4.4 People of the Revolution

English Enlightenment philosopher who argued that people have natural rights of life, liberty and property; influenced Thomas Jefferson's writing of Declaration of Independence

African American slave who spied for the Americans during the American Revolution; was set free by Virginia after the war

Member of the Continental Congress who was sent to Paris, France during the war to convince the French to ally with the Americans

Commanded an American ship in a famous Revolution naval battle; declared "I have not yet begun to fight" when ordered to surrender to British; goes on to win the battle

Wealthy French nobleman who came to America to fight; was given command of a division of the Continental Army and used his own money to purchase supplies

Wife of John Adams who was an early advocate of women's rights ("remember the ladies..."); organized groups to assist families in need during the Revolution

Member of Boston Sons of Liberty who helped finance Mass. militia; president of the Second Continental Congress; first person to sign the Declaration of Independence.

First African-American who was elected to public office in the American colonies; member of "safety committee" who warned patriots of British troops approaching in New Hampshire

Friend of John and Abigail Adams who wrote poems and plays to convince people to become patriots; after the war wrote one of the ealiest histories of the America Revolution

Member of the 2nd Continental Congress from Virginia who was appointed to command the Continental Army

Member of the 2nd Continental Congress from Virginia who wrote the Declaration of Independence; wrote that all men have the unalienable rights of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness:

Wrote Common Sense to persuade colonists to become patriots and declare independence from Britain

A patriot in the American Revolution and a famous orator who spoke out against British rule of the American colonies; member of the House of Burgesses; "Give me liberty or give me death"