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 17, 1776
Gen. George Washington confronts a dangerous problem in New York: the people who live there still trade and correspond with British warships in the harbor.
He writes to the New York Committee of Safety, which is robustly supplying and communicating with the enemy. Washington warns them that this trade dangerously strengthens British forces and exposes American plans, leaving them deeply vulnerable.
Martha Washington has finally arrived in New York.
ON THIS DAY: BRITISH INVASION IS IMMINENT IN NEW YORK
The couple takes up residence at the Abraham Mortier house, a country home that overlooks the Hudson River north of the city.