Introduction
Summary of the Book The First Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch Before we proceed, let’s look into a brief overview of the book. Imagine stepping into a world where the idea of choosing your own leaders was bold, dangerous, and completely untested. A world where whispers of freedom grew louder each day, while powerful rulers across the ocean tried to crush these daring dreams. In that world, ordinary people struggled under unfair taxes, soldiers stood guard at every corner, and loyalty wavered like a candle’s flame in the wind. Within this uncertain landscape, plots thrived, and villains in elegant attire hatched secret schemes. One plan, crafted in the shadows, aimed at striking down a rising hero before his star could fully shine. In these pages, you will find the gripping tale of how a fragile spark of independence refused to be snuffed out, and how history balanced on a single conspiratorial thread.
Chapter 1: The Surprising Philadelphia Meeting of Courageous Colonial Delegates Questioning British Power.
In the spring of 1775, a remarkable gathering took place in Philadelphia that would forever alter the destiny of the North American colonies. The atmosphere in the city’s meeting halls was charged, filled with thoughtful debate, hushed whispers, and an underlying tension that one could almost taste in the air. At that time, what we now call the United States did not exist, and each region was simply a British colony owing allegiance to a distant king. The delegates who arrived in Philadelphia came by horseback, carriage, or foot, braving muddy roads and unpredictable weather. They carried not only their physical luggage but also questions that weighed heavily on their minds. Should they continue to submit to British authority, or dare to consider a future of self-rule and independence?
This extraordinary event was the Second Continental Congress, and it was unlike any formal political assembly we might recognize today. To the British, it was an unlawful meeting of troublemakers, a dangerous congregation that could stir unrest in the king’s dominions. The delegates, representing all thirteen colonies, were aware that merely coming together was seen as an act of defiance. In a world dominated by monarchs who ruled by divine right, the notion that these colonial subjects might question royal authority was scandalous. Yet here they were, talking openly about Britain’s crushing taxes, its unyielding tariffs, and the limitations it placed on local governance. They knew that speaking too boldly could invite severe punishment, but the mood suggested that times had changed irreversibly.
Over the last year, tempers had flared across the colonies. Events like the infamous Boston Tea Party had proven that many Americans were tired of Britain’s grip. Once obedient subjects were now openly challenging the crown’s right to impose what they saw as unfair taxes and restrictions. The British, led by King George III, responded with a heavy hand. Soldiers had been dispatched, protests had been crushed, and the king’s representatives insisted that London’s authority was absolute. But blood had already been shed. In places like Lexington and Concord, local militias formed by ordinary farmers and shopkeepers had dared to stand against red-coated British troops. With rising casualties and growing resentments, the question now was not if these colonies would resist, but how far they would go.
Within the corridors of Philadelphia’s meeting places, another idea had begun to spread: the right of a people to govern themselves. Inspired by European Enlightenment thinkers, Americans were whispering about liberty and self-determination. These were daring concepts, challenging the entire system of hereditary monarchy. Delegates looked at one another, wondering if they possessed the courage to turn revolutionary dreams into reality. The air crackled with possibility. Some were still hesitant, not fully convinced that cutting ties with Britain could succeed. Yet the seeds of rebellion had already taken root, and the presence of every delegate here testified that these were no longer fringe ideas. The colonies stood at a crossroads: accept British authority forever, or risk everything and consider a path to independence.
Chapter 2: A Tall Quiet Virginian Gains Command and a New Revolutionary Mission.
During those intense days in Philadelphia, one question overshadowed all others: If the colonies formed an army, who would lead it? Though some delegates clung to hope that they might still avoid war, the mounting evidence suggested that a unified military was urgently needed. The British had shown no signs of backing down, and scattered colonial militias needed guidance and a coherent structure. Someone had to unify these ragtag groups of farmers-turned-soldiers. This leader would require not just strategic knowledge, but also the respect of men from every colony. The delegates, drawn from places as varied as Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, were seeking a figure who could represent them all—a commander who inspired trust, patience, and a firm resolve.
Into this debate stepped George Washington, a Virginian planter with a quiet manner and towering stature. At around six feet tall, he stood above most men of his time. More than physical presence, though, he brought experience. Washington had fought in the French and Indian War, learning firsthand the harsh realities of battle in rugged American landscapes. While many delegates wore civilian coats, Washington arrived dressed in a full military uniform, making a subtle but powerful statement: He was ready for service. He did not strive for attention by delivering flashy speeches. Instead, he let his reputation, composed demeanor, and military background do the talking. When he did speak, his words carried a calm authority that hinted at deep discipline and unwavering commitment.
What set Washington apart was a certain natural dignity. He lacked a formal college education, unlike some of the other well-read delegates. Yet this absence of academic polish only enhanced his image as a practical, down-to-earth leader. He listened more than he spoke, weighing options carefully before offering a concise, thoughtful response. While others vied openly for recognition and influence, Washington seemed reluctant to claim greatness. He carried himself with a humble confidence, as though fully aware that true leadership arose from deeds, not words. The delegates took note. This man, with his practical intelligence and battle-hardened background, might just possess the qualities necessary to guide the colonies in a moment of extraordinary danger.
After much debate, the decision became clear. In June 1775, George Washington was unanimously chosen as the commander of the newly formed Continental Army. From this moment forward, he would shoulder an enormous responsibility: forging a unified fighting force capable of challenging Britain’s mighty military. He had to earn the trust of soldiers who had never fought under a single flag before, uniting individuals from distant lands, different cultures, and diverse interests. It was a monumental task. Yet, as Washington mounted his horse and prepared to ride north toward Boston—where British troops held the city under martial law—the delegates breathed a collective sigh of relief. They had selected a leader who did not shy away from hardship. Instead, he seemed ready to meet it head-on.
Chapter 3: Behind New York’s Festive Streets Lurks a Ruthless Governor’s Secret Agenda.
Before George Washington could face the British in open warfare, he traveled north with his troops, passing through New York City. The city at that time bustled with merchants, seamen, and craftsmen, its streets alive with energy and commerce. Washington was greeted by enthusiastic crowds who saw him as a beacon of hope. Striped canopies in markets, laughter in taverns, and the clamor of carriage wheels against cobblestone streets offered a vibrant backdrop. But beneath this lively surface, tensions simmered. Not everyone in New York supported the rebel cause. Loyalists still hoped Britain would maintain control, and among them was one man whose loyalty to the crown was absolute—Governor William Tryon, a cunning official determined to crush any rebellion.
Governor Tryon was no ordinary adversary. He had served the crown in other colonies, leaving behind a reputation for ruthlessness. Years earlier, in North Carolina, he had enforced staggering taxes, driving small farmers into ruin. When these hardworking men protested, known collectively as the Regulators, Tryon responded with brutal force. He hired mercenaries, attacked their camps, and refused to show mercy. Traitors to the king, he called them, deserving the harshest punishments—hangings, mutilations, and terrifying executions. People had learned to fear Tryon, for he put loyalty to Britain above any consideration of fairness or compassion. Now, with Washington entering New York, this relentless figure found himself with a new target: the very man appointed to lead the colonies to freedom.
Tryon’s methods were not subtle. He was accustomed to bending rules to suit the crown’s will. He did not hesitate to use violence, intimidation, and cruelty to keep order under royal standards. From his perspective, the idea of independence was a direct insult to the king’s authority. He believed that without a strong and punishing hand, rebellious ideas would spread uncontrollably. With Washington now gaining popularity in New York, Tryon must have felt a tightening noose around the crown’s influence. Time was not on his side. British reinforcements were still weeks away, and the city’s mood favored the patriots. If Tryon was to strike a blow for the king’s cause, he needed a plan, and he needed it swiftly.
As Washington continued his journey, he likely paid little mind to Governor Tryon at that very moment. After all, the general’s attention focused on building an effective army and preparing for future confrontations. But Tryon watched closely from his position of power and wealth. He knew that simply waiting for British troops might give the patriots time to organize. Instead, he would consider underhanded tactics—secret deals, bribes, and conspiracies. A bold thought may have crossed his mind: if he could eliminate Washington, he could decapitate the entire revolutionary movement. The city’s bustling streets made a perfect hiding place for whispers, covert meetings, and shadowy agreements. Behind the cheers that greeted Washington lay an unseen world of schemes and plots, all concealed beneath a veneer of normal, everyday life.
Chapter 4: Hidden Loyalties and Mysterious Shifts That Confused the Fight for Freedom.
Unlike a straightforward war between two distant nations, the American struggle for independence was complicated by fluid loyalties. At first glance, it seemed obvious who the enemies were: the British soldiers in bright red coats and their staunch supporters. But the reality was far more tangled. Many who lived in the colonies had once served the British willingly. Others supported the patriot cause, yet remained quiet for fear of retribution. Some acted as spies, double agents, or cleverly disguised informants. The lines dividing friend from foe blurred, making it extremely difficult to know who could be trusted. In a world where danger lurked everywhere, even the closest ally might secretly harbor sympathies for the opposite side.
George Washington found himself confronted with this challenging puzzle. Unlike in previous conflicts where national or religious boundaries defined the enemy, here the foe could come from anywhere. Two of his top generals, Charles Lee and Horatio Gates, had once served in the British army. They now claimed to fight for American liberty, but their backgrounds raised questions. Similar stories appeared everywhere. Families were split, with brothers choosing opposite sides. Merchants might shift allegiance if it promised better trade opportunities, while common soldiers could be swayed by promises of gold. Loyalty, a word that once seemed simple, turned slippery and unreliable in this tumultuous setting.
Such uncertainty was dangerous. Washington’s command relied on trust, and he needed to believe his men were fighting for a shared cause. Yet how could he know for certain? Rumors flew from camp to camp. A soldier might whisper about a fellow recruit who spoke favorably of the king, or a neighbor who secretly admired the British. Even the most well-connected patriot leaders struggled to map out these hidden networks of allegiance. The British, meanwhile, faced similar problems. Their top general in the colonies, Thomas Gage, was married to Margaret Kimball, a woman with patriotic brothers who might have passed on sensitive information. Everyone walked a tightrope of suspicion, forced to examine each acquaintance, each casual conversation, for signs of treachery.
This climate of doubt drained everyone’s nerves. For Washington, it meant that no aspect of the war could be taken for granted. Success did not depend solely on winning battles on open fields, but also on outsmarting invisible plots and secret alliances. The general had to remain vigilant, keeping a careful eye on his soldiers, the towns they passed through, and the leaders who claimed loyalty to the cause. The war was as much about intelligence and infiltration as it was about muskets and artillery. In this complex struggle, even the bravest warriors felt vulnerable, knowing that a friendly voice today could become a deadly traitor tomorrow. In such an atmosphere, the seeds of conspiracy would find fertile ground to grow.
Chapter 5: A Sinister Plot Emerges as a British Loyalist Governor Schemes in Shadows.
As 1776 approached, events took a more sinister turn. After pushing the British out of Boston, Washington and his Continental Army prepared for a showdown in New York. Meanwhile, Governor Tryon plotted in secret. He knew that soon British reinforcements would flood into the harbor, giving him a chance to retake control. But waiting quietly was not in Tryon’s nature. He wanted to strike first, to weaken the rebel forces before the main British arrival. If he could topple Washington, the patriots might crumble like a house of cards. With this dark goal in mind, he assembled a hidden web of loyalists, spies, and turncoats.
Tryon’s plan was ruthless in its simplicity: bribe Continental soldiers to switch sides, wait for the perfect moment, and then seize Washington himself. If Washington disappeared or fell victim to treachery, the patriots would lose their symbolic leader. Without him, could they hold together their fragile coalition? Tryon thought not. He set about using intermediaries, men who could move unnoticed through New York’s taverns, alleyways, and markets. These secret messengers would pass along gold and promises of future rewards to any Continental soldier willing to betray his comrades. It was risky, but also clever, relying on the chaos of shifting loyalties.
Among the men Tryon enlisted was a gunsmith named Gilbert Forbes, who became a vital link in the conspiracy’s chain. Forbes carried money to traitorous soldiers under cover of darkness, whispering words of opportunity into eager ears. No one knew how far the corruption spread. Men who wore the same uniforms as Washington’s bravest might be quietly preparing to turn their muskets around at the crucial moment. The British-loving governor never set foot openly among these conspirators—he remained on a British ship anchored near New York’s harbor. From that floating base, he pulled strings like a puppet master, confident that his plan would unravel Washington’s carefully woven military strategy.
This was not merely a scheme to unsettle a few soldiers; it aimed at the very heart of Washington’s command. Even the Lifeguards, a special unit formed to protect Washington’s life, fell under suspicion. At least five Lifeguards accepted bribes. These were men standing just steps away from the general, men entrusted with his personal safety. If they waited for the right night, the right moment when Washington’s guard was down, the consequences could be devastating. Under Tryon’s malevolent guidance, the city buzzed with quiet talk and secret promises. People passed each other on crooked streets, never guessing that some carried within their minds a hidden oath of treason, ready to strike a crippling blow against American independence.
Chapter 6: Intricate Networks of Bribery and Secret Oaths Within Washington’s Own Camp.
The closer Washington and his army drew to New York, the more intricate the web of deceit became. Soldiers fresh from long marches, thirsty and tired, mingled with townsfolk and strangers. In smoky taverns, loyalists listened carefully, identifying those who grumbled about harsh conditions or delayed pay. Under such circumstances, a pouch of coins and a sympathetic smile could go a long way. Swaying a soldier’s loyalty did not require grand speeches—sometimes a single whispered sentence, a silent nod, or a furtive handshake could seal the deal. These subtle interactions revealed a deeper truth: war’s front lines were not only at the edges of fields or beside towering fortifications. They also ran invisibly through human hearts and minds.
Gilbert Forbes and his allies worked tirelessly to recruit those who would betray Washington. They targeted men who seemed doubtful or restless, men who might be tempted by the idea of switching to a side that promised wealth or safety. Some turncoats were motivated by fear of British punishment if the patriots lost. Others simply wanted quick riches. Still others believed Britain’s eventual victory was certain, and thus chose what they saw as the winning team. The conspirators tried to keep their efforts hidden. They knew that if Washington discovered the plot, harsh reprisals would follow. Yet they also knew that large armies are never entirely free of weak links. All it took was finding the right crack and widening it.
Within Washington’s camp, tensions rose as rumors spread that not everyone could be trusted. Soldiers who once joked around campfires now eyed one another with suspicion. Commanders grew wary, reminding their men of the importance of loyalty and warning them not to be swayed by outside influences. But the enemy within remained difficult to pinpoint. Surrounded by thousands of men, many of whom came from different backgrounds, how could Washington’s officers separate the honest patriots from the secret traitors? This uncertainty gnawed at morale, making every routine patrol, every night watch, a moment fraught with worry. The campfire’s glow felt weaker as the possibility of betrayal loomed in the darkness.
Washington himself sensed the danger but lacked evidence. He knew that fighting the British would be challenging enough, but now he faced invisible enemies within his own command. He needed answers—names, details, proof. Without them, he could not act decisively. Such tension weighed heavily on the general’s shoulders. Any misstep could doom the entire independence effort. Any delay could hand the advantage back to Tryon and his scheming accomplices. For the moment, the plotters remained hidden, confident that when the time came, they could strike from within, delivering a blow far more devastating than any traditional British assault. In the hot summer air of 1776, the young nation’s future stood delicately balanced on a razor’s edge.
Chapter 7: Whispers, Rumors, and a Chance Prison Encounter That Altered History’s Course.
The unraveling of Tryon’s grand conspiracy began by pure luck in a cramped New York jail cell. On the night of June 15, 1776, a man named Isaac Ketchum found himself detained there, charged with counterfeiting. He probably expected nothing more than a dreary night, awaiting judgment. Instead, two new prisoners joined him, soldiers from the Continental Army arrested for the same crime. Under dim light and the grim silence of a prison corridor, these men opened up to Ketchum. They spoke too freely, perhaps out of boredom, perhaps believing they had nothing to lose. Or maybe they assumed Ketchum shared their disloyalty. Whatever their reasoning, what they revealed changed everything.
The two soldiers claimed knowledge of the conspiracy against Washington. They admitted that they had accepted bribes and were part of a secret network planning to betray the cause. Even more shocking, they declared themselves members of Washington’s own Lifeguards, chosen specifically to safeguard the general’s life. The idea that these men, close enough to Washington to strike him down at any moment, would switch sides rattled Ketchum to his core. He realized he held a powerful secret. If he offered this information to the right authorities, he might gain leniency or even freedom. So he penned a letter, pleading for a chance to speak to the patriotic New York Provincial Congress, which supported independence. Ketchum’s revelation would expose the truth.
Summoned before the Congress, Ketchum’s testimony stunned the patriotic leaders. They learned that the plot was not just rumor, and that men entrusted with Washington’s safety had accepted British gold. This was evidence too dangerous to ignore. Swiftly, the suspected soldiers were identified, questioned, and placed under guard. Among them were Michael Lynch and Thomas Hickey, both connected to the Lifeguards. Though much remained unclear, one chilling fact emerged: Washington’s life had been in serious jeopardy. With the conspiracy exposed, the patriots could begin to root out traitors. The quiet whispers that once drifted through the city’s taverns and alleys now took a solid form in names, deeds, and damning confessions.
These sudden revelations shook New York. Rumors and suspicions gave way to concrete arrests and public outrage. The city that had so recently bustled with secret plots now witnessed the dramatic unraveling of a grand betrayal. What if that chance meeting in a jail cell had never occurred? Without Ketchum’s testimony, would Tryon’s conspirators have moved forward unchallenged, changing the course of history? Such questions haunted the minds of patriotic leaders. They realized how narrowly they had escaped a devastating blow. But the time for shock was brief. Now, firm action needed to be taken. The patriots understood that betraying the dream of liberty demanded a punishment severe enough to deter any future backstabbers. The hunt for justice had begun.
Chapter 8: The Lifeguard’s Treachery Revealed and the Terrifying Weight of Treason.
Once the conspiracy was exposed, the patriots moved quickly. Thomas Hickey, one of Washington’s Lifeguards, emerged as a central figure. An Irishman who had originally come to America as a British soldier, Hickey symbolized the tangled nature of this conflict. Now he stood accused of treason—betrayal not against Britain, but against America itself. This notion was groundbreaking. Until then, treason was something that applied only if you betrayed a king. But the idea of the United States was forming, and so too was the idea that one could betray this new, emerging nation. Hickey’s trial and fate would set a powerful precedent for how future traitors would be judged.
As the trial proceeded, the evidence against Hickey mounted. Witnesses testified, and the details of bribes, secret deals, and shifting loyalties surfaced. All eyes focused on this moment, for it would define how seriously Americans took their claim to independence. If they meant to be a free nation, then any attempt to undermine that freedom from within must be dealt with harshly. Hickey’s defense was weak. He had few arguments that could justify endangering Washington, the man who embodied the patriot cause. Soon it became clear that mercy would be scarce. Too much was at stake, and the young nation’s leaders knew they must stand firm.
The verdict was inevitable: Thomas Hickey was found guilty. But what would the penalty be? In a time when uncertainty ruled, leaders needed to send a crystal-clear message. Hickey was sentenced to death. On June 28, 1776, he was led to the gallows before a crowd of twenty thousand people—an astonishingly large gathering for the era. It was a collective witness to a historic moment. The message was unmistakable: if you betray the cause of liberty, you face the ultimate punishment. In an environment where loyalties could flip as easily as a coin, such a public spectacle was designed to freeze hearts and discourage any would-be traitors.
As the rope tightened and Hickey breathed his last, the crowd understood this was more than a single execution—it was a declaration of principles. America, a fragile idea still not fully born, had shown that it would defend itself from internal threats as fiercely as from foreign ones. The onlookers left with the image of a traitor swinging from the gallows imprinted in their minds. Washington, who had narrowly escaped a deadly plot, must have felt relief mixed with sorrow. He had learned that the struggle ahead would involve not only battles on open fields, but also vigilance against conspiracies lurking in dim corners. The nation’s future would not come easily. It would be forged through hardship, courage, and steadfast loyalty to a common cause.
Chapter 9: The Hanging Spectacle, A Chilling Message, and America’s Fragile Future.
With Hickey’s body hanging lifeless for all to see, the patriots aimed to scorch the memory of treason into the public mind. This was not a quiet punishment carried out behind prison walls. It was a lesson to every soldier, every citizen, and every onlooker who might consider siding with Britain for a few coins. The sheer size of the crowd, twenty thousand strong, magnified the impact. Such a public scene was meant to send shivers down spines and keep wavering hearts firmly on the side of freedom. The crowd dispersed, carrying home a deepened understanding of what was at stake.
For Washington, the affair was both a warning and a reassurance. He now understood more than ever that the path to independence was lined with potential betrayals. Yet the firm response by the patriots showed that they were not weak or easily swayed. Their resolve had crystallized in the face of this conspiracy. Tryon’s plan had failed. The enemy lurking within had been unmasked, and a strong, unified response had shown that the cause of liberty would not be undone so easily. Even as British warships approached, the patriots could hold their heads higher, knowing that they had faced internal danger and survived.
Still, one could not ignore the lingering questions. Would other conspiracies arise? Was the idea of American self-rule strong enough to weather all storms? Many understood that this struggle was far from over. The hanging of a traitor did not guarantee victory in the war ahead. The battles with Britain’s professional army would be fierce, and the hardships of war would test everyone’s patience and faith. But the seeds of an independent nation had already been planted, and each act of courage, each exposure of treason, helped them take root. The event in New York, grim as it was, served as a milestone—a point at which America proved it would stand guard against enemies both foreign and domestic.
The failure of Tryon’s plot hinted at a larger truth: the patriot cause had momentum and spirit that secret schemes alone could not easily derail. Had Washington been kidnapped or killed, the story of America might have ended before it truly began. Instead, the patriots continued forward, determined to shape their own destiny. Across the colonies, small acts of defiance strengthened their shared resolve. People realized that their stand against the British was not just about taxes or trade. It was about forging a new identity, one in which loyalty could be claimed not by birthright, but by choice. And with every threat uncovered, every traitor punished, and every test overcome, the possibility of a free and independent United States inched closer to becoming reality.
All about the Book
Delve into ‘The First Conspiracy’, a gripping historical thriller revealing the hidden plot against George Washington. This captivating narrative uncovers betrayal, intrigue, and the foundations of America’s fight for independence.
Brad Meltzer, a bestselling author and historian, captivates readers with engaging stories that weave truth and fiction, while Josh Mensch brings a keen historical perspective to conspiracy narratives.
Historians, Political Scientists, Educators, Writers, Cultural Researchers
Historical Fiction Reading, Researching American History, Writing, Participating in Book Clubs, Watching Historical Documentaries
Political Betrayal, Historical Revisionism, National Identity, Conspiracy Theories
Sometimes the greatest battles are fought in silence, and the whispers of history choose who to remember.
Stephen King, Jon Stewart, Malcolm Gladwell
Goodreads Choice Award for Historical Fiction, NYT Best Seller, The Washington Post Best Book of the Year
1. What motivated George Washington to lead the revolution? #2. How did secrecy play a role in the conspiracy? #3. What challenges did revolutionaries face in 1776? #4. Who were the key figures in this historical plot? #5. How did espionage shape early American history? #6. What were the stakes of plotting against Washington? #7. How did loyalty and betrayal affect the conspirators? #8. In what ways did trust influence the revolution’s success? #9. How did ordinary citizens contribute to the conspiracy? #10. What tactics did spies use to gather intelligence? #11. How did public perception impact the revolutionaries’ actions? #12. What role did fear play in the conspirators’ decisions? #13. How was communication handled among secretive groups? #14. What historical events mirrored this conspiracy’s themes? #15. How did the conspiracy impact Washington’s leadership style? #16. What lessons can be learned about unity during conflict? #17. In what ways did the plot unfold in secrecy? #18. How can this conspiracy be related to modern politics? #19. What strategies did the revolutionaries use to survive? #20. How did this conspiracy influence the formation of America?
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