Rise To Rebellion: A Novel of the American Revolution

The North Atlantic, June 1773

Gage, frustrated at London’s reticence to use military force in the colonies, prepares to sail to England. He is confident that his replacement, Sir Frederick Haldimand, will take a firm stand against the Sons of Liberty. They soon reach the shores of England; Margaret Gage remains belowdecks, saddened by leaving her beloved homeland.

They disembark and arrange for transportation to London. As Gage marvels at the bustling traffic on the wharf, “the trade and commerce of a great empire” (121), he cannot conceive of the “insignificant” colonies mounting a significant challenge to England’s might. He imagines a hero’s welcome—gratitude for his years of service—and the comfort of time spent with family.

Hutchinson peruses his manuscript—part memoir, part historical record—remembering the night eight years ago when a mob ransacked his house. He is confident that, with the king’s support, mob violence will be stopped. As his sons arrive for dinner, he ushers them into his study. He defends the king’s right to levy taxes. He reports that tea smuggling has seriously impacted the profits of the British East India Company. To compensate, tea will be shipped directly to the colonies, making tea so cheap that smuggling will be unnecessary.