Hi, Phil -

In fact, the Continental Congress evcuated Philly at least twice that I can recall from reading biographies of John Adams (at least one of which you've read as well)... that is, twice due to enemy proximity, not counting 'bugging out' to escape real epidemics.

There's a very thin line between 'retreat' and 'strategic withdrawal'; between 'running away' and 'protecting national leadership'; between 'cowardice' and 'caution'. Like all such demarcations, it's inevitably drawn to the advantage of those drawing it.

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I agree with Tom - that is, I also feel that when the 'perp' of the anthrax mail is found and apprehended, he will have no connection to bin Laden, Al-Qaida, or any of that ilk. My best guess is: another Tim McVeigh, albeit less effective (thank the Deity for that!), using the general confusion as cover for grinding his personal axe.

E'