The year is 1781, and nearly five years have passed since John Hancock signed his name with a flourish, to America's Declaration of Independence. But still, up and down the shores of the thirteen united colonies, swarm the scarlet clad forces of the English king. Freedom is only an assertion, not a fact. Discontent, gloom and despair, darkens the spirit of colonial America and its ragged, exhausted army. Writing letters to his friends, George Washington, conveys his dismay that after six long years at war, they are at the end of their tether.