The following is an installment of “On This Day,” a new series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by following the actions of Gen. George Washington, the Continental Congress, and the men and women whose bravery and sacrifice led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Jan. 20, 1776
Cambridge, Massachusetts
At his headquarters in Cambridge, Gen. George Washington begins drafting a set of detailed instructions calling for Captain Charles Dyar to send the schooner Harrison to prowl the sea around Boston. The objectives were bold: seize supply ships, gather enemy intelligence from letters and papers, treat prisoners humanely, and perhaps, most importantly, waste no powder.
Washington had chartered the Harrison around December 1775. It was an early part of his makeshift fleet during the Siege of Boston. Despite its humble origins, the schooner would successfully capture British supply ships before being decommissioned several months into 1776.
Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, John Hancock, the president of the Second Continental Congress, writes urgently to Washington that Congress is reeling over the losses in Quebec. But Hancock says they are still determined to reinforce the northern army.
From John Hancock
Philadelphia January 20th 1776
Sir
In my former letter I mentioned the disagreeable news we received from Canada. The Congress have taken that matter under consideration and having examined Mr Antil and duly deliberated on the situation of our affairs in that quarter they have come to sundry resolutions which I have the honor to enclose.
I would just observe that by Mr Antil’s examination it appears our loss is greater than what is set forth in the dispatches he brought, a copy of which was transmitted to you. Almost the whole of general Arnold’s gallant detachment are taken prisoners having after four hours resistance been obliged to surrender at discretion. However we have the satisfaction to hear that the prisoners are treated with humanity.
The Congress are anxious as well from motives of policy as of justice and humanity to repair our losses in that quarter and if possible to gain possession of Quebec and drive our enemies out of that Country before they can be reinforced in the spring.
An active able general is wanted to take the command there and if such a one can be spared from the service at Cambridge it is their desire you should send one.
The batallion from Pennsylvania and that from New Jersey will set forward the beginning of next week.
As it is of great importance as well for the security and relief of our Friends as for confirming the wavering that speedy succours should arrive, I am directed to request you to detach from the Camp at Cambridge one batallion if the service there will permit you to spare one with orders to march with the greatest expedition possible to Canada.
If this cannot be done you will at least use your utmost endeavours in stimulating the governor of Connecticut and the convention of New Hampshire to whom I write by this oppertunity to forward with the utmost dispatch the very first that can be raised in those colonies. You can easily conceive what effect the arrival of even one company will have on the minds of our Friends especially when they shall be satisfied that they will soon be followed by more.
The Colony of South Carolina has been so fortunate as to oblige Lord W. Campbell with the armed Vessel to quit their harbour. Being earnestly desirous of providing for their defence they have resolved to fit out some armed vessels, but not having seamen among themselves they have despatched Capn Cochran to the Northward to enlist a number of seamen for the service of that Colony.
Lest the offers he was empowered to make might prejudice the service the Congress have chalked out a plan for him to go by, as you will see in the enclosed extracts and I am directed to desire you will please to forward this service.
Yesterday doctor Smith who made his escape from Frederic was brought to this town, He was taken at the little meadows on his way to Detroit & had with him letters from Conolly to the commanding officer there.
I hinted to you in my former letter that the Congress were taking measures for the defence of the middle and southern Colonies. For this purpose over and above those destined for Canada they have ordered four batallions to be raised in New York, two in New Jersey, four in Pennsylvania one in the counties on Delaware, six in Virginia, three in North Carolina, three in south Carolina and one in Georgia each to consist of 728 men including officers making in the whole with those for Canada 34 batallions.
ON THIS DAY: JEFFERSON REACTS TO THE KING’S SPEECH
I have the honour to be with the greatest Respect, Sir
Your most Obedt hume servt
John Hancock President