​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, many elements within the Continental Army, as well as the Continental Congress, are already drafting plans to reinforce northern armies to again strike at Canada. However, other elements realize the folly of another such attempt, including General George Washington, who is currently focused on taking Boston. Colonel Henry Knox arrived in Cambridge from Ticonderoga, completing his “noble train of artillery” and reenforcing Washington’s besieging army with necessary artillery to break the hold.

            On January 28, 1776, in his General Orders, Washington informs militiamen, those men not official part of the Continental Army but are serving in private bands for-profit, will, “since the first of January, their pay will be the same as those officers.” In other words, soldiers in a militia group will receive the same pay as those in the standing army, maintaining they follow instruction from the chain of command, not steal, and supply their own arms.

            That same day, Washington congratulates Captain John Manley of the Continental Navy, sailing the schooner Hancock, of his capture of two British transport ships, the Happy Return and Norfolk off the coast of Plymouth. He also says, subtly highlighting the American’s lack of resources and equipment, “You may be assured that every attention will be paid to any reasonable request of yours, and that you shall have the command of a stronger vessel of var, but as it will take up some time before such a one can be fitted out, my desire is, that you continue in the Hancock.” The Continental Navy is active, however, and is slowly growing into more of a headache for the British since its official formation the past October.

            On January 30, Washington writes to Major General Charles Lee who Is stationed in New York City. He warns Lee that the British General Henry Clinton has departed Boston with 400 to 500 men, whom he fears will head to New York. He tells Lee to prepare for an assault on the city, and subtly notes that, with men being shifted north to bolster another attempt on Quebec, Lee may be called upon by Congress to head north as well.

            Sticking with Canada, on January 31, Washington writes President of the Continental Congress John Hancock notifying the Congress that, though he believes operations in Canada are of “great importance,” he signals he, “should be happy, were it in my power to detach a battalion from this camp, but It cannot be done.” With the General eyeing up a potential capture on Boston, he is declaring his troops must stay and cannot be sent north with others. He adds that his own efforts and pressure towards the governments of Connecticut and New Hampshire have been fruitful, seeing many new reinforcements raised.

            He notes supply issues, especially gunpowder. He applauds Congress’ efforts to manufacture or acquire more and says, “It is scarcely possible to describe the disadvantages an army must labor under, when not provided with a sufficient supply of this necessity.”

            On February 1, Washington pens a letter to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, giving a frank assessment of their military defeat in Quebec. He says, “The account given of the behavior of the men under General Montgomery Is exactly consistent to the opinion I have formed of these people.” He notes Continental soldiers’ prowess when defending or guarding behind a parapet, wall, or other shelter, but adds “but I am as well convinced as if I had seen it, that they will not march boldly up to a work – or stand exposed in a plain.”  He is not wholly lacking in faith of his men but highlighting the lack of discipline and experience they have. “The men must be brought to face danger,” he concludes. With that, he notes his men must march forth into Boston and destroy the British encamped within.

            In the following days, Washington received words from both the Governor of Connecticut Jonathan Trumbull and the Treasurer of Virginia Robert Carter Nicholas. Money is scarce and with the raising of additional troops to reinforce the battalions in Canada, the colonies’ treasuries are empty. Nicholas says Virginia is unable to keep up with the “expenses incurred by the northern colonies.” He has had to rely on his own funds and extending his own personal credit to pay for the troops.

This Week in Revolutionary War History

By Sam Bishop

            Supplements are a multi-billion-dollar business. Pushed by TikTok influencers and TV personalities, they cover everything from vitamins and minerals to a variety of gummies, powders and pills.

            Supplements are not regulated the way pharmaceutical drugs are, meaning the FDA does not assess them for efficacy or safety before they are marketed. Only if serious side effects show up does the FDA get involved.

            An important consequence of this lack of regulation is that many of these products do not contain what they claim to contain, and there have been many reports of seriously tainted products. A popular protein powder was found to contain lead.

            While touted to solve all human ills, no supplement has been found in a scientific trial to prolong life. Resveratrol was all the rage until trials showed no benefit.

            Many of the products pushed on-line or on-TV are expensive. I know of people spending hundreds of dollars monthly on supplements, most of which were useless.

            Are there any that you should consider taking?

            A standard multi-vitamin is safe and inexpensive. There is evidence that it has a modest effect on reducing dementia. The B12 and D included in multivitamins can make up for the reduced B12 absorption that is common is older adults and the lack of sunshine-produced Vitamin D that is common in winter.

            Omega-3 is healthy for the circulatory system. The best way to get this is by eating fatty fish 2-3 times a week. If you don’t eat fish, an omega-3 capsule may be useful.

            Even safe and useful products can be harmful in large doses. Vitamin D in excess causes elevated serum calcium, which in turn can cause nausea, constipation, kidney stones and bone pain. While 1 multivitamin daily may be good, 5 or 10 are likely to be bad.

            When you see a product pushed by a celebrity or “influencer,” remember that they are usually either selling the product or being paid to tout its benefits. Keep your money in your pocket.

            Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer