Little is known of Amiel’s early life. He was raised in Concord, Mass., taught school there in 1834, and attended Amherst College 1836-7. He applied for admission to West Point at least twice before being admitted 1 July 1837, graduating 22 June 1841 fifth in his class.

When Amil enrolled, West Point was  beginning its 36th year, having been formally opened 4 July 1802 during Thomas Jefferson’s administration. The curriculum was established by Bvt. Maj. Sylvanus Thayer when he became superintendent in 1817. The foundation for everything was mathematics. A math problem had one correct answer and it was the cadet’s duty to find it Thayer believed that math sharpened analytical powers and taught a manner of thinking transferable to other areas of life. Engineering was the other key to Thayer’s program. No deviation was permitted from these two fields of study. General Winfield Scott said the Mexican war was won because of the leadership of Academy men. West Pointers were in command of 55 of the 60 major battles of the Civil War and included such Academy graduates as Lee, Grant, Sherman, Stuart, Jackson, and Sheridan. West Point’s Honor Code: “A cadet will not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do,” built the character of most of its graduates.

Amiel was originally commissioned in the artillery corps but was transferred to the topographical engineers 28 Sept. 1841 where until 1844, he worked on harbor projects improving navigation for New Orleans and the approaches to Baltimore, Md. and Portsmouth, N.H. (more…)

By KATHY McCORMACK Associated Press Published: Jul 4, 2011

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – It’s William Whipple’s Turn to be Recognized.

The New Hampshire merchant is one of the lesser-known signers of the Declaration of Independence. This year, there are plans for Whipple and 11 others to be honored for their place in history with a small bronze plaque at their gravesites or homes, thanks to a group of descendants of the Founding Fathers.

Whipple, one of three men from New Hampshire who signed the famous document – the others were Josiah Bartlett and Matthew Thornton – had no direct descendants.

His only child, a boy, died as an infant and is buried near him at the Old North Cemetery in Portsmouth. Whipple, who also commanded troops during the Revolutionary War and served as a state judge and legislator, died in 1785 at age 55. (more…)

New Hampshire elected William Whipple to the Continental Congress four times with his first election 23 January 1776 and he served the state longer than any of its other 17 delegates.  He arrived in Philadelphia Feb. 28, after a trip by horseback and took lodgings with John Adams on Second Street.  Mrs. Sarah Yates was their landlady.

On April 12, North Carolina became the first colony to speak for independence in unmistakable tones.  Its Provincial Congress gave its delegates power to declare independence and form foreign alliances

Congress made many momentous decisions in early May.   It authorized issuance of $5 million in paper money on the 9th and John Adam’s resolution advising the colonies to suppress Crown authority and to assume power under the authority of the people passed on the 15th.  George Washington was summoned on the 16th to plan for the coming campaign and conferred with the entire Congress on the 24th and 25th.  A Committee, including Whipple, was appointed to plan the military operations.  Josiah Bartlett the state’s other delegate arrived the evening of the 17th to share in the heavy work load.  On the 28th, Whipple and Bartlett wrote Meschech Weare, head of the Provincial Congress asking “for the sentiments of our colony on the important subject of a total separation from Great Britain.”

Whipple wrote John Langdon of Portsmouth in early June that a vote on independence was approaching and he believed it would pass.  Richard Henry Lee, Virginia delegate, introduced the resolution for independence Friday June 7.  “That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.  That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures by forming foreign alliances.  That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective colonies for their consideration and approbation.”  John Adams seconded. (more…)