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, activity in Boston Harbor sparked a flurry of speculation as to what the British were planning. Retreat or counter-attack? Thomas Paine first published his 47-page book, Common Sense, soon to spread like a wildfire across the colonies. News of the disaster at Quebec on New Years slowly trickles south.
On January 13, 1776, Major General Philip Schuyler writes to George Washington from Albany detailing his “melancholy account” of the events that transpired in Canada two weeks prior. He says, “My amiable friend the gallant Montgomery is no more, the brave Arnold is wounded and we have met with a severe check in an unsuccessful attempt on Quebec.” He mentions further offense could be waged with reinforcements, which he does not expect to arrive. At this time, Washington also expects the troops from Canada will arrive back to reinforce him outside Boston after a triumphant victory.
With the Continental Army’s defeat, Schuyler says “nothing my dear sir seems left to prevent the most fatal consequences,” or a counterattack from the north. He adds that he has mulled over his previously desired retirement, saying “affairs are much worse than when I made the request, this is motive enough for me to continue to serve my country.” He concludes by saying clothing and supplies are headed to Cambridge from Albany, though not much is left.
Washington convenes a Council of War on January 16 in Cambridge, still unaware of the fate of Canada. Many are in attendance, including John Adams of Braintree and James Warren of Plymouth. The council agrees unanimously that a “vigorous attempt” be made to assault Boston, as soon as it is practical to do so. The army still awaits Colonel Henry Knox, who presumably at this time is still slowed by the weather in his march east with the artillery of Ticonderoga.
Washington finally receives a rushed letter from Schuyler on January 18 and immediately recalls another meeting of the Council of War. They say it “improper” to direct troops currently stationed around Boston to defend the northern front and instead decided to push for the enlistment of an additional thirteen 728-man regiments. Three of those regiments are to be sent to the north with the rest being brought to Cambridge.
On January 19, Washington sends a letter to the governments of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire stressing urgent action following the failures in Canada. He says, “I am persuaded therefore, that you will exert yourselves to the utmost, to throw in the reinforcement that is now required of your colony.” His letter stresses if troops are not sent soon, New England is in danger.
On January 20, John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, writes to Washington to also respond to the news from the north. He states Congress is “anxious” to repair the losses in manpower as well as, still, “if possible gain possession of Quebec.” He states Congress is “unanimous of the opinion” that troops will be raised and sent north.
This Week in Revolutionary War History
By Sam Bishop