This family history is rooted in the mystery of why Archibald was born in North America. What is certain is that his obituiary appeared in a Longford newspaper in Ireland in 1846 - some 70 years later. Was he a descendant of the Gerrard's who first settled Maryland on the next farm to the Washington family two of whom married George Washington's grandfather.

Or was he the son of a military man who was fighting the Revolutionary war as part of the Kings Own Regiment.

 - In March, merchants in Philadelphia join the boycott of British trade goods. In May, a set of resolutions written by George Mason is presented by George Washington to the Virginia House of Burgesses. The Virginia Resolves oppose taxation without representation, the British opposition to the circular letters, and British plans to possibly send American agitators to England for trial. Ten days later, the Royal governor of Virginia dissolves the House of Burgesses. However, its members meet the next day in a Williamsburg tavern and agree to a boycott of British trade goods, luxury items and slaves.