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The Congress at York

This book expands on the biographies of the men who met in York, Pennsylvania, as members of the Continental Congress, at what was both the darkest hour of the American Revolution and its turning point. During this period, although Philadelphia was lost for a while, the Congress devised the nation’s first constitution and negotiated the key treaty that buttressed the American army for the remainder of the war. Given the key victory of General Gates and General Washington’s loss of the capital, the Conway Cabal took root at this time, seeking to replace Washington with Gates. Some of these events also occurred in York during this time. Of course, Washington survived this innuendo while also preserving the army during the bitter winter at Valley Forge.The leadership of the Continental Congress leads off the book. President of Congress, John Hancock, was in York briefly, until October 29, 1777, when he resigned to return to Massachusetts. South Carolinian Henry Laurens was then elevated to the role for the remainder of the York Congress, and beyond. Secretary Charles Thomson, of course, was present throughout, as he was for the entire period of the Continental Congress.The delegates then follow, in order of their arrival in York. Sixty-two members of the Continental Congress served at least some portion of their time in exile in York. Most of the original arrivals were replaced at some point with new delegates. Nearly all complained about the rustic character and difficulties of the place, removed from the bustling markets of Philadelphia, New York, Boston, or Charleston. Henry Laurens quipped that making him president at least placed him closer to the woodstove.In this volume:Hancock, JohnLaurens, HenryThomson, CharlesAdams, JohnAdams, SamuelAdams, ThomasBanister, JohnBartlett, JosiahBrownson, NathanBurke, ThomsCarroll, CharlesChase, SamuelClark, AbrahamClingan, WilliamCollins, JohnDana, FrancisDrayton, William HenryDuane, JamesDuer, WilliamDyer, EliphaletEllery, WilliamElmer, JonathanFolsom, NathanielForbes, James

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