XOXO GOSSIP GIRL @letstalkgossip - Tumblr Blog

I took her advice, as I did not believe in absolute power over her. I let her make some decisions for our family. This was where my wife led me. She told me that this place would be the stepping stone for success. I would soon become one of the few, one of the elite. I did not know I was as smart as I truly was. God had given me a gift and it was my time to use it. At Harvard, I became very competitive. Here, I rose to the top of my class and took advantage of what God had given me. I had been blessed with the ability to withhold lots of information and the ability to memorize things after seeing them only once. There were strict rules at Harvard. Harvard taught me the ways of being successful. I was grateful for this experience and I used my knowledge to become nothing. It was an odd move, people said, but in my years at Harvard, I was able to grasp the idea that family and God is what life is for. I had the credibility to become many things, but I chose my family and a simple life. I respected my wife and lived the life that God gave me, I did not attempt to change it.

letstalkgossip

Oh Jefferson, how marvelous it is that you have had such wonderful experiences receiving an education! I am not sure if you are aware but our colony is soon to open its very own King's College that my youngest brother is to attend. Do you have any tips on what education is like here in the colonies?Your colony must be greatly experienced seeing as your educational institution has been around since 1636. It's a brand new concept to us all here! Many fear what they do not know, with only 8 men enrolled thus far. Maybe you could give our colonists a boost and encourage them to broaden their horizons. They surely will listen to you. Although here in New York we focus more on practical education rather than the Puritan religion, I still do believe you could have great wisdom to offer.

I hope to hear from you soon

XOXO Gossip Girl

sweetsouthernladyofvirginia

Ooooooooh boy!Have I had one extremely frustrating week! It seems as though our family has steered clear of disease for the entirety of the lengthy amount of time we’ve been in Jamestown – despite a few minor coughs and colds here and there. However, our eldest son James seems to be really suffering from something very, very bad as we are heading into the winter season. The cold air is terrible! James is experiencing intense nausea, as well as diarrhea and discoloration of the skin. Marcus believes he’s just encountered some poisonous shrub in the forest of our land – I believe he’s ingested some foul meat. I pray that James recovers soon. He will be 16 soon and expected to become independent. He will marry, become a legal taxpayer, and a member of the local militia! I am so proud of the young man he has become.

However, his absence is being felt on our farm. In turn we are all being affected. Marcus says his muscle and great shape is needed out on the farm; the younger boys cannot replace his strength and resourcefulness. I am no doctor so we’ve called in a local “expert” to come take a look at James. Apparently his illness is life-threatening – the doctor recommends he bleed, sweat and purge the malady from his body. After that, all we can do is wait it out and hope for the best.

letstalkgossip

My dear friend I truly feel for you and your family at this tragic time and wish you all the best. Here in New York we too have been experiencing a dreadful winter. Food shortages and multiple deaths of loved ones have caused great trauma for our people who now accuse one another of conspiracy. They have gone completely MAD! The conflicts with our slaves are just beginning. I pray each night that spring comes around soon and our crops can once again begin to flourish. I cannot wait to see our glorious grain grow. I suppose you feel the same towards your tobacco cultivation?

Best regards, XOXO Gossip Girl

NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION

ATTENTION NEW YORKERS, in attempts to acquire control, the British are striving to attain greater command and control over our colony. This year of 1774 has brought with it a grander abundance of boycotts and protest among our people, as we hope to maintain our own style of living. Unfairly, we have been taxed with the Sugar Act, to pay off debts of the French Indian War, the Stamp Act,enforcing additional costs on all printed works, as well as the Townshed Revenue Acts that tax us on all imported goods, including tea, paint, glass and other luxuries. Although among our population many remain loyal to our England, simply in fear of consequence, I say it is our MISSION TO TAKE CONTROL OF A COLONY THAT IS SOLELY OURS! One shall not simply sit around and allow for an outside nation to control their every action and purchase. How preposterous!

The revolution we all had accurately predicted is steadily approaching , therefore, all that is left for us to do is seek justice. We have just grown accustomed to our own liberty and freedom and wish to maintain our independence. We will not be considered or treated inferior. One must not constantly think of the old country as home, but identify himself as a true man of this colony. Their tea shall be continuously dumped into the sea or shipped back, as we wish to rid ourselves of English affiliations. Continue to burn and continue to protest and allow for the battle for freedom to commence!

XOXO Gossip Girl

EVE OF THE REVOLUTION

It is the decade of the 1760s now and the growth I have thus far witnessed in the colony of New York, for the past 20 years, has been quite fascinating. The population currently exceeds 5,000 inhabitants, our city flourishing similarly in comparison to Philadelphia. Rumor has it, their population now totals 25,000. I have no doubt we soon shall surpass that. Opened recently, Bull Head’s Tavern has become a popular resting spot for visitors and rowdy drunks. Located in the outskirts of the city, it is a location of carousing, gambling, as well as gossip (my cup of tea).Recently passing by, I overheard rumors regarding our England and its hopes to regain nearly absolute control of our colonies. As a result, I have personally noticed exceptional anti-British activity and division among civilians over the past several months, a frightening and unusual sight for a colony once united in toleration. I have a sense that evil is coming and nearly is upon us.

Following, our city has been a base for the British for the duration of the French Indian War, and with its recent end in 1763, I had naively believed all conflict had finally come to an end. That may not be the case. I have recently noticed that as we near the eve of a Revolution, our motherland greatly attempts to rob us of our individual identity. We are victims of a certain “Europeanization”, with elites spotted sporting imported clothing and glistening silverware. Social ranking is visible with only the most prominent of individuals being of importance in our churches and schools. This is a shame, as I truly had begun to admire the unique aspects of life here.Through all hardships, our colony still has managed to succeed in the agricultural industry, alone exporting 80,000 barrels of flour PER YEAR.Unbelievable! It is hard to complain when our standards of living undoubtedly exceed those of other colonies and our motherland across the pond. As our bustling commerce continues to flourish, it is inevitable for conflict for power of our colony to ensue. Will there be war? Till next time!

XOXO Gossip Girl

Advancements in Society

With a sense of recovery in our economy, the 1750's have rolled around along with a great acknowledgement from our British administration. According to outside sources, our growing population and economy has once again intrigued our motherland. Others say it is the increasing military rivalry with France, as they attempt to capture Ohio Valley. If I didn't know better, I would assume a French Indian War is in the works. However, on the bright side of it all, a remarkable education system has considerably began to flourish. Up to this point in time, only a basic practical education has been given, particularly to those wealthy who can afford it. Ever since the founding of the College of New Jersey, many have longed for a similar establishment in our New York colony. Incredibly enough, our very own King's College is soon to open as promptly as next year, 1754, to promote liberal education. Thus far, 8 students have enrolled, my youngest brother being one of them, for classes held in July by Samuel Johnson himself. He's worked hard for years to build a prosperous future. This at last is his chance! After much controversy among our people, a location and religious relation were at last determined. An assembly has been established to manage the funds towards the college and its building projects, acquired by the state lottery.

In addition, from 1746-1750 our daily lives and choices had been affected by a political fight between our governor and the Colonial Assembly for power. AT LAST, they have compromised and the Assembly now shares sovereignty. What advancements are to come next for our colony? Stay tuned.

XOXO Gossip Girl

SPOTTED: SLAVES REVOLT FOR FREEDOM

Just days ago on March 8, 1741 fires broke out at Fort George and the residence of Governor Clarke, burning it to the ground. The events had been considered accidental until additional fires had caused reevaluation. Rumor has it, the occurrences had been a result of a SLAVE CONSPIRACY! Black slaves, with a current population of 2,000 of 10,000 inhabitants, are suspected to have been working with the poor whites, secretly meeting at taverns, as well as on street corners, in hopes of gaining control. Apparently, slaves are currently being interrogated as well as beaten and burned at the stake. Such an event is surely to transform our daily lives, as masters struggle in trusting their slaves and a greater division of races is established. Many inhabitants have already fled for safety. Authorities seem to be particularly suspecting those with relations to the Spanish colonies or spies for the Catholic Church, seeing as our Protestant England is currently in conflict with Catholic Spain. My fellow acquaintance, Mary Burton, a 16 year old Irish indentured servant, has been providing information to the government in exchange for a cash reward. I surely hope she speaks only the truth. It is unjust to punish the innocent, is it not?

After a brutally harsh winter of economic depression, with food shortages and multiple deaths, it is no wonder we accuse one another of conspiracy. We have endured much trauma. Trials already have begun, therefore, if you are in possession of any additional information, do feel free to speak up. The government is offering rewards as well as a pardon to anyone who can provide names. Stay safe, New Yorkers!

XOXO Gossip Girl

New York fascinates me

After months on board our ship, I began to question if the beauty and excellence of New York had all been a great myth, a tactic to encourage relocation. Yet their had been reason for the rapid population boost in constant growth, today exceeding 10,000. A simple stroll to town compares to a journey across the globe with a multitude of cultural diversity and over 18 previously unheard of languages. Rumor has it, our population is bound to increase by 50,000 by the year 1800 at this rate. It is the year 1740 with the recent disputes of the Zenger trial providing a certain freedom of expression. Overheard, I noted that judges will no longer be prosecuting libel, an ideal incentive for me to begin this opinionated news outlet. Religion here seems unusually tolerated, with places of worship including a Trinity Church and synagogue, where the Jews attend. With almshouses caring for the impoverished, the population of the poor is nearly nonexistent in comparison to that of England back home.

I, however, have not arrived alone. My two brothers both are here with me, the eldest employed in milling, the youngest a shipbuilder. Milling is the main industry here and my brother speaks highly of Roslyn Grist Mill, where he offers his services in producing flour from the abundance of grain. Accessible ports allow for the building of ships and trade with the motherland across the pond and the West Indies.

Rumor has it, the slaves may possibly be planning another revolt following their fire on Maiden Lane in 1712. Some have reportedly overheard plans of conspiracy so do stay tuned for more updates. Till next time.

XOXO Gossip Girl

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