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- Sarah: [writing a letter] New York City is teaming with his majesty's troops. The tension here is excruciating. It has been over a year since the rebellion began, and General Washington has been retreating from Manhattan as it burns behind him. Still, this beautiful autumn evening finds me full of hope. Congress has appointed a committee to meet with Admiral Howe, commander of his majesty's navy. And their subject, peace. The historic Committee is composed of Mr. John Adams, Mr. Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, and - not surprisingly - our own Dr. Benjamin Franklin. My prayers, dear Mother, our with them.
- Nathan Hale: It is the duty of any good soldier to obey any order from his commander-in-chief. I have obeyed an order, and I am here. I am ready. To my foe, you soldiers of Britain. My brothers, I say may you be as ready as I to meet your end in whatever shape it might appear. To my countrymen, old and young, I say let us never lay down our arms until we obtain our independence. If I had ten thousand lives, I would lay them all down if called to it in defense of our glorious new nation in defense of freedom. Freedom! I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.