Morphological Confetti

I have often wondered if I had a relative who fought in the Revolutionary War.  I have proof of the other major American wars that my enslaved and free ancestors fought and served, but the Revolutionary War remains a mystery.  However, I am proud to know that there were more individuals of color than Crispus Attucks and Peter Salem who fought and died in America's quest for Independence. American History: On April 17, 1775, black and white Minutemen fought British Soldiers at Lexington and Concord. This is something my high school History teachers never taught me. In fact, I doubt if they knew. “In Massachusetts alone, 840 minorities served in the Revolutionary War, 740 were recorded as black or mulatto and 100 recorded as Indians. Armed men and women, white and colored, repelled the British at Concord, Lexington and elsewhere. They fought at Bunker Hill. They were members of George Washington’s Continental Army.” Sources: Larson, Joseph S. "Profes...

One can only imagine the patriotic climate in America between the years of 1776 and 1800. 1776 was, of course, the year that America won its Independence from England in the Revolutionary war. America was now free! Crispus Attucks was now dead. Now, it’s time to build. America was finally free from the grips of British rule. Yes, freedom was the word of the day. Freedom for all citizens! Well, freedom as long as you were not of African descent. Gabriel Prosser was born that same year of 1776, a slave to Thomas Prosser on the Brookfield Plantation in Henrico County, Virginia. Gabriel was of African descent. In fact, he was an African born under the American system of slavery! However, it seems that his owner, Thomas Prosser, was somewhat of a "liberal" master and allowed the young Gabriel to be educated. Yes, Gabriel learned to read and write. Prosser also allowed the young and growing Gabriel to learn the trade of Black Smith. This skill would be a benefit to Gabriel becaus...