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.
June 11, 1776
Second Continental Congress President John Hancock writes to Gen. George Washington at his headquarters in New York. Hancock writes that he has received yesterday’s letter warning of the dangerous degree of loyalist sentiment in New York. He notes that he has laid Washington’s warnings before Congress.
Hancock notes that Washington’s warnings about New York are to be met with the haste and urgency needed. He immediately sends express orders to the colonies to supply militia.
John Hancock to George Washington
Philadelphia June 11th 1776
Sir,
Your Favour of the 10th Inst. containing the most interesting Intelligence was received this Day, and immediately laid before Congress.
In Order to expedite the March of the Militia destined for New York, I have sent, by Order of Congress, Expresses to the several Colonies that are requested to furnish Troops for that Place. Copies of my Letters on the Occasion, I do myself the Pleasure to enclose to you.
I am in Hopes, the alarming Situation of Affairs will induce the neighbouring Colonies to think of their Danger, and to adopt the only effectual Means of saving themselves from Destruction.
The Congress have this Day ordered Colonels Shee and Magaw with their Battalions to repair immediately to New York, and they are to begin their March tomorrow.
Mr Chace & Mr Carrol arriv’d this Day, by their Accott there has been most shocking mismanagement in that Quarter. I hope our Affairs will soon be upon a more reputable footing. I have the honour to be with Esteem, Sir Your most Obedt Servt
John Hancock Presidt
Please to order the two Letters for the Convention of New York to be Deliver’d
ON THIS DAY: IN NEW YORK, WASHINGTON FACES THE ENEMY WITHIN
At the same time, Congress appoints members to the committee proposed yesterday: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. These men are to draft a Declaration of Independence. The Committee of Five is born.