the raid of danbury

Danbury, Connecticut was where several roads converged. George Washington chose Danbury as a supply base as it was a trading and manufacturing center. Washington picked Danbury in early 1777.

Protecting Danbury supplies for the Continental Army were 150 men. Danbury was thought of as well protected, not by troops, but by geography. It was located about 25 miles inland from Long Island Sound. Its location was considered out of reach for the British. 

The supplies at Danbury were important to the Continentals. With New York City and Long Island controlled by the British, a supply base for Washington's Army was vital.

The base was led by Colonel Jedediah Huntington and Colonel Joseph Cooke. 

The British decided to land troops via ship to raid Danbury. They could not haul wagons and decided before they were ashore to burn the supplies. British ships did their job as Captain Henry Duncan commanded the landing of about 1,500 British troops and Americans loyal to the Crown. Major General William Tryon led the British to raid Danbury.

William Tryon. Circa 1767.

The landing party landed at Compo Beach and unloaded their supplies for the march to Danbury after landing on April 21 - 25, 1777. The march started about 5 PM on the 25th. Colonists in the area sent the alarm to Danbury that the British were on the way.

The Continental's medical supplies were moved to New Milford as the 150 men busily removed as much supply as they could. They retreated along with the supplies as Tryon's troops raided Danbury.

The British burned 1,000 barrels of flour and much more and went on to burn storehouses in the town. After sufficient destruction of the supplies, the British went on the defensive anticipating an attack from Colonial Militia.

This post from connecticuthistory.org was a source.

This post from history.com was a source.

the battle of pell's point

 In October of 1776, Washington's Army was at Harlem Heights, New York. The British forces landed at Throgs Neck to execute a flanking maneuver against Washington on the island of Manhattan. The Colonials ruined this landing and the commander of the British forces, General Sir William Howe, looked for another landing point. 

Howe

On October 18, 1776, Howe disembarked 4,000 men at Pelham, about 3 miles north of Throgs Neck. 750 men of John Glover's brigade were inland. The Continentals used stone walls for cover to attack the British forces and fell back. The British broke off and the Americans retreated. 

The battle delayed the British movement long enough to give General George Washington time to move his forces to White Plains. Washington gave up Manhattan to keep his army from being surrounded.

By the 17th Washington was on his way to White Plains after hearing of the Throgs Neck landing. Washington left 2,000 men to support Fort Washington.

The battle is also known as the Battle of Pelham. The fighting took place in what is now part of Pelham Bay Park. 

Washington felt safe at White Plains. Glover retreated to Younkers. He report 8 killed, 13 wounded. The British had 3 killed, 20 wounded. The Hessians had no casualties. Howe moved his army through New Rochelle and Scarsdale. 

the lee resolution

 Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right 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. That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances. That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.

The Lee Resolution was an act of the Second Continental Congress declaring the Thirteen Colonies to be independent of the British Empire.

It is the earliest form and draft of the Declaration of Independence.

washington to the bostonians

George Washington, Address to the Residents of Boston (October 27, 1789)

george washington facts

This President's Day I have found an interesting post on George Washington.

From mountvernon.org here is post about 10 facts about George Washington. I am spotlighting some highlights from this post. 

Prior to Yorktown, the American military effort was facing destruction. In January 1781 Washington was very concerned. Money was short and the French had seen setbacks. In May of that year Washington's situation began to improve. France had given a gift to the American treasury and the French fleet drove off the relief expedition to aid Cornwallis at Yorktown. Good news indeed. With aid from the French at Yorktown, Washington laid siege on September 28, 1781.  

A consistent supply chain hindered Washington and he had issues with the Continental Congress on this particular matter.  Washington was focused on management and organization. He maintained the army throughout good times and bad. 

Supply problems were rife at Valley Forge. Bad roads hindered the supply chain. 

Washington was appointed as Commander of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775. This position lasted more than six years. Washington had not commanded a large army in the field before. However, Washington brought his organizational skills to the command. British Army formations were having difficulty going through much of the terrain. Washington used this to his advantage.

Washington developed risky plans to divert attention away from the British. Not all of his plans worked but he was able to allude destruction by the British. 

Studying Washington is fun and I've enjoyed digging in to learn more.

first state of the union

On January 8, 1790 President George Washington gave the First Annual Message to a Joint Session of Congress.

It is known more today as the State of the Union Address.

It was held in the Senate Chamber of Federal Hall in New York City.

Washington's speech was a milestone for the Constitution. He was displaying the separations of the three branches of government. 

Washington’s address was a precisely calibrated political statement. The president was positive and encouraging, even as he subtly sought to direct the actions of Congress.

Federal Hall - New York City

Washington did make the call for a standing army. He also touched on establishing a currency and the need for standardized weights and measures. Oh yes, and there was immigration. He too mentioned a need for a postal system and education improvement.

Washington new the challenges that lay ahead for the new nation. He addressed them with determination. He proved he was a leader. He proved he was sincere.

The source for this post: First Annual Address

 

the death of george washington

George Washington died December 14, 1799

Washington wasn't feeling well on the morning of December 13th. Throughout the day his condition worsened. He had had two wills. He read them over and threw one into the fire. His funeral was on December 18th.

Washington had left in his will to emancipate all of the enslaved people he had owned after Martha Washington's death. She signed a deed of manumission and they were freed on January 1st, 1801.

Martha Washington

George and Martha Washington are buried in the New Tomb at Mount Vernon.

Here's 8 Facts About Washington's Death from mountvernon.org

the battle of princeton

On January 2, 1777, Washington didn't know entirely what to do. He convened a council of war with his officers. Washington had been alerted that the road to Princeton was undefended. He had a plan of marching deep into New Jersey and the consensus from the council was to keep going.

Most of Washington's army marched northeast. Residents loyal to Washington relayed information that the town of Princeton was open to attack on the east side of the town. As January 3 began, the Continentals were about two miles from Princeton. Washington ordered Brigadier General Hugh Mercer to march to the left and destroy a bridge on a road that led to Trenton. The bulk of the force, led by Major General John Sullivan's division, marched on Princeton. Washington's total forces were about 4,500 men.

The British forces were led by Lieutenant Colonel Charles Mawhood. He had about 1,200 men. Mawhood's mission was to keep Princeton secure for General Cornwallis. Princeton was key for the British communications route to New York City. 

Mawhood spotted Washington's front column and ordered his force back inside Princeton. Fighting ensued and Mawhood had Mercer's troops attacked by highly skilled British infantrymen. Mercer was overrun and mortally wounded. Washington pressed the engagement and entered the town. Sullivan did not risk a frontal attack and found a stalemate happen until troops, personally led by Washington, broke the British line.

 Both the Battles of Trenton and Princeton split the British Army in two and gave the people, loyal to independence, new hope and confidence that the war could be won.

Sources for this post: Battle of Princeton on mountvernon.org
                                   10 Facts About the Battle of Princeton on mountvernon.org

#OTD January 3,1777 - The Battle of Princeton http:// https://t.co/gqluipYgaz Continentals outnumbered British. #RevolutionaryWar #AmericanHistory

— Mike Bertelsen (@mikebertelsen) January 3, 2018

causes and necessities revisited

My previous post touched on The Declaration of the Causes and Necessities for Taking Up Arms. The Declaration was one of several addresses issued by Congress to justify the necessity of armed resistance.The Continental Congress has previously issued the "Olive Branch Petition", which was drafted by John Dickinson. This petition was accepted by the Congress on July 5, 1775. The day after Congress debated "The Declaration of Causes". (1)

Prior to this a committee was appointed to adopt a first draft of the declaration. This committee was comprised of John Rutledge, William Livingston, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and Thomas Johnson.

The shooting war had started on April 19, 1775 at Lexington - Concord, Massachusetts, but a declaration of war hadn't yet been adopted. The document has this at its heart:

"We are reduced to the alternative of choosing an unconditional submission to the tyranny of irritated ministers, or resistance by force. The latter is our choice."

The choice was clear. The Colonials had decided to continue war with Great Britain. Could there be any turning back? Most likely no, however I get the feeling if Great Britain would consider addressing the Colonies' grievances, bloodshed would be stopped. Trust though, was a major issue. Both sides did not trust one another. That was clear.

This declaration told the world why the battles were happening. (2) The declaration stated that the shooting war was on, and here's why. So, was this America's first civil war? The Continental Congress was not declaring independence (that would happen a year later). It was declaring that this war was official on July 6, 1775. This declaration of war was drafted for General Washington to read to his troops stationed at Boston. If any of Washington's forces had any doubts, this document ended  those.

The Declaration of the Causes and Necessity begins very similar to The Declaration of Independence. It notes how human life and inalienable rights are from God and no man has the right to take them away.

"...the inhabitants of these colonies might at least require from the parliament of Great-Britain some evidence, that this dreadful authority over them, has been granted to that body. But a reverence for our Creator, principles of humanity, and the dictates of common sense, must convince all those who reflect upon the subject, that government was instituted to promote the welfare of mankind, and ought to be administered for the attainment of that end." 

The document does not demand independence, but lays out why hostilities are being waged. Thomas Jefferson and John Dickinson were named to the committee, to probably finish the draft. Jefferson's first draft was not accepted and Dickinson made the revisions. (3)

Dickinson wrote: "Our cause is just. Our union is perfect. Our internal resources are great, and, if necessary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly attainable..." (3)

The Congress spelled out that the colonies were their native land. An excellent point, since most were born in the colonies, and were raised with good intentions for a productive and fruitful life. There was a freedom of birthright. That freedom was being prohibited. Points were made that Parliament had imposed laws on the Colonies and that they, members of Parliament, had no right to do so. There was no defense from the Crown. The declaration spelled out that going to arms was the only defense against such tyranny and the protection of their property was paramount. 

Congress wished to bring reconciliation with reasonable terms and to relieve the Empire of the calamities of civil war, but not at the expense of their liberties. Thus it was civil war. 

I can't help but think of how many representatives knew the war would evolve to a war of independence. British authorities were harsh in their treatment and this would get worse. As events transpired, the war took on a much more deeper meaning for the Colonials. It was becoming an all or nothing fight and the Declaration of Independence was the beacon for a totally free nation.

causes and necessity

The Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms was a document issued by the Second Continental Congress on July 6, 1775.

The final draft of the Declaration was written by John Dickinson, who incorporated language from an earlier draft by Thomas Jefferson. Objectionable causes were described in the declaration, such as taxation without representation and non-address of the colonists' grievances.

Dickinson

Jefferson

In the 19th century, the authorship of the Declaration was disputed. In a collection of his works first published in 1801, John Dickinson took credit for writing the Declaration. This claim went unchallenged by Thomas Jefferson until many years later, when Jefferson was nearly 80 years old.

An initial draft was reportedly written by John Rutledge, a member of a committee of five appointed to create the Declaration. (1)

Rutledge

The bold statement near the end of the Declaration was written by Dickinson: "Our cause is just. Our union is perfect. Our internal resources are great, and, if necessary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly attainable."

(1) Source for this post: The Declaration For the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms

Learn about #RevWar 07/06/1775 - Independence - The Declaration of the Causes and... https://t.co/lE97NZyUbA pic.twitter.com/ZNnWbEBF7t

— RevWarTalk.com (@RevWarTalk) December 21, 2017

the quebec act of 1774

British actions brought American colonists to revolution. We all know taxation without representation (The Stamp Act). But don't stop there. There was the Boston Massacre and then the colony of Massachusetts wasn't allowed to conduct its own courts. This threw John Adams over the edge. So it was more than one item that led to revolution.

Add this to that roster. The Quebec Act of 1774. What was that? Well, plenty.

It was perhaps the major demarcation point for the thirteen colonies’ ultimate divorce from Great Britain. the Act was as successful as any other previous to it in “enraging the Americans against the measures of government.”


Thomas Bradbury Chandler, “A Friendly Address,” 1774, in Wood, ed., The American Revolution: Writings from the Pamphlet Debate II, 1773-1776 (New York: Library of America, 2015), 285.

The Act’s establishment of the Catholic church in a neighboring colony, its territorial extension of that colony into western lands, and its institution of a civil government appointed by – and serving at the pleasure of – the Crown corroborated their darkest suspicions of British intentions.

The Quebec Act and the other “Intolerable Acts” punishing Massachusetts in the summer and autumn of 1774 helped to ignite a train of events that would lead to colonists and British redcoats killing each other at Lexington and Concord.

The Act tolerated the Roman Catholic faith but bolstered the Americans' belief that it established the church and the authority of Rome right next door to them. John Adams declared that the Act was “not only unjust to the People in that Province, but dangerous to the Interests of the Protestant Religion and of these Colonies.”

I. Heads of Grievances and Rights, 9 September 1774,” Founders Online, National Archives, http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/06-02-02-0041-0002. Original source: The Adams Papers, Papers of John Adams, vol. 2, December 1773 – April 1775, ed. Robert J. Taylor (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1977), 152–156. 

John Adams

The Act’s extension of the Canadian provinces into western lands as far south as the Ohio River also infuriated those who had an interest there (and there were many). It also gave American colonists further cause to wonder whether they would ever be able to seek their future prosperity in the abundant western frontier so long as they remained subject to the pleasure and direction of George III.

John Adams tried to get at the crux of the matter for Americans. Taken together, the bill suspending Massachusetts’ legislature and the Quebec Act revealed Whitehall’s oligarchical designs for America. Adams and those pushing for American independence took the initiative.  Though months of political and military legwork were still required, the Quebec Act, fused with all of Whitehall’s previous offenses, played an important role in convincing Americans that they had one choice and once choice only: independence.

Source for this post: Blame Canada: The Quebec Act and the American Revolution

washington and continental congress

Washington arrived in Philadelphia to serve in the Second Continental Congress on May 9, 1775. A need for military unity was needed and Washington soon gained a popularity from his committee work in Congress.

Washington was unanimously chosen as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army because of his fellow Virginians promoting him throughout the Congress. Washington's selection made sense for several reasons.

Washington's Appointment as Commander-in-Chief

Benjamin Rush explained, "He has so much martial dignity in his deportment that you distinguish him to be a general and a soldier from among ten thousand people."

the continental army

On July 18, 177[5], the Congress requested all colonies form militia companies from "all able bodied effective men, between sixteen and fifty years of age." It was not uncommon for men younger than sixteen to enlist as most colonies had no requirement of parental consent for those under twenty-one (adulthood).

The army went through several distinct phases, characterized by official dissolution and reorganization of units.

Too learn more check out this Wikipedia post.

automated emergency braking

20 automakers have agreed to voluntarily add autonomous emergency braking (AEB) to their vehicles by September 1, 2022.

This will cover about 99% of all cars sold in the United States. The companies in this agreement are: Audi, BMW, FCA, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

The unprecedented commitment means that this important safety technology will be available to more consumers more quickly than would be possible through the regulatory process. The systems use on-vehicle sensors such as radar, cameras or lasers to detect an imminent crash, warn the driver and apply the brakes if the driver does not take sufficient action quickly enough.

“It’s an exciting time for vehicle safety. By proactively making emergency braking systems standard equipment on their vehicles, these 20 automakers will help prevent thousands of crashes and save lives,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “It’s a win for safety and a win for consumers."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that this voluntary move will make AEB standard three full years before a regulatory mandate would be able to do it. Over that time, AEB technology could prevent 28,000 crashes and 12,000 injuries.

Roadshow

 

 Roadshow on Twitter was the source of this article.

12 business strategy failures

Adopting a business strategy is great. The key to this success is adopting the correct business strategy. To simply try a strategy on for size often doesn't succeed.

Here are 12 reasons for top business strategy failures:

1. Not understanding what a strategy is.
2. Focusing on results first, not focusing on the strategy.
3. Just going through the motions of developing a strategy plan.
4. Not being passionate about the strategy.
5. Not understanding the target audience.
6. Not understanding the environment.
7. Not recognizing market trends.
8. Overestimating the capacity of the business.
9. Not having a clear focus on a powerful, value proposition.
10. Lack of broad involvement.
11. Resisting change.
12. Having the wrong people in leadership roles.

Focus on the knowledge of the topic. When change happens quickly, opportunities once presented can vanish fast. Keep your options open.

Strategy-Keys.com was the source for this entry.

technology and style

It has been 25 years since this Bavarian coupe appeared. It was introduced in 1989 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. BMW showed the world it could push the envelope in the auto industry with a sleek performance package. I sum it up as technology and style.

four-door luxury GT flagship 8 series

BMW is known from starting at the primary source: the engine. They celebrated 100 years in business in October 2013. The efficient performance of their engines due to much research has certainly paid off. The brand has been special with many automotive enthusiasts. Technological advances have been a shining star for the brand.

2015 chevy ss sedan

This car will be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. At 415 HP.... not bad. The SS has unibody construction and is in sync with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. 6000 rpm redline, a packed family boat. Here's the review from Car and Driver. Motor Trend broke the story on the SS Sedan getting magnetic ride control.

Chevy is definitely showing a positive element of leadership. They shifted their thinking to meet a challenge with this car. In your business can you recognize when a shift is needed? What if your holding back aspects of certain products? Can you use marketing attributes from other products for another line of products? Chevrolet has done this by using Camaro traits in the SS Sedan.

The initial reaction is positive. Don't overlook what you already have.

skill success

Ever stop and ask yourself if success is a skill? Skill, you might wonder to yourself, was never described as a skill. It wasn't to me. When I had a skill, I had a skill. I didn't think twice to link skill to success. I decided to change my way of thinking. Maybe you have too.

Perhaps we need to look at skill success as successful skills.

Can you think of any?

Here are some for you and me.

• Persererance
• Persistance
• Vision
• Sales
• Selection
• Initiative
• Problem solvinh
• Storytelling
• Flexibility
• Resilience
• Innovation

Put these into your thought processes. Come up with ways put these skills into your organization. Put them into your routine.These may help you improve content and grow your business. There are still enough ideas to go around.

richard branson

Link to the story:

Richard Branson on Being Richard Branson
http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/startingup/leadership-qualities-skills/richard-branson-on-being-richard-branson/

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