Kanen’tó:kon: Tell me something. The other Kanien’kehá:ka side with the Loyalists. Our village alone commits to no one. And you seem to favor the Patriots.

Ratonhnhaké:ton: I favor only freedom.

Kanen’tó:kon: They have come to us, you know… The men in red coats. Their commanders have offered to secure our borders in exchange for service.

Ratonhnhaké:ton: You will make no such alliance.

Kanen’tó:kon: Then you would have us join the men in blue?

Ratonhnhaké:ton: I would have you stay out of the conflict.

Kanen’tó:kon: You may wish for us to remain neutral… But I fear it cannot last.

Norris: Thank you, my friend. They had a little too much biére (beer) and didn’t like the sound of my voice. I was only talking to that girl.

Connor: Your accent is unfamiliar. Where are you from?

Norris: North of here. Province de (of) Quebec.

Connor: And what brings you to Boston?

Norris: I am a miner by trade but it’s hard to find work. People don’t listen to me because of my accent.

Connor: It might be our meeting was fate. I hail from a village just a few miles north of here. There are beginnings of a mine. I do not know what is in there but perhaps you might find what you are looking for within.

Norris: I’ll come have a look. If there’s something good, maybe we’ll talk.

Connor: The season for war is fast approaching, Commander. Have you decided upon a strategy?

Washington: You cut to the core of things, don’t you, Connor? We are divided. The British have Philadelphia and we hold Boston. Howe won’t try for Boston again, there is no sense to such a maneuver. The port in New York – and by extension the Hudson – will be his prize and we will march there to meet him. For glory or for ruin.

Connor: Are you sure that wise, Commander?

Washington: Hesitant to take action? You? I’m surprised. Our army is as prepared and large as ever and the time for patience has passed. We need to strike a decisive blow this spring and New York will be the stage. Whether we achieve victory or not will remain in the Lord’s hands. We’ve done all we can.