Washington’s general order was pretty small today. Instructions to make sure that the main guard “would on no account whatever, be without a drum.” No, the General wasn’t getting the band back together, the drum was to be used by those on duty as an alarm. If needed the drum would be sounded and the soldiers would report to their positions. He requested updates on ammunition and scheduled a court martial for 10:00 AM on Monday.

The Continental Congress was again working on another petition to the king…. Again they were reaching out to try and work through their differences…..again! And in Roxbury, Caleb Haskell was making notes in a diary.

He didn’t have much to say on July 8, 1775, but I loved to have the opportunity to read his simple statements of life at his post. https://revwar75.com/library/bob/pdfs/Caleb%20Haskell%20Diary.pdf

July 8th, Saturday.—Th’s morning at 3 o’clock our people at Roxbury went down upon the neck; rushed upon the guard; they retreated; our men set fire to the guardhouse; they made a heavy fire upon our party, which was returned; a smart engagement ensued on both sides. Our lines manned for two hours.

It is insane to realize what is at our fingertips. I can find information about the big events, the day to day and even diaries from the every day people of the Revolution. Together the sources weave a more down to earth story of the founding of our country. There are the famous people that we all know, and then there are the Caleb Haskell’s of our history.

When you see these stories, you realize that it’s not just about those famous names, but also about people just like you and me. That is why I love the diary of Caleb Haskell. His words remind me that there is more going on than what’s in the history books. It reminds me that even my story, intersects with the story of my country.

It makes me wonder….. what footnote will I leave?