HI MRS. MACKENZIE!!
Sorry if I spelt your name wrong again! sweatdrop
Ana P. Ries
11-26-07
Period 4
Button Gwinnet and American History
"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.(Declaration of Independence) As he looked down at these words, he knew he was sighing away his life, but to him he was simple gambling a life of oppression in order to obtain a life of freedom for all those of America.There are heroes of stories, those told around dark campfires in need of hope, and then there are heroes of life, those who risked it all for the future millions. Those who signed the Declaration of Independence, sighing away their life for our freedom. He was a hero, risking it all for the future generation of freedom. His name was Button Gwinnett.
After moving to America in the1760's he attempted the job of a merchant, he was successful for a time, then moved on to the life of plantation which helped him rise through the social ranks of the time till he became well known among the higher crowd. Soon Gwinnett entered politics, which he was a natural at. Yet after losing to Colonel Lackland M'Intosh for the office of Brigadier General of the Continental Brigade that was to assemble in Georgia. Gwinnett, being short of temper, declared M'Intosh a personal enemy from then and a for a time disappeared from the political field.
Gwinnett's retire from politics did not last long. As the British oppression grew, so did Gwinnett's activism. His great enthusiasm for the rights of the colonies quickly attracted the attention of his fellow citizens. Gwinnett was back into the political field, and was became a representative in Congress where he voted for, and signed the Declaration of Independence. This was no small feat at that time. The British were hard pressed to suppress any form of rebellion by the colonies, and by sighing that document, each and everyone of those men were creating an execution list for the King of England. And Button Gwinnett signed without hesitation. In fact, Button Gwinnett's signature is estimated to hold the highest market value above all the other signers.
Gwinnett didn't stop their though, despite his many achievements, he seems to be best known for his defeat against officer McIntosh. Yet it was McIntosh who truly failed Gwinnett during his organized invasion of Florida that led to failure due to the trust he put in the subordinate officer, McIntosh, which led to there defeat. Yet it did not stop there. Once McIntosh defeated Gwinnett in the run for Governor, McIntosh took great pleasure in his victory and toasted to Gwinnett's failure. Needless to say, after having his honor and pride insulted Gwinnett challenged McIntosh to a duel on May 16, 1777 and later died of a fatal wound from the duel on May 19, 1777.
America truly owes Button Gwinnett for all the great risks that he took in order to preserve our freedom. Through his many political achievements and social gambles, he left a truly fascinating story in the chapters of our American History. America could never pay back the great debt we own this patriotic man. An English man by birth, he was clearly a patriot by heart.
