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 as the story begins to shift westward. Last week, General George Washington finally moved into Boston-proper to take stock of damage to the city and what equipment and supplies may have been left behind. Royal Navy vessels and British engineers in the harbor detonated explosives in Castle William, obliterating the fortress on Castle Island and awakening any asleep around the city. Washington is nervous and not wholly sure of what the next British move will be, though he recognizes there are only so many options.
On March 29, 1776, General Washington’s General Orders from the day begin by instructing six different regiments to march at sunrise, without mentioning where exactly they were heading. They were to be led by Brigadier General Nathaniel Greene of Rhode Island. The column is to be accompanied by a wagon train of supplies and will assist in the fortification of New York after their 200-mile journey.
That same day, Washington writes to Major General Israel Putnam in New York, telling him the six regiments will arrive in eight-to-ten days. He adds “The rest of the army will immediately follow,” and gives Putnam the authority to take charge of the defensive preparations in the meantime, “You will assume the command and immediately proceed in continuing to execute the plan.” He explains the reasoning for this as, “there are the best reasons to believe that the enemy’s fleet and army which left Nantasket Road last Wednesday evening are bound to NY to endeavor to possess that important post and if possible secure the communication by Hudsons River to Canada.” He concludes the letter, saying, “Devoutly praying that the power which has hitherto sustained the American arms may continue to bless them with his divine protection.”
On March 30, British General William Howe finally arrives in Halifax, Nova Scotia after their evacuation from Boston 13 days prior. He will spend his time taking command of the town and beginning the acquisition of supplies for the army, still trickling in on ships. From here, he awaits further reinforcements and other assistance from the Crown, notably his brother, Vice Admiral Lord Richard Howe, who has thus far kept up a semi-successful naval blockade of the colonies.
We can say “semi-successful” here due to the fact that the American colonies are still participating in some trade, privateering, and diplomacy. As of late-March, Captain Esek Hopkins of Scituate, Rhode Island and Samuel Nicholas of Philadelphia are on their way back to New England for a successful raid undertaken by the Continental Navy. The Raid of Nassau had taken place on March 4, where seven American ships slipped through the blockade landed men in the Bahamas. The fleet consisted of purchased, recently built, and captured vessels the USS Alfred, USS Hornet, USS Wasp, USS Fly, Andrew Doria, USS Providence, and the USS Columbus.
Following the capture of a British fort, the men would then move into the city and hold it for nearly two weeks. They would meet with Governor Montfort Browne of the islands, who agreed to hand over nearly all the gunpowder stored in Nassau.
By April 4, Hopkins’ fleet with Bahamian powder had just reached the coast of Long Island where it would engage with and capture the HMS Hawk. It would dock and unload its haul in New London, Connecticut on April 8.
Also on April 4, Washington is busy with his final preparations for his trek west. He has periodically sent more and more regiments towards New York in a stagnated pattern for the past week. In writing to John Hancock, he assures the President of the Continental Congress that Boston is secure, though he states he wishes he would’ve received funds from the congress sooner as some men in the militia “are gone home much dissatisfied, nor have I been without severe complaints from the other troops on the same account.” He outlines some general plans following his arrival in New York and what preparations have been made so far. Following his signature on the letter, it reads, “P.S. I shall set off today.”
The next time George Washington would step foot in Boston would be thirteen years later, in 1789, as President.
This Week in Revolutionary War History
By Sam Bishop