This week in Revolutionary War history, let’s check up on what was going on 250 years ago in New England and the northern Thirteen Colonies. Last week, Washington set off with many of his troops on the 200-mile journey to New York. Conversely, the British are regrouping in Halifax, taking stock of men and supplies, and planning their next move. A successful Continental Navy expedition also saw the acquisition* of scores of gunpowder from the Bahamas, with that fleet nearing Connecticut ports.
On April 5, 1776, Washington has been on the road for one day when he reaches Providence, Rhode Island. he is met by Rhode Islander Major General Nathanael Greene, who makes a great effort to impress the general, throwing a large banquet in celebration of the liberation of Boston. The next day, Washington would write to Rhode Island Governor William Cooke, thanking him for the hospitality, saying he was “invited to an elegant entertainment at Hacker’s Hall, provided by the gentlemen of the town, where after dinner a number of patriotic toasts were drank”
Also on April 5, Major General Charles Lee writes from Williamsburg, capital of Virgina. Lee is anxious as to the conflict and the lack of knowledge of British movements or targets. Much of the focus recently has been on the north, with Lee believe the south may be vulnerable. He says, “I am like a dog in a dancing school – I know not where to turn myself, where to fix myself – the circumstances of the country intersected by navigable rivers, the uncertainty of the enemy’s designs and motions who can fly in an instant to any spot they choose with their canvass wings throw me, or would throw Julius Caesar into this inevitable dilemma.” He concluded, desperate for updates, “I beg you will make somebody write to me from time to time.”
Leaving Providence and heading along the Connecticut coast, Washington’s baggage train stretches for miles. He intends to visit various ports along the Long Island Sound to inspect their defensive readiness in case of Royal Navy assault.
On April 7, Major General Philip Shuyler writes from Albany, pointing back toward Canada. he urges Washington to divert troops to the north, saying “our army in Canada will fall greatly short of what was intended.” Washington would only reply once he reaches New York, not himself sparing troops but instructing the Continental Congress to send what they can under command of Brigadier General John Sullivan, clearly showing the northern theater is not the general’s priority.
The trip was rather uneventful through Connecticut, without many surviving sources. By April 11, Washington had made it to New Haven, just passing the halfway point of the trek. Though it may have been uneventful there, it was not in the south. In North Carolina, the Provincial Congress adopted the Halifax Resolves on April 12. This was the first resolution of its kind and is the first time a governing body in the Thirteen Colonies officially called for independence from the British Crown. It would read, “Resolved that the delegates for this colony in the Continental Congress be impowered to concur with the other delegates of the other colonies in declaring independency, and forming foreign alliances, resolving to this colony the sole, and exclusive right of forming a constitution and laws for this colony, and of appointing delegates from time to time under the direction of a general representation thereof to meet the delegates of the other colonies for such purposes as shall be hereafter pointed out.” With this monumental passage, the path towards independence has been paved.
This Week in Revolutionary War History
By Sam Bishop