Throughout the novel, the color red surfaces as an important symbol. British soldiers are called “Lobsterbacks” because their uniforms are red. Likewise, the uniforms worn by the Continental Army are also red. Soldiers on both sides dressed in this color are perpetrators of violence in battle.

The color red symbolizes bloodshed and violence. On the battlefield, the color red stands in stark contrast to white snow and brown mud. At the Meeker home, the cut on Father’s face made by the colonial officer also bleeds and serves as a reminder that the violence of war touches soldiers and citizens alike.

Brown Bess is the musket owned by the Meeker family. For the Meekers, the gun provides protection and a source of food through hunting. Muskets such as Brown Bess are also the most common type of gun carried by the Patriots. The gun symbolizes the family’s fight for survival.

When Sam steals the gun to take with him to the war, he leaves his family unprotected from thieves and marauding soldiers from both sides. Theft of the gun also leaves the Meekers, and especially Father, vulnerable to harassment and threats from Continental officers. Most seriously, Father is unable to protect himself and Tim while on the trip to Verplancks Point to sell the cattle.