Samuel Powel has the distinction of being the last mayor of Philadelphia under British rule and the first after American Independence. Often referred to as Philadelphia’s “Patriot Mayor,” he is depicted as an early ardent supporter of the American cause. In a lecture given on May 30, 2013, author David Maxey journeys back to the early years of the Revolution to take a closer look at Powel and his allegiance. Was Powel always a patriot, or did he only gradually adopt the cause of liberty?