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.
Feb. 16, 1776
At his headquarters in Cambridge, Gen. George Washington convenes a Council of War. His objective is the consideration of an assault on British-held Boston.
It has been nearly one year since militias contained the British to Boston following the battles at Lexington and Concord.
Since then, driving the British out of Boston became a top priority — not only because the city was the ideological heart of the break with the monarchy, but also because it was a vital commercial port.
Two months into the Siege of Boston, in June 1775, the Continental Congress appointed Washington commander in chief of the Continental Army. He set up his headquarters in Cambridge, making Boston his first campaign.
Now, nine months into the siege, about 11,000 British troops still hold the city, and time is running out. Can Washington force them out — despite inexperienced troops, a desperate shortage of gunpowder, and mounting unease within his own ranks?
In his notes for the Council of War, Washington reports that reinforcements from Connecticut and New Hampshire are arriving, but the army remains dangerously low on gunpowder.
Horatio Gates, who was present at the convening, wrote this of his impression of Washington’s council:
“Perhaps a greater Question was never Agitated in a Council of War, than the present; in Countrys where the Seat of War is Frequent, and the War upon Some Subject perhaps uninteresting to those Countrys, the Question would be of no more consequence than whether one of the contending Partys is, or is not to indeavour to Defeat the Other: Our Defeat, may risque the entire loss of the Liberties of America forever, therefore this Council should be as wise in their Determination as they design to be Vigourous in the Execution of whatever measures they Adopt.”
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The generals deem an immediate assault unwise, pointing to too few men, too little firepower, and a well-fortified enemy backed by naval guns. Instead, they agree to prepare for seizing Dorchester Heights — a move that would shift the balance and likely force the British to react.
Time is ticking.