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 7, 1776
Gen. George Washington and his Army continue their march steadily through southern New England. Their presence is a sight to see, as columns of soldiers, with Washington in the lead, stretch for miles along roads soaked with mud from melted snow and spring rains.
Maj. Gen. Philip Schuyler writes from Albany, New York, that the American army in Canada is in danger. They are weak in numbers, in food supply, and in spirit. He urges Washington to send reinforcements without haste.
Major General Philip Schuyler to George Washington
7 April 1776
Albany
My dear General:
The Regiments destined for Canada arrived here very incompleat: Sickness and Desertion have still reduced them much more, so that our Army in Canada will fall greatly short of what was intended: I have therefore applyed to Congress for a Reinforcement (as you will percieve by the inclosed) not knowing that they had requested your Excellency to detach four Regiments, of which I was only informed this Morning by the Gentlemen Commissioners, who then arrived1—May I take the Liberty my dear General to urge the Necessity of their being speedily sent. I believe the Rout by the Way of New York will be as speedy as any, and give more Ease to the Soldiers, as they can be conveyed from thence to this place in Sloops.
General Thomas leaves this to Morrow and I shall accompany him to Tyconderoga. I am my dear General with every Sentiment of Esteem & Affection Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant
Ph: Schuyler
Meanwhile, at Gloucester, Winthrop Sargent reports that Loyalists and British soldiers were taken from a seized vessel. The letter reflects an expanding maritime war. Just days ago, Congress authorized American privateers to attack British ships.
Winthrop Sargent to George Washington, 7 April 1776
From Winthrop Sargent
Glouster [Mass.] Apl 7 1776
Sir
The Bayer [bearer] of this has under his Gard a Number of Prisoners & Toreys tachen by Comodor Manley & Capt. Warters the Prise is sent to Portsmouth I mack Know doubt you have had Acount of before this Reaches your Excellence thar nams you have below thare is two Women & Sum Children Left hear which is not Abel to Travel1 Should be glad your Excellence would Send me Answor to what I Roat you Last about Capt. Watt:s Goods2 and what I am to dow whith the Prisoners for I have Thirtey hear now upon Expences. I Rem[ai]n You[r] Hume Sarv.
ON THIS DAY: WASHINGTON LEAVES CAMBRIDGE FOR NEW YORK
Winthrop Sargent, Agent
P.S. Sence I rote the above Capt. Tucker here Carres the Prisners to Marvelhead ware thay well be sent to head Quartr3 will not Carrey the women & Children for fear of the Small Pox so I am fors to porvide for them hear Should be glad of your Order in Regard to the afore—Yr Hu.
W.S.