Today is Friday, September 11, 2020.

On this day in 1776, three representatives of the Continental Congress met with British Admiral Richard Howe in Staten Island, New York.

They hoped to broker a peace treaty that might save the colonies

from a bloody war.

Instead, they crossed a point of no return. Welcome to today in True Crime, a parcast original.

Today we're covering the failed peace negotiations between three founding fathers and Admiral Lord Richard Howe,

commander of the King's Navy.

Let's go back to Staten Island on the morning of September 11th, 1776.

As the sun peaked over the horizon, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Edmond Rutledge of South Carolina left the shores of Manhattan,

sailing to the British stronghold across the upper bay.

Just two weeks prior, the same waters had run red with blood.

The Battle of Brooklyn, as it was known, had been just won in a long line

of skirmishes with the Royal Army. General George Washington had faced off

against his former comrade, General William Howe.

It had been a devastating defeat for the colonists.

The British were better trained, better funded, and far more skilled in the art of war. The Continental Army was

outmatched 2-1. Britain was certain that the colonies would soon be crushed.

Benjamin Franklin knew the odds all too well.

He steeled himself for the upcoming negotiation as they docked at Staten Island.

They were set to meet with Admiral Lord Richard Howe, General Howe's brother.

Of course, Admiral Howe had no interest in colonial independence.

He was only willing to discuss peace if the Continental Congress would revoke the Declaration of Independence.

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