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.
April 10, 1776
Gen. George Washington has been on the road since he left his headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts and headed toward New York, almost a week ago. Today, he rides along the Connecticut coast through towns like Lyme, heading towards New Haven, for almost a week now.
Everywhere that the columns of the Continental Army pass, people gather to watch. They understand that this is a moment as farmers, artisans, tradesmen, children, and families gather along the dirt roads at the fence rails to see history happen before their very eyes.
ON THIS DAY: WASHINGTON’S PRESERVED EXPENSE ACCOUNT OFFERS INSIGHTS
Never has there been such a sight as a large American army on the march.
The reception from the towns, people, farmers, laborers, artisans and children is warm. They run out and offer them food and drink and cheer them along the way.