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Brother Jonathan

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When Washington was in want of ammunition, he called a council of officers, but no practical suggestion could be offered. “We must consult brother Jonathan,” said the general, meaning his excellency, Jonathan Trumbull, the elder governor of the State of Connecticut. This was done, and the difficulty was remedied. To consult brother Jonathan then became a set phrase, and brother Jonathan grew to be the John Bull of the United States. (J. R. Bartlett: Dictionary of Americanisms.)

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Broken on the Wheel
Broker
Brontes
Bronzomarte
Brook (Master)
Brooks of Sheffield
Broom
Brosier
Brother
Brother German
Brother Jonathan
Brother Sam
Browbeat
Brown
Brown as a Berry
Brown, Jones, and Robinson
Brown Bess
Brown Bill
Brown Study
Browns
Brownie