The year 1773, memorable in Church annals for the suppression of the Society of Jesus, is famous in America for the Boston Tea Party.
When the Revolution broke out in 1775, it became necessary to conciliate the Catholics. There was no lack of patriotism among them. Influenced by men like Charles Carroll in the South and Father Pierre Gibault in the West, Catholics did noble service for the cause of liberty.
- One of the most noted signers of the Declaration of Independence was Charles Carroll of Carrollton.
- Catholic John Barry is styled the “Father of the American Navy,”
- Stephen Moylan, a native of Ireland, appointed quartermaster by Congress, organized the Fourth Light Dragoons of the Continental service that became famous in fight, song, and story as “Moylan’s Dragoons.” In 1776 Washington appointed him as one of his aides-de-camp.
- Colonel John Fitzgerald supplied joined Washington at Cambridge, Massachusetts, and was appointed an aide-de-camp to the General
- Catholic France supplied to the cause of the Revolution both men and money. The most distinguished of the French noblemen who helped in the struggle were De Lafayette, De Rochambeau, De Montmorenci, De Lausun, and De Grasse. The French clergy supplied funds to the King of France, Louis XV, to help the Americans.
- Catholic Spain brought about the armed neutrality act and supplied military stores. She also opened her ports to the Americans.
- Catholic Poland gave us her two noble sons, Pulaski, and Kosciuko.
- The Catholic Indians of Maine under their chiefs, Ambrose Var and Atono, rendered valiant service.