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 21, 1776
Gen. George Washington is in a city on the brink. Half of New York’s population remains staunchly loyal to the Crown while the other half is supportive to the cause. The threat of being charged with treason and enduring the loss of property and treasure remains an ever present undercurrent in their lives.
Uncertainty is palpable.
This is the fourth time that Washington has found himself in New York. Exactly 20 years earlier, he came through here on his way to Boston to discuss with Gov. William Shirley of Massachusetts his commission in the British army and the coming war with France.
He was known in this city before even arriving in 1756 for two things: First, the journal of his mission to the French in Erie, Pennsylvania, at Fort LaBeouf on behalf of the Virginia governor, which was published in 1754, and second, his role during Braddock’s retreat the following year at the Battle of the Monongahela.
He was regaled as a military hero and attended a number of balls and the theater.
In 1773, he returned with his stepson, John Parke Custis, to attend King’s College.
On this day, while the British warships are withdrawn, the threat is imminent as the former royal governor of New York, William Tyron, is openly directing loyalist activity from offshore of the city.
ON THIS DAY: THE LACK OF SUPPLIES IN NEW YORK HAS BECOME CRITICAL
The Continental Army fills the streets. But it is a rambunctious, undisciplined, and raw set of soldiers who are intuitively tribal, divided by their regions, and hardly fit for duty. At least in Washington’s eyes.
The city is in chaos and in no way close to being stabilized.
From Norwich, Henry Knox, the chief of artillery of the Continental Army, reports delays in moving cannon to New York.