The First Continental Congress P9

Last week I ended talking about the Rev. Duche’ preaching sermons that were considered treasonous according to British law, Philadelphia having been captured by British General William Howe, Duche’ imprisoned for treason, later released and that the detention dramatically changed him.

After being released from prison, Duche’ became an open advocate for the king. Notably, as George Washington was preparing to enter his difficult encampment at Valley Forge, Duche’ wrote to him, predicting defeat for the Americans and urging him to retract the Declaration of Independence. Washington refused.

Due to Douche''s new pro-British and anti-American efforts, the state of Pennsylvania convicted him of high treason and confiscated his estate. Duche fled to Great Britain and was warmly received, being appointed to a post as an official State church chaplain.

The Rev. John Witherspoon, a signer of the Declaration, was outraged over this cowardly betrayal. He penned a blistering piece against Duche’, expressing the feelings of many patriots who had also been threatened and punished by the British but had still held firm.

More on this next week for another American Moment.

Sourced From The American Story: The Beginnings by David Barton and Tim Barton.