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.Gen. George Washington is keenly aware that an attack in New York by the British is only a matter of time. Washington orders defensive works to be built all around the city. The work is hard and labor-intensive, yet it is imperative that it be done.
Washington directs 900 men to parade the following morning at 6 a.m. and to labor for the next 12 hours.“On the present emergency, all working parties to work ’till Six o’Clock in the afternoon,” he writes in his general orders.General Orders, 19 June 1776Head Quarters, New York, June 19th 1776.Parole London.Countersign Montgomery.A working party consisting of nine hundred men properly officered to parade to morrow morning at Six O’Clock near the Artillery park—Those of Bailey’s and Read’s Regiments to go to Powle’s-hook—Wyllys’s to Governor’s Island—All of the other Regiments to parade at the Laboratory, and there receive orders from the Chief Engineer.The whole of the above men to be furnished with one days provision, except Parsons’s and Arnold’s, who will return to their respective encampments to dinner.Brigadier General Greene and Col. Prescott, will furnish, one hundred and fifty men each, as a working party on Governor’s Island.On the present emergency, all working parties to work ’till Six o’Clock in the afternoon, except such as go by water, who will be allowed to leave work sooner, if the Wind and Tide make it necessary.In Philadelphia, the president of the Second Continental Congress,John Hancock, writes that he has urged New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut to authorize Washington to call out militia as necessary, thereby giving Washington the expansion of power to respond quickly if the British attack.John Hancock to George WashingtonPhiladelphia June 19th 1776.Sir,Since my Letter on the 18th Inst. I have Nothing further in Charge from Congress that particularly relates to yourself, or the Army immediately under your Command.I have wrote to the Conventions of the Jerseys and New York, and to the Assembly of Connecticut on the Subject of the Resolve, Inclos’d in my last and have pressed them to a Compliance with the Request therein contained.Mr Bedford who is appointed Muster Master General, I have directed to repair to Head Quarters immediately, and have delivered him his Commission. You will please to appoint a Deputy Muster Master General for the Department of Canada.I do myself the Honour of writing to Govr Trumbull by this Conveyance, and transmitting a Copy of sundry Resolves respecting his Government. I also forward him blank Commissions.ON THIS DAY: EFFORTS IN CANADA ARE COLLAPSINGYour several Favours to the 17th Inst. have been duely received, and are at this Time before Congress. As soon as I have it in my Power, I shall, with particular Pleasure, transmit the Result.The Carpenters mentioned in the Resolve of the 17th I shall send to Genl Schuyler directly from this City. I have the Honour to be Sir your most obedt & very hble ServtJohn Hancock Presidt
