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 25, 1776
Gen. George Washington leans in hard on Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene to impose order in Boston. Everyone, from wagon masters and carpenters, must obey Greene’s directions. Preventing the spread of smallpox is at the heart of his alarm.
Headquarters, Cambridge, March 25, 1776
Parole Charlestown
“The Waggon Masters and Company of Carpenters in Boston, to receive and obey all such Orders and Directions, as Brigadier General Green shall think proper to give—The Hospital and Regimental surgeons to examine carefully the state of their sick, and whenever they discover the smallest symptom of the small-pox, they are without delay to send the patient to the small-pox Hospital in Cambridge.”
Washington’s confidence is worn, both from maintaining order but also from his troops, who are weeks from their enlistments ending. He warns Joseph Reed that a large number of his soldiers are about to see their enlistments expire. He knows from past experience that once their terms are up, they will flee “like a torrent.”
“From former experience, we have found it equally practicable to stop a torrent, as these people when their time is up; if this should be th⟨e⟩ case now, what more favourable opening can the Enemy wish for to make a rush upon our Lines—nay, upon the back of our Lines at Roxbury, as they can Land two Miles from them and pass behind. I am under more apprehension from them now than ever, and am taking every precaution I can to guard against the evil; but we have a kind of People to deal with who will not fear danger till the Bayonet is at their Breast, and then are susceptible enough of it.
Meanwhile, Timothy Pickering Jr. writes from Massachusetts, pressing Washington to return Salem’s four twelve-pounders — cannons that were once loaned freely but are now urgently needed for coastal defense.
ON THIS DAY: WASHINGTON CUTS OFF SHORE-TO-SHIP INTELLIGENCE
Salem Committee of Safety to George Washington
From the Salem Committee of Safety
Salem, March 25, 1776.
“Sir
Early last summer four pieces of cannon, twelve pounders, were taken from the fort at Salem, & carried to the camp at Cambridge. As they were greatly needed there, and the town, having but a small quantity of amunition, & being at that time unable to obtain any more, had but little use for them, they were delivered without hesitation. But the Comtee of Safety for this town apprehending that those cannon are likely to be much more needed at Salem than where they are now, as they were the best pieces of which we were possessed, and the town is now better supplied with amunition—we are anxious to recover them. Indeed we think them of very great importance to the safety of the town. We therefore pray your Excellency to give the necessary orders for their being returned. When taken away they were without carriages. Mr Jonathan Peele junr of Salem has known the cannon, & supposes he can easily distinguish them from others. He is a member of the committee, and will wait upon you, sir, with this letter. We are, with the greatest respect, your Excellency’s most obedient servants.
By order of the Committee,
Tim. Pickering junr Chairman”