How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
At the end of the block there were soldiers on watch in front of City Hall; a dozen or so men standing around a campfire, with more dozing on the ground […] Their guns were close to hand. I crept as close as I dared, but there was no way to sneak past them. (10.29)
Isabel may just be trying to get to Bellingham's house to deliver word of Lockton's Loyalist antics, but her encounter with the city's Patriot occupation gives her a first taste of how inescapable the conflict is. Her goal of seeking freedom for her and Ruth is all tied up with the colonies' own struggle for independence, making the situation considerably more complicated.
Quote #2
"This is an outrage," Lockton fumed.
"No, Elihu," Bellingham said. "This is war. Even our churches are making the sacrifice, delivering their bells to be recast as cannon. Surely you do not rate your home above the houses of God?" (11.33)
Sacrifice is a key theme of any war story, but here, Bellingham is more interested in manipulating Master Lockton than getting the pulls from his windows. He needs an excuse to get inside his house and get to Madam's notorious linen chest. For officials like Bellingham, who attempt to uncover proof of citizens' Loyalist leanings, war is fought psychologically as much as physically.
Quote #3
The men made short work of King George. When the statue was reduced into pieces that could be easily carted off, they did just that. The plan was to melt down all the lead into bullets.
"We'll fire Majesty at the redcoats!" joked a man with a booming voice. (20.14-15)
The celebratory mood of Patriot citizens as they destroy the statue of King George following the announcement of independence gives us (and Isabel) a look at the zeal that often comes with war. While Isabel doesn't totally grasp the reasoning behind their actions, she does understand the determination of the rebels and senses the danger that could come to those who support the King.