Gen. George Washington remains in Philadelphia to continue his meetings with the Second Continental Congress. Their focus is on defending New York City and assisting with the struggling situation in Canada.
Washington witnesses an emerging development in Congress as Virginia delegates, acting under instructions from the Virginia Convention, present resolutions calling for independence from England. This is the boldest step so far.
Meanwhile, in Boston, weeks after the British siege of the city’s harbor ended, Maj. Gen. Artemas Ward sends Washington details of an incident in the harbor: a skirmish between a small American schooner with only seven men on board and a much larger British force, which repeatedly beat back boarding attempts.
Major General Artemas Ward to George Washington, 27 May 1776
Sir
I am to inform your Excellency that Mr Bartlett the Agent at Beverly has purchased the Brigantine Hannah for the Continent, at five hundred and twenty pounds. Captain Bradford of Boston having represented to me that he had an order from Robert Morris Esqr. Member of Congress, one of the Marine Committee, to provide a good sailing Vessel for Continental Service and that the Brigantine would answer the purpose, I have directed Mr Bartlett to let Capt. Bradford have the Brigantine to fit her for the use of the Continent, as Mr Morris writes that a Vessel is wanted to go a voyage upon particular business immediately.
ON THIS DAY: BAD NEWS FROM CANADA CONTINUES TO PLAGUE GEORGE WASHINGTON
In the late account I transmitted respecting the attempt the Pirates made upon the two armed Schooners in this Harbour,2 I mentioned that Major Frazers Schooner cut her cable and came up; since I have learnt more particulars I think it appears that the little Schooner was bravely defended. The Franklin had twenty one men Officers included; the Lady Washington had seven, Captain Cunningham Commander, she was attacked by five Boats which were supposed to contain near or quite an hundred men, but after repeated efforts to board her they were beaten off by the intrepidity and exertions of the little Company who gloriously defended the Lady against the brutal Ravishers of Liberty. I am Your Excellency’s Obedient Humble Servant
Artemas Ward