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. Last week, General Washington and thousands of Continental Army soldiers departed from Boston in triumph and made their way across southern New England towards New York. Major General Philip Shuyler as well as many in the Continental Congress seek to send soldiers north to bolster another attempt at capturing Quebec, though Washington is generally focused on the defense of New York City. In North Carolina, the first governing body officially called for independence.
On April 12, 1776, Washington arrives in Greenwich, Connecticut, the last major settlement before crossing the border into the Province of New York. According to army expense reports, Washington stopped in Knapp Tavern, a meeting place for Freemasons. The tavern still stands and is used for local meetings of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
On April 13, Washinton arrives on Manhattan crossing the “King’s Bridge” that stood until 1913 into the Bronx. He had crossed this bridge about 10 months prior on his way to take command of the Continental Army outside Boston. The city he returns to is a stronghold of Tory sympathizers, much unlike Boston.
On his first night in New York, he dines in another tavern still standing to this day, The Queen’s Head Tavern on the corner of Pearl and Broad Street. This time, towards the south of the island by The Battery owned by Samuel Fraunces. Today, the tavern is owned and operated by the Sons of the Revolution. Big theme here.
On April 14, Washington issued his first General Orders from his new headquarters at 1 Broadway. The Kennedy Mansion would serve as his headquarters for his first few days in the city until the arrival of his wife, Martha. In his orders, the general commends the troops that have been stationed in the city thus far for their buildup of fortifications as well as the fact the city has not fallen into enemy hands. Towards the masses of troops now entering the city, he adds, “The General flatters himself, that he shall hear no complaints from the citizens, of abuse, or ill-treatment, in any respect whatsoever; but that every officer, and soldier, of every rank and denomination, will pride themselves (as men contending in the glorious cause of liberty ought to do) in an orderly, decent and regular deportment.”
The next day, the general writes replies to the many letters sent to him while he was on his way to the city. To John Adams, he thanks for important introductions to important powerbrokers in the city as well as thanking the Continental Congress, “I am impressed with the deepest Gratitude for the high honor intended me by the Congress.” To John Hancock, president of the congress, he gives a detailed account of his journey west. He informs Hancock he has sent four brigades, about 2,000 men, north through Albany towards New York, following Schuyler’s request. He also mentions he sent them by boat up the Hudson River. He noted he has called upon much artillery, though many cannons are being held up by the defenses of Providence and New London.
On April 16, Washington writes in his General Orders that he has instructed Colonel William Prescott, Groton-born and leader of the defense of Bunker Hill, to cross over to Governors Island just south of Manhattan and immediately begin the construction of fortifications. General Charles Lee had been in the city since January, and at this time, the two generals were working together from Broadway on strategies for defense of the city and the mouth of the Hudson.
This Week in Revolutionary War History
By Sam Bishop