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Show 200 Years a8 this week 7q- - By Congressman Allan T. Howe Lahib, Isaac Sears, Alexander McDougall and Marinus Willett, New York Sons of Liberty who were all to become famous in the revolution. The surprise raid took place near what is now East 42nd St. on Manhattan Island. The stores seized were sent to Boston and Lake Camplain. plain. On July 21, 1775, Major Joseph Vose led an American raid on Great Brewster Island (also known as Light House Island), Massachusetts, a mile offshore from Nantucket Point. The raiders confiscated lamps, oil, gunpowder and boats, and burned the wooden parts of the lighhouse. The Americans were met by an armed British schooner and several boats full of men. In the ensuing clash two Americans were wounded. On the home front, New York observed a Day of Fasting and Devotion on July 21, 1775, in accordance with the recommendation recom-mendation of Congress; presumably similar ceremonies took place in all or most of the ,,' other colonies. I As America prepared for an all-out battle for independence, the Continental Congress worked on the details of the revolution. On Jiily 18, 1773, Congress organized a systematic procedure for importing firearms, gunpowder and the other items needed for the figfht. Congress appointed three commissioners, on July 19, 1775, to negotiate treaties with the Indians, and voted $17,000 for purchasing gifts for the Indians. The consensus of opinion was that the Indians could not be persuaded to fight with the colonists, but that by signing treaties with them they could be I kept from fighting with the British. Congress also discussed what form of government the colonies should adopt. Ben Franklin proposed his plan for confederation con-federation and perpetual union, "The United Colonies of North America," and it was considered on July 21, 1775. Until this week 200 years ago there were only 12 colonies united in the fight for independence. in-dependence. On July 20, 1775, Georgia joined the new union. There was also action on the battlefield. Patriots raided the royal stores .at Turtle Bay, New York on July 20. 1775. The raid was led by John |