"An express for you, Mrs. Carson," the maid said, handing her the letter and then quickly leaving.

"It is from Etta"

Boston, 17 June 1775

My Beloved Carson's,

In these days of consternation, we cannot be assured you will receive this letter. We must pray you do, for we fear you will get wind of our troubles while hearing nothing of our safety. We are indeed well and by the grace of God, safe -- as safe as anyone might be these days in Boston.

We were awakened by can­non fire. At first it sounded as if it was di­rected at our very own house, but it was not. A British ship had fired on Breed's Hill across the Charles River.

Matthew took his leave to tend the wounded and has yet to return, though he did send word. He expects to be detained yet another day or two. Many have died.

Be assured I will write again soon, if I can that is, if the post has not been stopped.

Love Etta

Mary set the letter down and returned to her husband's arms. "Alfred was right, there will be war."

Boston, 10 July 1776

My Dear Uriah, Caleb, John and, of course, all the lovely ladies,

We have declared our independence and have sent demands to the King. We are calling ourselves the United States of America. I rather favor the ­title myself, but I wonder at their presumption that we could get all the Colonies to unite even for this cause. Their complete lack of cooperation has been proven quite often in the past.