Rebellion 1776

On August 1, Elsbeth notices red spots on Hannah’s face. Doctor Crookshank examines her and identifies smallpox, explaining her childhood illness must have been chickenpox. He privately warns Elsbeth that since Hannah contracted the disease naturally, her case could be severe.

At dawn on August 2, Billy Rawdon ambushes Elsbeth in the barn and threatens her with a knife. To save herself, she invents a story about treasure hidden in Captain Hunter’s house. She gives Rawdon false details and advises him to break in at midnight. Rawdon leaves to plan the robbery.

Later that day, Elsbeth tells the feverish Hannah about her father’s letter and the trap for Rawdon. Hannah reveals that Shubel Kent’s regiment is leaving immediately and urges Elsbeth to find him. Elsbeth locates Shubel on Boston Common during drumming practice. She tells him her father is alive and explains her plan to have Rawdon captured; Shubel promises to alert the constable.

He discloses his regiment will march to Canada, not New York, at first light. Elsbeth makes him swear to write letters to her while he is away. He admits he cannot yet write but promises to learn and to return to her one day. They share a brief, emotional goodbye.