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.
June 1, 1776
After much deliberation, including a week of persuasion and stark reports on army needs from Gen. George Washington, the Second Continental Congress finally decides to send thousands of militia reinforcements from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and New York to Canada.
Maj. Gen. Lord Stirling writes to Washington in Philadelphia from the Hudson Heights. Stirling has inspected Fort Montgomery and Fort Constitution and warns Washington that they are undermanned, chaotic, and vulnerable.
ON THIS DAY: THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS CALLS FOR A 10,000-MAN STRATEGIC RESERVE TO PROTECT THE MIDDLE COLONIES
