This week in Revolutionary War History, let’s discuss what was going on 250 years ago in and around the colonial Province of Massachusetts Bay. Last week was a busy one; a discussion between Philip Schuyler and representatives of the Haudenosaunee would eventually spell the confederation’s doom, standards are implemented for food and bread in the army, soldiers received forced payments to stagger lowering moral, the Continental Navy sees its first ship deployed, and troops march north to assault British positions in Quebec.
On September 3, 1775, Washington’s focus is away from Boston and instead, directed 300 miles to the north at Quebec. Washington instructs Reuben Colburn of Gardiner, Maine (then called Gardnerstone and being a part of Massachusetts) on the Kennebec River to begin the construction of 200 small river boats, or “batteaus,” for operations and troop movements into Canada. These ships are to be used by Bennedict Arnold (still about 5 years off from news of his great betrayal) to link up with troops already sent north from Ticonderoga.
On September 5 in his General Orders, Washington calls for the court martial of Captain Moses Hart, found guilty by Lieutenant Colonel Experience Storrs of Connecticut of “drawing for more provisions than he was entitled to and for unjustly confining, and abusing his men.” He is to be “cashiered,” or dismissed in disgrace. On the same day, around 700 volunteers from Pennsylvania and Virginia are arranged to parade around Cambridge. These men are soon (next week) to march north to Maine under Arnold. Also on September 5, Governor Jonathan Trumbull of Connecticut warns Washington the waters of the Long Island Sound are “infested” by “Three Ships of War with thirteen other vessels.” He adds, “New London is in great fears, and Stonington expect another attack. I have ordered The new raised levies to guard and defend those two places, and the coasts as far as Connecticut River.” He does say he has sent all the hunting shirts they can acquire north to Cambridge. The next day, a shipment of three tons of powder will arrive in Norwich, which he also promises to send north.
On September 6, Washington cracks down on liquor sales and drunkenness in his troops. He forbids the selling of alcohol to his men by anyone other than those appointed. His purpose in this is to “to prevent such evils from spreading in the camp.” He also writes a plea to the people of Bermuda, for whom he recently had smuggled powder from. He tells the inhabitants of the island, at the time about 12,000 people, that the American people have been scorned by British Ministers and policies, as have the Bermudans. Interestingly, he also refers to the ongoing conflict as a “civil war.” That same day, Washington pens his “To the Inhabitants of Canada” letter, to be taken with Bennedict Arnold on his expedition. It begins, “Friends and brethren: The unnatural contest between the English Colonies, and Great Britain has now risen to such a height, that arms alone must decide it.” In highlighting various disagreements and injustices, the General hopes to sway the British people to his side. At the time, the Thirteen Colonies were not set in stone as the sole combatants. Many at the time believe the Canadians and Catholic Quebecois would be swayed to join as well. He writes, “Incited by these Motives and encouraged by the advice of many friends of liberty among you, the Great American Congress have sent an army into your province, under the command of General Schuyler; not to plunder but to protect you.”
Turning back to the home front, on September 8, Washington circulates a letter among his general officers. In it, he describes the “very interesting nature” of the conflict and continent. He quickly gets into the purpose of his writing: he seeks an assault on Boston. Due to the cooling temperatures and looming winter, time is very much of the essence. Should Boston not be captured before winter, comfortable barracks must be constructed, as well as acquiring wood, blankets, warm clothing, and much more. Easier said than done. He also fears should a sizable victory not be achieved and the discomforts of winter set in, a sizable desertion could be possible. He wishes to meet the generals in person in the coming days to draft a plan.
This Week In Revolutionary History…
By Sam Bishop