The following is an installment of “On This Day,” a 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. 22, 1776
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Gen. George Washington is at his desk again. It is there that he organizes the details of the war, piecing them together through the many letters he receives. And it is there that he learns from the New Hampshire General Court that advance wages have been delivered to the men marching for Canada, and notes that Congress will reimburse the colony when future funds arrive.
Just 17 days earlier, the colony of New Hampshire declared independence from British rule when its Provincial Congress adopted the first written colonial constitution. With that move, New Hampshire had established its own form of government months before the Second Continental Congress issued the Declaration of Independence.
From the New Hampshire General Court:
Exeter [N.H.] 22d Jany 1776
Sir
We have just receiv’d your Excellency’s favor of yesterday’s date, for answer to which We beg leave to refer to the Inclos’d Letter, in which it may be observd Our Assembly had taken up the Matter of Advance Wages to the Soldiery destind for Canada in the same Manner as intended by the Massachusets Governmt.
We shall duely note Yr Excelleny’s kind Intention of refunding to this Colony the Money they advance as soon as the General Congress may remit you a sufficient supply; and We shall give the necessary Directions that all Accounts respecting these Matters may be correctly kept & proper Vouchers produc’d for the same. In behalf of the Council and Assembly I am Your Excellency’s most humble Servt
Meshech Weare president of the Council
From Connecticut, Gov. Jonathan Trumbull Sr. sends Washington a report showing mixed success. The good news? Seven hundred and fifty men are ordered to march for the aid of “our Friends in Canada.” The bad news? They are low on heavy artillery. Trumbull does not mince words when he asks for money to move the troops.
From Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.:
Lebanon [Conn.] 22nd January 1776
Sir
Orders were just given for raising a Regiment of 750 men to go for the help of our Friends in Canada, to serve ’till the 1st of November next, and sent an Express to your Excellency; When I received your Letter of the 16th inst. ⅌ Bennet—We then proceeded to make provisions for the four Regiments requested for your Camp.
The 20th at evening your’s of the 19th came to hand2—Whereby the Number is reduced to three, which will be raised with all possible Expedition—But money seems necessary to facilitate their March, wish some provisions could be made for it.
It is with difficulty we can furnish our Men with Arms, and depend that none of them will be detained when the Service of these three Regiments is ended—No Arms can be supplied from this Colony for the Continent. The Old Gun barrels brort from Ty. [Ticonderoga] are retarded for want of Locks, there are very few or None to be purchased—and the Number made here are brort in but Slowly. When your Hurry will permit, please to send me a Return of An Account of the Arms retained from this Colony, their apprizal, and the way to obtain payment, As the Owners complain, for want of them or their Value. I am, with great Esteem and Regard Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servant
ON THIS DAY: WASHINGTON ISSUES AN EDICT TO SECURE ARMS
Jonth. Trumbull
Shortages of munitions, men, and money would plague Washington as the conflict ground on.