether and Lewis rode in this boat, while everybody else, including the supplies, rode in 2 small dugout boats. The men got a variety of snakebites, cuts, and sores. Everyday, the troop rose at dawn and trekked as far as they could. While the men shot game at night, Meriwether took note of the birds, plants, and animals. This went on until they met Indians. They traded and did their best to communicate with them. Soon they met Sacagawea. She was quick-thinking and helped them on many occasions. Once, during a storm, instruments and notes were dumped overboard, Sacagawea calmly fished them out of the water. So they trudged on. On the way back, one man died. Finally they reached home and told us of their discoveries.

Benjamin Franklin By Michael Bryant Benjamin Franklin just returned from a trip to England. He went to the English House and spoke against the Stamp Act. The American colonists felt it was unfair because they should not have to pay for stamps when they are not represented in England. Franklin helped to convince the English to end the tax. This is good news for the colonists.

A Riveting Battle By: Morgen Leake After a long, but bloody battle the British are finally going home! In a stunning move Washington and his troops, with the French s help, rushed to Yorktown and found Cornwallis troops there like sitting ducks. When the British troops tried to retreat to Gloucester point all they saw were French battle ships waiting to bombard the island. Once there, the Patriots started pounding the town with cannons and muskets until Cornwallis surrendered. Even though the war is over, they are still trying to find many missing families and wounded soldiers not accounted for after numerous battles. Although approximately 4,435 soldiers didn t make it through the war, all of the soldiers that put their lives in jeopardy for their country, should be remembered throughout history and the world.

Dolly Saves George Washington! By: Allison Keenan Yesterday the British troops invaded Washington and set the White House on fire. President James Madison and his wife Dolly Madison got out of the burning building safely. After everybody had left, Dolly Madison ran right into the flaming building and saved the famous portrait of George Washington. The portrait is in a safe, but secret location. James and Dolly will reside at the Octagon House while the White House is being rebuilt. I am almost positive that our own Dolly Madison has become a very important part of history.

THE STAMP ACT By: Parker Miller 3/23/75 Yesterday, the stamp tax was passed by the British Parliament. All American colonists are required to pay a tax to get a stamp on every piece of printed paper the colonists used. Ship's papers, legal documents, licenses, newspapers, other publications, and even playing cards are taxed. The money collected goes to help pay the costs of defending and protecting the American frontier near the Appalachian Mountains (10,000 troops were to be stationed on the American frontier for this purpose.) 4/3/75 The colonists are very upset about the stamp act. Some gathered in groups and the biggest one had Patrick Henry for a leader. He made a Stamp Act Resolves for the. House of Burgesses It said that Virginians should pay no taxes except those voted by the Virginia House of Burgesses and that anyone supporting the right of Parliament to tax Virginians, should be considered an enemy of the colony. The House of Burgesses defeated the most extreme of Henry's resolutions, but four of the resolutions were adopted. Virginia Governor Fauquier did not approve of the resolutions, and he dissolved the House of Burgesses in response to their passage.

A Flag for America By Sophie Bromberger Betsy Ross has created a work of art! General Washington requested that she make a new American flag. The flag consists of alternating red and white stripes on the majority of the flag starting with red and ending with red, thirteen of them to represent the thirteen original colonies of the United States of America. Also, in the top left hand corner of the flag is a blue square with thirteen fivepointed white stars in the form of a circle, again, thirteen to represent the thirteen original colonies. Now, about the five-pointed stars; General Washington had imagined six- pointed stars, but Betsy insisted on five- pointed stars. The reason for that was because she can cut a five pointed star with one snip of her scissors, to prove that, she took a piece of paper, folded it and cut! Just like that she had a five- pointed star. General Washington then decided that Betsy was right and that the flag should have five- pointed stars.

White House Burns By Tom Sam During the war of 1812, when James Madison was president, British troops stormed into Washington. On August 23, 1814, soldiers set fire to the White House. First Lady Dolly Madison took some valuables and other things that were important. The thick sandstone walls of the White House did survive, although they were scarred with smoke and scorch marks.

The Daily Progress by Cody Herring Yesterday at the House of Burgesses, Patrick Henry spoke some powerful words. Gentlemen may cry peace, peace - but there is no peace. The next gale that sweeps the North will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms. Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?