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 30, 1776
Gen. George Washington has been in New York City for less than two weeks. But he finds himself in a constant state of urgency. Washington is contending with organizing and professionalizing his army, maintaining food, clothing, and ammunition supplies, and the constant stress of being surrounded by an unseen enemy.
In April of 1776, King George’s friends in New York are numerous. Worse yet, the pending arrival of the enemy by sea bears down on him. The British can appear at any moment, and Washington’s coastal defenses are woefully incomplete.
At the same time, managing the northern campaign drains strength, treasure, and manpower from the city.
Nonetheless, Washington directs men bound for Canada to assemble tomorrow morning to receive their orders. He forbids those departing soldiers from carrying off goods. The army, he sternly warns, must not behave like plunderers.
General Orders
Head Quarters, New York, April 30th 1776.
Parole Sawbridge.
Countersign Oliver.
All Officers, non-Commission’d Officers, and Soldiers, belonging to any of the Regiments, now in, or going to Canada, to parade to morrow Morning at nine o’Clock in the Street opposite to Genl Sullivan’s quarters, near the Bowling-Green, to receive his orders.
All Officers, non-commissioned Officers, and Soldiers, are strictly commanded, upon no pretence whatever, to carry any thing out of their Barracks, or the Houses they at present occupy, that belongs to such Barracks, or Houses; neither are they to injure the Buildings within, or without—All Damages wantonly done to the Houses, where the Troops are quartered, to be paid for by the Troops, quarter’d in them. The Commanding Officers of Companies, to deliver to Col. Brewer, Barrack Master, a List of the Names of those quartered in each house; His own Name at the head of the List, and the Regiment to which he belongs—Immediately upon the Troops encamping, the Qr Mr General, and Barrack Master, to examine the Condition the Houses are left in, and secure them in the best manner; and make their report to the General.
Genl Green’s Brigade to encamp to morrow Morning at Ten O’Clock upon the Ground mark’d out upon Long-Island.
ON THIS DAY: GEORGE WASHINGTON IS FEARFUL OF TRAITORS
Washington writes to John Hancock, the president of the Second Continental Congress, on the issue of Rhode Island:
George Washington to John Hancock, 30 April 1776
To John Hancock
New York, April 30. 1776.
Sir
I mean thro you Sir to do myself the Honor of laying before Congress, a Copy of an Address transmitted them some time agoe by the Assembly of Rhode Island, which Governor Cooke favoured me with in the month of January, at the same time requesting me to Interest myself in procuring a body of forces on the Continental establishment for the defence of that Colony. I doubt not but the Address & Subject of It, have had the Attention and consideration of Congress before now, but If they have not decided upon the matter, I wou’d beg leave to mention that I have made enquiry into the situation & condition of this Colony and find It to be, as Stated in the address, and with all deference to the opinion of Congress, conceive It highly necessary and expedient that they shou’d adopt some measures for relieving their distress and granting the aid prayed for. The importanc⟨e⟩ of It in the Chain of union, Its extensive Sea Coast affording Harbours for our Shipping & Vessels, at the same time exposing & Subjecting the Inhabitants to the ravages & depredations of our Enemies; the zeal & attachment which It has shewn & which still actuates It toward the Common cause, the incapacity to pay a sufficient number of men for Its defence, shou’d they be able to furnish ’em after so many engaged in other Services, these and many other reasons, which are too obvious to be mentioned, plead powerfully for the notice and attention of Congress & seem to me to claim their Support. Having thus stated the matter to Congress for their consideration agreable to my promise to Governor Cooke when I had the honor of seeing him in my way here, I shall leave It with them, not doubting but they will duly weigh Its importance & give such assistance as they may think reasonable & Just; what they chiefly wish for is, that the Troops they have raised may be taken into Continental pay & a Commanding Officer to be appointed by Congress. I have the honor to be with much regard Sir Yr Most H. Servt
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