This week in Revolutionary War History, let’s discuss what was going on 250 years ago in and around the colonial Province of Massachusetts Bay. Last week, preparations for the winter siege of Boston were set in motion, though supplies still trickle in. A British supply ship is captured in New Hampshire, and gambling for those in the army is clamped down on. Finally, Chief Physician of the Army Benjamin Church is tried for treason, with the Continental Congress weighing their options.
On October 8, 1775, a Council of War meeting is called in Cambridge. George Washington meets with Major Generals and Brigadier Generals to discuss army composition, soldier pay and frequency of such, and winter preparations. The council agrees on a total army size of 20,372 men, broken into 26 regiments. Pay is not to be reduced, and all men currently enlisted will maintain their positions until December 1776. The council unanimously rejects the enlistment of enslaved people. With a majority, the council also rejects further enlistment of African or Black soldiers.
In his General Orders the following day, Washington’s message is directed solely at the minimal Black soldiers currently enlisted. He states any solider not rising or “straggling after Taptoo” is to be “seized and confined until sun-rise.” For an army sorely lacking in men and equipment and in need of new ideas and experiences, this measure is not an advance of any call of liberty. African Americans would be first allowed in the army following the Militia Act of 1862, only belonging to segregated regiments. Desegregation of the armed forces would be finalized on July 26, 1948, with an Executive Order from President Harry Truman.
Back to 1775, although Washington is not aware of it yet, on October 10, Loyalist General Thomas Gage receives his letter from London. Having notified the British of his performance at Bunker Hill on June 17, the Crown quickly sent a response three days later, with him just now receiving it. Gage is to be removed of his position and stripped of his title of Governor of Massachusetts. He was already unpopular back home, but his momentous defeat would seal his fate. His position in Boston and command over British troops on the continent would be transferred to Viscount and General William Howe.
On October 12, Washington writes to John Hancock and the Continental Congress in another plea for supplies and winter assistance. For general strategy, he asks “From the various accounts received from Europe, there may be reason to expect troops will be landed at New York or some other middle Colony – I should be glad to know the pleasure of the Congress, whether upon such an event it would be expected that a part of this army should be detached,” as Washington expects a British invasion into New York. The capture of New York city would occur less than a year later, in September 1776. He also updates the congress on Colonel Benedict Arnold’s performance in the north, saying, “Our last Accounts from Col: Arnold are very favorable.” He is still enroute to Quebec, but would write to Washington the next day, saying, “Your Excellency may possibly think we have been tardy in our march, as we have gained so little.”
On October 13, the Continental Congress in Philadelphia affirmed the creation of a Continental Navy. The Rhode Island General Assembly had gotten the ball rolling the past June with the construction of ships to protect merchants. The congress took over funding of the Rhode Island navy, per that province’s suggestion, and agreed there should be a single navy. There were still few ships in the navy, with many in construction, some purchased from friendly nations or British rivals, and many other captured. The first Chairman of the Marine Committee, in charge of the Continental Navy, would be John Adams of Braintree.
This Week in Revolutionary History…
By Sam Bishop