As we explore the triumphs and tragedies that shaped America,

we're always striving to paint a vivid, nuanced picture of the past,

and with Wondery Plus, you can experience that vision in its purest form.

Enjoy ad-free episodes, early access to new seasons,

and exclusive bonus content that illuminates the human stories behind the history.

Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts and see American

History through a whole new lens.

Imagine it's January, 1835 in Boston, Massachusetts.

You hurry along a downtown street, sweat trickling down your back despite the cold winter air.

You skid around a final corner and finally reach your cousin Frederick Tudor's townhouse.

You pound on the door with your fist and take a step back.

After a moment, 51-year-old Frederick opens the door.

His eyes widen when he sees your face.

William, you look like you've seen a ghost. Come in, it's terribly cold.

Without a word, you brush past him into the parlor, where a newspaper lies folded on the table beside a steaming cup of coffee.

Frederick follows you in, a note of concern in his voice.

Please, sit down, William. Would you like something to drink?

Frederick takes a seat across from you and adds a spoonful of sugar to his coffee and stirs it slowly. You watch the swirling brown liquid, your stomach, churning.

Oh, no, thank you.

Well, is everything okay? What brings you here?

Well, it's the coffee.

Hi, I told you, have a cup.

...