This week in Revolutionary War history, let’s check up on what was going on 250 years ago in and around the colonial Province of Massachusetts Bay. Last week, Washington declared November 23 be an official day of thanksgiving, primarily to warn the favor of God in their struggles. The general received reports that more troops were arriving in Boston, while at the same time hearing from Benedict Arnold’s brutal slog in the north. While Arnold’s men are getting closer to Quebec City, having crossed the Saint Lawrence River, it is at a great cost. Finally, Washington furthered winter preparations and stockpiling, instructing men to give indications as to whether they will re-enlist for next year, with contracts up on December 31.
On November 26, 1775, Washington receives a letter from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin in Chelsea, just north of Boston. Baldwin expresses “great concern” over shipments arriving in Boston from England containing “all sorts of ordinance stores.” Then, he describes those who are leaving Boston, or refugees of the siege. He says, “The people that came out of Boston now at the Point are in the most shocking condition yesterday in the afternoon there was one dead and another dieing upon the beach.” “Dieing” was spelt differently then.
Baldwin has allowed people to come as they please, although references an act of the General Court that states the army is not beholden to provide for them. Baldwin states, however, “I am not obdurate enough to confine them on the Point where they must perish with hunger & cold.” He asks for Washington’s recommendation.
That same day, Washington responds to his cousin and current estate manager, Lund Washington at Mount Vernon. Lund worried the British would roll in from the Potomac and capture Washington’s land. George has great faith in Lund and entrusts him to “do for me as you would do for yourself.” He also adds, “Let the hospitality of the house, with respect to the poor, be kept up. Let no one go hungry away.” In giving to the poor, Washington also approves of the sale of rum and other goods for the estate’s upkeep.
On November 27, Colonel Henry Knox writes from New York. He is still en route to Fort Ticonderoga to secure artillery for the siege at Boston. In his time in New York, he has met with local officials and committee members who, reluctantly, have promised to send “12 exceedingly good” cannons. According to Knox, these cannons, called “4-pounders” for the weight of the ball they fire, weigh about 600 pounds each. He promises to set out to Ticonderoga.
November 29 brings troubles. Washington writes the Massachusetts General Court, currently in Watertown, and demands pay must not be halted for soldiers. If the court continues to withhold pay, “this will be a reduction of 1500 men from the strength of our lines,” he says. That same day, the general gets a letter from William Watson of Plymouth. Watson says the men aboard the Brigantine Washington have mutinied. He says, “they insisted they enlisted to serve in the army & not as marines.” He references the captain, Martindale, doing all in his power but adds, “His people really appear to me to be sett of the most unprincipled, abandoned fellows I ever saw.”
On December 1, Major General Israel Putnam writes Washington, commending the acts of Colonel Henry Babcock in quelling a mutiny among Connecticut soldiers. He recommends a promotion for Babcock. However, the mutiny is not over. On December 2, Governor Jonathan Trumbull of Connecticut of the “extraordinary and reprehensible conduct of some of the Connecticut troops.” In speaking with men in their camps, Trumbull has concluded many of them want out, now, or fears of abandonment will become reality. Many did abandon post, which is what led to Putnam and Babcock rounding them up and bringing them back.
Washington does receive some good news on December 2. John Hancock writes from Philadelphia. The Continental Congress has authorized $3 million for army payments. He also informs the general that Henry Knox is to be made Colonel of Artillery per his mission to bring cannons to Boston.
This Week in Revolutionary War History
By Sam Bishop