You have an ancestor who delivered despatches to General Washington, and you don't know the answer to that question?
Your ancestor took a bullet because of his belief in the principles which gave birth to this nation. He didn't flee when confronted with evil in government. He fought back. If he and thousands of other good patriots had all fled when tyranny raised its head, we'd still be a British colony today.
Freedom and liberty are not guaranteed. The black robed servants of the ruling class will never defend your God-given rights. Only you can do that, by asserting them. Demanding them. Fighting for them, if need be.
My ancestor was 17 years old when he was shot in the leg delivering dispatches to General Washington. Sorry, I am not 17 any more.