AR+Diary+Jaimie+L.

=Diary #1= Name: Timothy Johnson Age: 14 Gender: male Occupation: Soldier Social Class: from a working class family Financial situation: He is from an extremely poor family. His family works at factories. They earn very little incomes barely enough to survive. Appearance: short in height, skinny, curly brown hair with big brown eyes Location: near Yorktown Habitual locations: nomadic army base Daily routine: Sleep, eat, follows other soldier’s order; usually that includes washing dishes, laundry, and cooking Personality/Quirks/Unique Personality Traits: He is brave but sympathetic person. He doesn’t know much about the war background, and simply follows the order. Past/individual-family history: His family works at factories in Britain. Back then, when Tim was working at a factory, he saw the factory overseer beating one of the workers. He went to stop the scene but ended up fighting with the overseer. Tim accidently kills the overseer. He got arrested and for a punishment, he was enlisted to British army. Family: Parents, one older sister named Samantha Johnson (16 years old) Friend: He makes a friend, named Samuel Smith. Samuel is a very educated 30 years old man conscripted to the army. Unlike Tim, Samuel is very pessimistic. Although Tim admires his intelligence, he often gets tired with his cowardliness. Social relations with your own and other classes (people you deal with or know about in other classes, AND your opinions and feelings about them): He gets taught to hate Americans. Religion: Christian Education: none Portrait:

=Diary #2=

I wondered why colonists are going out of control. Why is it that I have to be away from my family? What am I doing in America ? Why? I was exhausted from the long march to the Yorktown. When I was sitting next to a tree, questioning what is happening, one man handed me a piece of bread. His name is Samuel Smith. He said he is forcefully drafted to the army and if he was not here with me, he would be studying at a University. I poured out my questions, and Samuel sure is an intelligent guy. Samuel said American colonists are trying to break the parliamentary sovereignty. He explained that Parliament has the absolute power and it is a dominant element within the constitution. Samuel recalled the declaration from a representative of the House of Commons. “The parliament hath, and must have, from the nature and essence of the constitution, has had, and ever will have a sovereign supreme power and jurisdiction over every part of the dominions of the state, to make laws in all cases whatsoever.” (130) Even I knew that Parliament is the ultimate authority! I was dumfounded that the colonists are attempting to share the sovereignty. “How can there be two legislatures in one nation?” Samuel continued. I couldn’t understand where the colonists are coming from! Samuel said colonists are saying “No taxation Without Representation” I guess they don’t understand the moral intention of Britain taking care of America. He told me about James Otis Jr., one of the most ignorant people of America. According to Samuel, Otis claimed **“supreme absolute power is originally and ultimately in the people; and they never did in fact freely, nor can they rightfully make an absolute, unlimited renunciation of this divine right”** and argued Parliament could not tax them. Samuel said all the taxations are to pay off the war debt from the French and Indian War and to defend the British Empire. Britain is protecting and representing America in every means. ** "The supreme power cannot take from anyman any part of his property, without his consent in person or by representation." ** Otis once said. However, parliament does represent the political interests of everyone in British states. Wow, do colonists really think Britain is depriving them of their liberty and making them slaves or what?! Although I never received education, it is clear enough to see Parliament is not only representing Britain but also representing American and trying to bring the good of the all. Although I wanted to find more about the nonsense that the colonists are arguing, we had to get back moving towards Yorktown. Now that I heard the story, I’m proud to be in British army. I am going to be one of the saviors of our fellow state; America.

= Diary #3 = media type="file" key="antfarm_3.m4a"

=Diary #4= Dear Mark V. Gordon,

Hello. My name is Timothy Johnson. I am a British soldier fighting for British victory in the American revolutionary war. During the war period, I heard a great deal about the uprising of American colonists. I also heard about you, honorable loyalist Mark V. Gordon. And I’m writing this letter because it seems that you are having some misunderstanding about British authority in American colonies. Even though I’m only a young boy, please don’t feel offended when you read this letter.

As you may already have heard, the American revolutionary war has broken out. Americans are rejecting British control and rebelling against British authority. I’m in part of British army led by General Lord Cornwallis. We are currently heading to the Yorktown. American forces led by George Washington and French forces led by General Comte de Rochambeau have combined their efforts to destroy us. Although we are superior and going to win this war, the current situation is in jeopardy. The combined force of American troops and French troops seem to be very powerful. At this adverse state, we should put all of our efforts to settle the peace in America.

I too, once doubted British control over America. However, after experiencing 10 years in the British army, I realized the undisputable British care for the American colonies. I’m sure you have already read the Common Sense written by Thomas Paine. But don’t be fooled by that!

Thomas Paine is overly idealistic. He argues that British government is limiting American social liberty and destroys natural rights. Also he wrote British monarchy is harmful because it causes war and gives away property (taxation). Overall he is trying to convince people to believe the colonies should become independent because it would bring support from France and Spain, total independence, let them stay out of military contact and stop Britain from abusing America. However, they are not recognizing the fact that Britain is protecting America. “Business destroys the spirit of a country” said the Common Sense. That does not make sense! Business would establish economic stablilty in the colonies. “The English government is too complex.” Thomas Paine complains. However, it is not the matter of complexity, but the British government is very experienced and strong enough to take care of America. Through firm parliamentary sovereignty, Britain would provide strong defense, economic dependency and harmony to the overall colonies.

Don’t be afraid to be right. Living in America might illume you to see the wrong things. Although I’m an uneducated boy from the British working class, I learned it from my intelligent friend, Brant. Thank you so much for taking your time to read this letter from a young boy. Yet hopefully I helped you see the right thing.

Sincerely, Timothy Johnson

Dear Timothy Johnson, I hear you are a soldier for the British army. I am not sure about how you were taught about us colonists through the brainwashing procedures that the British army takes to better its chance at war, but I believe you fail to understand our motives of this bloody war. As a firm believer of true government, I cannot but express my distress towards the parliament. The parliament had been the less respondent of our basic needs as free born British subjects, and ignorant of our capabilities to pay for such intolerable taxes. The parliament had announced new taxes when we were weary of the old and taken us to the war field when we most need the modest comforts of our homes. I trust you have already read Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”. It has become the colonial spirit of this war, representing our grief in the most honest and intricate detail. I have to say I do believe government is “founded on the necessity of our natures” as James Otis Jr. had long ago said before the war, unlike Paine says. However, when such government fails to promote the general welfare of its counterparts, it is no longer a government but a tyrant. Governments were built to represent the public effectively and efficiently. The parliament had decided to efficiently govern by shutting away the cries of us colonists and using us only as a source of revenue. Then how about effectively governing? For itself, draining our pockets has brought it relief. For us, we were deprived of our wealth, rights, and pride. Paine’s pamphlet enlightened us colonists of the need for change. We need a government that represents us, cares for us, and are made by our fundamental beliefs. No longer should we be treated as colonists of a foreign land. Great Britain had left us ill when we need nurture at the bare beginnings of settlement. They intervened in our business only when we had finally found light in farming, westward expansion, and unity. Is that a true mother country? An action a government with such long experience should have to take? If so, I would rather have no government. It is common sense governments should promote the happiness of its people, no? A young soilder such as you should know the real reasons of the war you are fighting. You just may be fighting the wrong war as we had in the French and Indian War. Wish you no harm in the course of this war, take care. Concerned, Michael Johns

Dear Timothy Johnson,  Hi, I am Victoria Elizabeth Whig. On the way back home from visiting my dear cousin George, I met General Cornwallis in Yorktown. I am writing this because we seem to have a lot in common in our perspectives on the relationship between the British government and the colonies. As you know, the book “ Common Sense ”  has been widely spreading among colonists leading them to rouse up against the British Empire. I heard about you from the general and I wish to share my point of view and hear some of yours. Thomas Paine writes in “ Common sense ”  that British government is unstable, but “ the monarchy has lasted for hundreds of years proving the just nature of its governance. ”  Paine also claims that the British monarchy system does not represent the colonists. We had a few bad Kings, but King is not a position to be changed due to their taste. It is not like you can change your father because you think he does not represent the family, right? If the country is under control of the representatives elected only, it will only represent a certain group of people and be swayed to the side. By having a King, it allows the country and the colonies to be fairly treated. In this case, the statement that “ King does not care about people (colonists) ”  is not true. Britain fought in the French and Indian War for the country itself, but the colonies were another important part taken into consideration. Britain ran into debt due to the loss in war and the colonists are still complaining about the tax they have to pay. When the citizens of British Empire pay tax of 26 shillings a year, the colonists only pay an average of 1 shilling a year. The colonies should look back to the time of their settlements and thank Britain for having them under control. The colonies benefited enough from Britain in the beginning of their settlements and should not be complaining about their trades getting disturbed due to Britain ’ s breaking of wars. The colonies are under protection Britain since other nations take into consideration that the colonies are under Britain ’ s guard. The colonies also should not be thinking themselves separate from Britain. Britain and the colonies should unite to drive the outer forces. All I am saying is that I see a movement in revolution among the colonists, but you should not be discouraged. I am really glad to see you standing against the force. I will wait for your response.  From Victoria Elizabeth Whig

-Responses-

Dear Victoria Elizabeth Whig

I’m so glad that I share common perspective with you, honorable Victoria Elizabeth Whig. Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” is stimulating the revolutionary soul in the colonists. Did you know that Thomas Paine had failed in a number of jobs in England before? I’ve heard it from my educated friend, Samuel. Now I see why Thomas Paine wrote that pamphlet; he was simply having a revenge on England! Don’t you think? It is insane how so many people are getting convinced by Paine’s nonsense argument for “the free and independent states of America” Also I love your analogy of comparing England as the father of America. Britain is not only a father but also a mother, and an ancestor of America. Colonists need to realize their background! I totally agree with you about taxation as well. What do they mean “No taxation without representation”? The colonists benefited enough from Britain. The colonies sure were under protection of Britain. Nonetheless, America is part of British Empire! You are absolutely right. Thanks for your letter. I learned a lot and felt encouraged by it. Hopefully, the colonists soon realize the reality. Wish you best luck! Be safe.

Sincerely, Timothy Johnson

Dear Michael Johns

I’m extremely worried about your overly biased beliefs. Parliament is sovereign “in all cases whatsoever” Besides, colonists already benefited enough from that taxation. The colonies sure were under protection of Britain. Although it was unsuccessful, Britain defended colonists at the Pontiac’s War. Also there is no reason to question the taxation in the first place. That is because America is part of British Empire. Victoria Elizabeth Whig once putted, “Britain is America’s father” Britain is the founding father of America. Like all fathers do, Britain takes care of America in best efforts. Regarding Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”, where are the common sense in it? That pamphlet is merely full of nonsense. You have to recognize the true intention of Thomas Paine. Thomas Paine had previously failed in a number of jobs in England. He wrote the pamphlet simply to have revenge on England. I hope you soon realize the truth. Although we might be enemies in this war, we will soon become friends. Therefore I wish you best of luck!

Sincerely, Timothy Johnson

Hello my friend Donald,
 * Diary #5**

How are you doing? I’m seriously concerned about you and your family in this chaos of American Revolution. Don’t worry about me. I’m all good except I lost my left arm. Fortunately, my right arm is still working and allows me to write this letter to you.

I’ve been involved in the Battle of Lexington and Concord. It started out as this. I and others were given a mission to seize rebel supplies. But some bastard spy notified the Massachusetts Militia. In one early morning, first shots were fired and marked the first official battle of the American Revolution. The pitiful farmers stood up to fight us. At the end, we killed 8 Americans and surrendered the American forces.

And most recently, I fought at the Battle of Germantown in Pennsylvania. Washington had a big dream of winning us. However, it just was his dream. We once again showed our strength. A cannon ball taken off my left arm during the battle, but it was nothing compared to the death of my fellows. General James Agnew and about 70 soldiers from our army lost their lives. I’m sure Jesus would take care of them. Although it cost us a lot, our victory ensured Philadelphia to remain to Britain.

Battle after battle, I’m proudly fighting for our nation. Please don’t be too concerned about me. Jesus is with me all the time. Anyways, did you hear about the Declaration of Independence? I heard it from my friend that the American Continental Congress declared their independence from the British Empire. They just don’t understand what they are doing. Don’t you think? I hope to hear back from you. Please be safe and may the Jesus with you.

Your friend, Timothy Johnson

=Diary #6= media type="file" key="interview_us.m4v" = =