A Rebel Among Redcoats by Jessica Gunderson

Author:Jessica Gunderson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: 9781434291020, 9781434297013, Connect, Stone Arch Books, Jessica Gunderson, Historical/United States/Colonial & Revolutionary War, Action & Adventure, Social Issues/Adolescence
Publisher: Capstone
Published: 2014-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Over My Dead Body

“We shall throw a party!” Aunt Kate declared after we returned home.

“A party?” I spat. “To welcome the British?”

Aunt Kate nodded with enthusiasm. “Exactly!”

I felt sick at the thought of the victorious British officers dining within our walls. “I shall have no part in such a thing!” I told her.

“You’re much too young to take part anyway,” Kate said. “Besides, I can’t risk you opening your mouth and unleashing rebel rubbish.”

Suddenly, I wanted badly to attend. I wanted to give the British my two cents.

I pretended to be deep in thought for a moment. Then I said with a bright smile, “It’s a grand idea, Aunt Kate. If you can’t beat them, join them!”

Kate eyed me, wondering if I was serious.

I looked at her innocently. “I will behave,” I said. “And I will certainly help in the preparations.”

“I will think about it,” Kate said finally. “Let’s begin planning immediately.”

I followed her into the study. She drew a piece of parchment from the desk and began scribbling. “We will serve oyster soup. And plum pudding. And tender beefsteaks.”

My mouth watered. After weeks of eating mostly rice, the dishes sounded delicious. “Where will we get such food at a time like this?” I asked doubtfully.

Kate shrugged. “We’ll have the party in mid summer. By then, our stores will be fully replenished.”

I sat with her awhile as she mused over the guest list and the menu. The study was stuffy, and my eyelids kept drooping closed. “I’m going out,” I told her, standing. “And I’ll be sure to tell every redcoat I meet about our party.”

Kate didn’t notice my sarcasm and only nodded without giving me a glance.

British soldiers filled the streets. I tried to keep anger from showing in my face as I walked past them.

I was relieved to see that Thornton’s shop was still standing. Mr. Thornton nodded to me pleasantly when I entered, as though nothing had happened these long weeks.

William and I went into the back of the shop and talked about the war. After weeks of being cooped up in Kate’s house, it was a relief to speak with someone who had the same views as I did.

William told me about Clinton and Lincoln’s agreement concerning the Patriot defenders of Charles Town. The men enlisted in the regular Continental Army were British prisoners. But General Clinton allowed militiamen to return to their families, as long as they promised not to take up arms against the British again.

The news encouraged me. “Perhaps my father will be able to come home!” I said.

“I’m not sure,” William said doubtfully. “He wasn’t engaged in the defense of Charles Town. And they may still be pressing him for information about militia in the countryside.”

“Are there still militia willing to fight the British?” I asked. General Clinton had made it seem like the British now had complete control over South Carolina.

William nodded. “Clinton thought the fall of Charles Town would subdue the rebels in the rest of the colony. But

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