Cardinal News 250

Jefferson also wanted to condemn Lord Dunmore’s Emancipation Proclamation that offered freedom to Virginia’s slaves in exchange for fighting with the British, but Congress watered that down to the point where you wouldn’t recognize it unless you knew the back story.

The name of the Altavista judge and militia colonel has gone into history for something he didn’t do. He never executed anyone.

If this independence enterprise fails, the word that surely applies is treason. Men in England have been hanged for less. If, though, it should succeed, Lee’s resolution will mark the start of a new era the likes of which we have not seen: A new nation upon the earth.

Test your knowledge and explore the people, places and events that helped shape America — but are often left out of the history books.

The call for submissions is part of the nation’s celebration of 250 years of independence. The deadline for submissions is June 12.

Privateers were an important component of the American war effort. They were something akin to government-sanctioned pirates — armed vessels that chased down and confiscated the cargo of civilian enemy merchant ships. The techniques privateers employed wouldn’t pass muster today. They’d often approach a ship under a false flag and captain and crew would get a large cut of the captured loot.