“ A Trip Through the Colonies ”

1. “A Trip Through the Colonies” Due date: Monday (10/17)

2. Colonies Letter March 5, 1770 Dear students, My trip to the American colonies has been interesting. You would be shocked to learn that not every child is required to attend school here. Unlike back in London, many children stay at home and work for their families. This is especially true for children who live on farms or on the frontier rather than in towns or cities. There also aren’t a lot of teachers here in the colonies, and now I know why they are trying to recruit me. Most teachers are paid in food or animal skins. The price of goods has become an increasing concern here in the colonies. The dreaded Stamp Act has been repealed, but the colonists still complain about the unfairness of taxes. As a result, I have noticed a lot of civil unrest. The tax officials are afraid to show their faces and there are more and more Red Coats about town to protect them. In fact I hear the Sons of Liberty are planning a major protest outside the Boston Custom’s House soon. I hope things don’t turn violent. Your teacher, Mr. Hughes B = 3 topics A = 4 or more topics B = 10 facts / supporting details A = More commentary & point of view A / B = describe / not list You may use or refer to any combination of 3 or more topics from your trip notes textbook, or notebook; including events that we will be learning this week.

3. Colonies Letter October 10, 1770 Dear Barrack, My trip through the American colonies has been amazing. When I arrived in Virginia, I couldn’t believe the lifestyle the rich plantationowners enjoyed. They lived in huge mansion-like homes called the “Great House.” They are very important In the social life of the South and consider themselves gentlemen, but unfortunately most of their workers were slaves. The plantation owners are also so busy with negotiating prices for their tobacco, that they’ve hired overseers to work and control their slaves. One weekend, my host took me out on a trip out to the backcountry or frontier. The families there endured much greater hardships than the rich gentry. Although people didn’t have as much money, they treated each other as equals. They also tended to be much more independent. Almost everyone owns a gun and they hunted frequently. They also needed guns for protection, as the Natives didn’t appreciate the way they were clearing the land and wastefully killing animals. Some of the food was really good. The colonists ate salted or pickled beef and pork, and the smoked venison was tasty.

4. Colonies Letter October 10, 1770 Dear students, My trip to the American colonies has been interesting. You would be shocked to learn that not every child is required to attend school here. Unlike back in London, many children stay at home and work for their families. This is especially true for children who live on farms or on the frontier rather than in towns or cities. There also aren’t a lot of teachers here in the colonies, and now I know why they are trying to recruit me. Most teachers are paid in food or animal skins. That’s why many colonial children learned from their local church minister. A lot of parents could read, but not write, so they couldn’t help their children.. The school houses here are also much harsher and less equipped than in England. Students had to sit on benches or logs, and the one-room houses were not very well lit. Students better behave here too. Some students were whipped or pinched, or tied together if they misbehaved. Your teacher, Mr. Hughes 1 2 3 4