Person Significance 1. Wentworth Cheswell African American martyr, he was a victim of the Boston Massacre. James Armistead Lafayette Delegate to the 2nd Continental Congress, he is responsible for convincing the other delegates to vote for Independence. Patrick Henry A Virginian who passionately spoke against the Stamp Act, he is known for saying, “ Give Me Liberty or Give me Death.” 4. John Adams African American who fought in the Battles of Saratoga and is considered the first African American elected to public office. 5. Abigail Adams The letters she wrote to her husband give us information of the issues discussed in the Continental Congress, she was an advocate of women’s rights and an abolitionist. 6. Mercy Otis Warren African American who spied on Cornwallis. 7. Crispus Attucks Female author who wrote satires of the British, her wittings helped convince Americans to declare independence.