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.
March 3, 1776
At dawn, per the orders of Gen. George Washington, the Continental forces began firing diversionary cannonade at British positions in Boston.
Abigail Adams, miles away in Braintree, writes to her husband, John Adams, that the shots woke her that morning.
Washington’s orders are directly to his men. He tells them that action is imminent and to prepare for battle. Washington demands courage and good conduct. Officers are ordered to prevent wasteful long-range firing and to issue stored weapons, including spears, to their men.
With fears mounting that a spy may foil the surprise attack Washington is about to embark on, soldiers are told that they can’t leave a post without written permission.