How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Becky asked around for days, but there were no spare carpenters to be found, no matter how much coin was offered. The men were all getting ready for war. The British had set up a new camp in Brooklyn on Long Island, and Washington was moving his troops around like pieces on a checkerboard. (26.5)
What's really fascinating about Isabel is that even though she doesn't really understand the reasons for the war, she still has impeccable knowledge of battle strategy. Her checkers analogy reflects both her relatively innocent mindset as well as her understanding of the inner workings of the war.
Quote #5
"What say you?" Grandfather said.
"I say I'm an American," Curzon said. "An American soldier." (26.26)
Curzon may say that he's fighting in the war to win his freedom from Bellingham, but it's pretty obvious that his reasons for accepting the deal from his master go beyond that. Throughout the story, Curzon's knowledge of the war proves that he really is a Patriot—not just because Bellingham is, but because he genuinely supports the cause of liberty. Although slaves aren't supposed to have political leanings, Curzon is clearly passionate about fighting for (some) independence.
Quote #6
"Washington had them melt down the church bells and make them into cannons. That will surely displease the Lord, I say. If God switches sides and allows the British to take New York, you'll see me headed for Jersey." (37.16)
The idea of God taking sides in a war isn't exactly a new concept—we've heard it before and continue to hear it today. Some call it superstitious thinking, others call it arrogance. Still, the fact that countries often enlist the support of a higher deity in their cause says something about the great unknown of war. While it's impossible to know the big guy in the sky's thoughts on matters of war, it's one way to cope with the frightening risks of battle.