Journal Entry 2

After I'd stayed the night I headed straight back to Montgomery's with Bonnie and Duke. I earned eggs, carrots and hot potatoes for breakfast by being assgined to get food for the troops. I ended up staying another night in Clancy's shed. The next day I was being appointed another task, but this time more dangerous. I had to collect muskets from one house and load them over to another. I sat outside Montgomery's with the load just waiting for someone to come and offer a hand. There was no way I could carry all this by myself! Finally, someone lends a hand and I urge to go home. I kept planning escape routes but they all seemed faulty. But I just decide they would have to let me go and stop requesting trips from me because of all the work I'd already done for the rebellion.
As I reach Younge Street they tell me to turn around. They explained to me that it's private property and is for now closed. That was the only route I knew. I head back to the tavern and fill up on breakfast. I'm trapped, is all I could think. I had totally forgotten about everyone back home: Tobias, Bleecker and even Nan. While I was waiting for more work I decided, for fun, to play pranks on some soilders. I know it probably wasn't the best idea considering the condition they were in, but I was so unbelievably bored and tired. The next day I realized that I had to get home because my mom would probably be a mess.
I wedged through many men to get through the pickets. My mind had changed yet again and I wanted to check on George before I left for home. I scurried through many streets avoiding many strangers who might get me caught. I reached one point where Mackenzie was trying to overrule his men and wanted to burn one house down. Luckily for the house and the people inside of it, Mackenzie turned around on his horse and gave the men more orders. Scared and with many thoughts going through my head, I headed for City Hall. Once I reached it the only thing I focused on was George. He was safe. I was relieved and happy that I could finally go home.
But on the way back I'd got caught in my lies and was captured as prisoner for about a minute or two until Mackenzie assured him that I wasn't a spy. Just another night of snores, cold floors and watered down rum. Next morning I had another task, one that I was joyful about, I was to set out for Gibson's family because he knew his house was to be burned down.
I turned the task into a mission and returned home. Never in my life had my house ever looked so beautiful. But it was annoying to be greeted by soilders thinking I was a trespasser. I definately got a lot of grief from my brothers, sister and mother. I sat and ate my apple pie while I dreaded telling my mom about George. She didn't take it very well. But I took my bed and it's warmth very well.
As I'd anticipated all night and all morning, I walked over to my neighbors house. I asked Mrs. Burditt if Nan could quickly come over and help with the cooking. But we were only stopped by the soilders we were billetting and were told that they had 'new orders' and this was their new base for awhile.

Gender Roles of the 1800s

Women

• Independance was rare for women.
• Had to choose whom they were married, sometimes weren't even given a choice.
• Usually remarried if they became widows.
• Became servants if they refused to marry a random man.
• Lives had to be surronded by homes and family and the work that came with it.
• They maintained the garden, livestock, the cooking and the laundry.
• Fixed ripped clothing, also sewed many other things.
• They preserved the foods and nursed/raised/taught their many children.
• Prayed.
• Made bed covers, underwear, dresses, shirts and other items of clothes for their family.
• Acted as midwives.
• Was a big part of trade, they might have replaced their husbands while they were away.
• Sold whatever they grew on their crops.
• Churned butter.
• Kept the house peaceful and organized.
• Washed the dishes.
• Usually took up jobs as seamstresses, nuns, nurses, teachers or in the canning industry.
• Dyed clothes and quilts that they spun together.

Men

• Were eager to marry women, not for companionship but to keep their hunting and fishing licenses.
• Hunted, and caught fish. Brought them home for meat.
• Prayed.
• Worked in the fields; harvesting, seeding, tending the crops, hoeing and weeding.
• Were lucky to get jobs as lawyers, screen writers and doctors.
• Made furniture for the house.
• Chopped wood, milked the cow.
• Made the household goods.
• Skinned and prepared whatever they hunted.

Children

• Went to school if their parents could afford it.
• Helped sell goods at the market.
• Prayed.
• Worked in the fields alongside their siblings and possibly parents.
• Asissted their moms in most of the chores they had to do.
• Made brooms.
• Made candles/soap.
• Collected fire wood.
• Churned butter.

First 3 Chapters as John Meyers

The two day journey from Belleville was very strenuous. I continuously thought about my mother's love for cooking and the small, comfortable bedroom I shared with George.

When we arrived at the market, I, at first, was worried about not being able to hire a stall but in the end everything sold magnificently. To celebrate our luck, George let me tour Toronto but I ended up listening to a man in a red wig talk about the soon-to-be rebellion. Just as I figured out who he was and confirmed the rumours, these soupets jumped out of nowhere! It was a quick decision for me to go, attack the thugs and save Mackenzie from the icy waters of Lake Ontario. I was followed by many other strong farmers, but there wasn't enough to save me from a fat lip and a probably bruised eye.

I feared my brother would get upset at the sight of me, also considering my muddy worn in doublet and breeches. The fear would not off set the feeling of accomplishment however. Mackenzie afterwards, thanked me for being so brave.

After rushing back to the wagon, and being lectured by George we headed home. Or so I thought.. instead of turning left back to Belleville we turned right!

I prompted questions about what was going on but George wasn't quick to answer. He gave me instructions and told me that the wagon and the horses were now my responsibilty. I was scared for what might happen. If he didn't return it would be my fault.

To follow his first instruction, I headed to Montgomery's Tavern. The men inside were generous, including Montgomery. I was offered food and a place to sleep while George handled his mysterious buisness. All I could think about is what happened to George, what might happen to him and what would I do if he didn't return by morning..