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, General George Washington evened the field of pay between enlisted soldiers and mercenaries, so long as the latter bring their own weapons and food. Washington is also focused on British movements out of Boston, fearing they could strike at New York City. More troops are being raised across the Thirteen Colonies, and the Continental Congress seems poised to push them north to go after Quebec. Washington, however, has his eyes set on Boston.
On February 4, 1776, British General Henry Clinton, who departed Boston a few days prior, lands in New York. American Major General Charles Lee has spent the last days heading to the city to bolster defenses in anticipation of this arrival. However, an envoy from Clinton states he is only visiting the Royal Governor of New York, William Tryon. Clinton, following the meeting, would continue south towards the Carolinas. Tensions are high, however.
New York Representative to the Continental Congress Thomas Lynch writes to Washington on February 5. He says, “The strong apathy that hold Congress in fetters is still more forceable here, however luckily Clinton is come without force.” Lynch is displeased with Congress’ action, or lack thereof, and preparations for the defense of New York have not materialized. The city is wide open and greatly lacks fortifications. The fact that a British General can come ashore unbothered worries Patriots near the city.
Lee writes Washington on February 6, explaining he arrived in the city the same day as the British general. Major General Lee, anxious and untrusting, is taken aback by Clinton’s willingness to share his plans with him, saying, “He has brought no troops with him and pledges his honor that none are coming. He says it is merely a visit to his friend Tryon – if it is really so it is the most whimsical piece of civility I ever heard of – He informs us that his intention is for N. Carolina where he expects five regiments from England.” Lee thinks this is surely a ruse, but it will turn out to be the truth, giving New York more time to build defenses.
On February 10, Washington would reply to Lee. He understands Lee’s stress, having entrusted him with the defense of New York City. However, General Washington highlights his own short fallings, saying, “Business multiplies so fast upon my hands that I am confined almost entirely to the house.” Being deprived of assistance, he asks Lee to part with Boston-born William Palfrey. The secretary and Freemason will soon serve as aide-de-camp to Washington, as his eyes shift away from bureaucracy and back to the battlefield.
At this time, artillery has been secured from Henry Cox’s expedition. Slowly, it is being cleaned and prepared for use against Boston.
This Week in Revolutionary War History
By Sam Bishop