[silverleaf]

I had an ancestor who was one of the rowers.

I found this out by reading a genealogical journal that many years later, when this ancestor was an old man, he rode to his daughter's house and gave her the piece of scrip he had received from General Washington for his rowing services that night, that she might keep it for his grandson.

Wouldn't I LOVE to know whatever became of that piece of scrip?

[anymouse]

Then we have something in common. Apparently my ancestor was also in Gen. Washington's boat, serving as his assistant (drummer boy.) His father, James Wilson was a Pennsylvania delegate that signed the Declaration of Independence. I presume that his son got the plum assignment with Gen. Washington because of his father's political connections.

James Wilson was apparently a prominent Philadelphia judge. He also apparently almost scuttled the Declaration of Independence, because the Southern colonies would not allow slaves to be citizens. Ben Franklin, another Pennsylvania delegate convinced him to not dash the hopes of all Americans over an issue that could be addressed at a later date. I doubt either one figured how long it would be before blacks would also enjoy the freedom they were fighting for.