Recommended reading

1776 was a trying year for the Revolution. By the end of 1776, New York had been lost and Washington had retreated to defensive positions near Philadelphia. Belief in the revolution was flagging. At the end of 1776, Thomas Paine began writing a series of essays entitled The Crisis. The Crisis is today's recommended reading. The first installment of The Crisis, along with the Battle of Trenton, serve to prop up morale at the end of 1776. Even if you have not previously read The Crisis, you may be familiar with Paine's opening words from it:

THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER" and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.