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 8, 1776
Gen. George Washington arrives in Norwich, Connecticut, while on his way south to New York. Washington meets with Connecticut Gov. Jonathan Trumbull Sr., a trusted and important ally of both Washington and the American cause.
Gurdon Saltonstall, the New London patriot leader, writes to Washington reporting that Continental Commodore Esek Hopkins has just arrived in New London Harbor with his fleet and captured prizes.
Saltonstall even notes the time in his letter:
Gurdon Saltonstall to George Washington, 8 April 1776
From Gurdon Saltonstall
N. London [Conn.] April 8th 1776
P.M. 2 Clock.
May it please Your Excelencey
Comodore Hopkins with the Fleet & Prizes, came this morning into this Harbour, and waiting on him, aboard the Alfred, he desired me to write Your Excelencey, & ask the favour that he might enlist out of Your Troops, 150 or 200 Seamen, and if not that number of Seamen to be had, compleat the number with Landmen, To Man The Fleet; as he is badly Manned, and more then 50 Invalids. As to the Number of Ships in the Fleet, & Prises, & the late Engagement, I must beg leave to refer Your Excellencey to the bearer Mr James Rice, who has been on board the Comodore & can Viva Voce, give you a fuller Accot than I can now write.2
The Comodore has brought his Excellencey Montford Browne Esqr. Govr of New Providence, Thomas Erwin Esqr. a Gentleman of the Council for South Carolina, & Receiver of the Kings quit Rents—Bavage Esqr. Secretary of New Providence & ½ pay Officer, who are on their Parole of Honour on Shore—& about 70 Prisoners.3 I am Yr Excellenceys Most Obedt & Most Hume Servt
ON THIS DAY: GEORGE WASHINGTON IS ON THE MOVE IN SOUTHERN NEW YORK
G. Saltonstall
Commodore Hopkins urgently requests 200 seamen or soldiers from the army to help man his ships.