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.
May 17-18, 1776
At his headquarters in New York, Gen. George Washington sends an urgent note to Second Continental Congress President John Hancock. Washington has received intelligence from the battlefield in Canada indicating that the situation is dire.
Washington grimly writes that American efforts are unraveling. Washington calls the entire operation “a melancholy prospect.”
He warns Hancock that sending more troops and supplies to Canada would only weaken efforts needed in New York.
To John Hancock
New York May 17 1776
Sir
I this moment received by Express from Genl Schuyler an account of the melancholy prospect and reverse of our affairs in Canada:1 and presuming that the Letters which accompany this, will give Congress full information upon that Subject, I shall only add, that Genl Schuyler in pursuance of Orders from the Honble Commission[e]rs has directed Brigr Genl Sullivan to Halt his Brigade, as a further reinforcement on account of the Scarcity of provisions wou’d not releive, but contribute greatly to distress our Troops already in Canada. Before he received these Orders, all the Brigade except Dayton & Wain’s Regiments, had left Albany, but I suppose he will be able to stop their march.
By my Letter of the 15th, Congress will perceive the Quantity of pork already gone from hence, and the Commissary has assured me, that he will forward a further supply as soon as It can be possibly collected—I had also directed Five Tons of Lead to be sent Genel Schuyler for the Canada expedition before I received this unfortunate account,2 which was as much as could be spared for the present, our Stock being inconsiderable in proportion to the demand we may reasonably expect for It, and shall do every thing in my power to releive our Affairs from their present distressed & melancholy situation in that Quarter which occur to me and appear necessary.
I am also to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 10 & 13 Instant with their several Inclosures—the money accompanying the Latter came to the paymaster’s Hands safe. I have the Honor to be with Sentiments of the greatest regard Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt
Go: Washington
On May 18, 1776, Washington issues his General Orders of the day, stressing that merit–not mere succession–must guide army promotions, reflecting Congress’s authority to reward “persons of merit” and to encourage “the brave and active.”
ON THIS DAY: THE AMERICAN DEFENSE IS STRETCHED THIN
[The General] has it now in command from Congress, to signify to the Army, that no promotion upon vacancies, shall take place merely by succession, without their authority, inasmuch as they have reserved, and will exercise the power; of giving Commissions to persons of merit, regardless of any claim by succession.
Washington’s emphasis on merit lingers from his own disillusionment with the British Army. During the French and Indian War, Washington had repeatedly been denied a royal commission despite the merits of his leadership. Colonial soldiers were frequently accorded a lower status, with the British military establishment viewing the provincials as inferior.