On this day 250 years ago Isaiah Thomas, publisher of the Massachusetts Spy, smuggled his printing press out of Boston with the assistance of Timothy Bigelow and Joseph Warren. Thomas removed his press and paper to Bigelow’s home in the Patriot stronghold of Worcester were it would be safe from seizure by the British Army. The Massachusetts Spy resumed publishing in Worcester in early May, and from there it would remain a leading Patriot newspaper throughout the Revolutionary War.
Also on this day 250 years ago in Boston, Joseph Warren dispatched Paul Revere to ride to Lexington to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams that the British were planning to send troops to raid Concord. Revere then rode to Cambridge and Charlestown to meet with the committees in those towns to work out a plan to provide warnings when the British began their raid. They agreed that Revere and other express riders would leave Boston through Boston Neck and by rowing across Back Bay to carry the warnings to Lexington and Concord, but in case they were unable to get through, Revere would hang lanterns in the steeple of the North Church to signal whether the British were moving by land (one lantern) or by sea (two lanterns).
After learning of Revere’s warnings of the planned raid by the British Army, the Patriots in Worcester that night moved the military supplies stored in their town to hidden locations.
And this week in 2025, the National Park Service, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the towns of Lexington and Concord and many Revolutionary heritage organizations have events planned to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The events will be ongoing for several days and you can find links to some of the events here:
On this day 250 years ago in Penobscot Bay, then in Massachusetts but now Maine, the armed 120-ton 6-gun topsail schooner HMS Diana with thirty men, and the schooner HMS Neptune with a contingent of the 64th Regiment of Foot, anchored off Fort Pownall. Lt. Thomas Graves, nephew to Vice Adm. Samuel Graves, commanded the British expedition and rowed ashore to present a letter from General Gage to the Massachusetts militia colonel commanding the fort. Gage had ordered the Massachusetts militia to turn over all cannon and ammunition in the fort to Lt. Graves. The militia colonel had only seven men under his command within the fort and recognized that he was badly outnumbered by the British, so he chose not to put up a fight. The British seized eight 6-pound cannon, six cohorns, and two small mortars with their carriages, beds, and other equipment, 308 6-pound shot, 176 4-pound shot, six rammers with sponges, seven worms, seven ladles, thirteen boxes of grape shot, fifteen boxes of canister shot, five boxes of charged cohorn shells, and forty-five small arms from Fort Pownal, loaded them on the schooners and sailed back to Boston.
On this day 250 years ago in Cambridge, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress adopted a resolution declaring May 11, 1775 as a day of prayer for
the union of the American colonies in defence of their rights, for which, hitherto, we desire to thank Almighty God, may be preserved and confirmed ; that the Provincial, and especially the Continental Congress, may be directed to such measures as God will countenance : that the people of Great Britain and their rulers may have their eyes open to discern the things that shall make for the peace of the nation and all its connections : and that America may soon behold a gracious interposition of Heaven, for the redress of her many grievances, the restoration of all her invaded liberties, and their security to the latest generations.
The Provincial Congress then adjourned to reconvene on May 10 but made arrangements to call a special session in the event that “important unforeseen events may take place, from whence it may be absolutely necessary that this Congress should meet sooner than the day abovesaid, notwithstanding the adjournment.” Most of the members returned home, but John Hancock and Samuel Adams do not return to Boston, and instead go to the home of Hancock’s relative in Lexington.
On this day in Boston 250 years ago, General Gage ordered 700 light infantrymen and grenadiers from the elite flank companies to prepare for a mission. Although Gage did not alert anyone as to their destination, all the soldiers, and all the people of Boston surmised they would be marching to Concord.
And on this day in London, Lord Dartmouth wrote orders to General Gage
that all cannon, small arms, and other military stores of every kind, that may be either in any magazine, or secreted for the purpose of aiding the rebellion, should also be seized and secreted; and that the persons of such as, according to the opinion of His Majesty’ s Attorney and Solicitor General, have committed themselves in acts of treason and rebellion, should be arrested and imprisoned.
On this day 250 years ago in Boston, Massachusetts Governor Gage wrote to Governor Josiah Martin of North Carolina that
This Province has some time been, and now is, in the new-fangled Legislature, termed a Provincial Congress, who seem to have taken the Government into their hands.
On that day in Groton, Massachusetts, the Groton Committee of Inspection published a notice as instructed by the Town Meeting a week earlier. The notice identified the Loyalists in the town who had declined to sign a covenant pledging to honor the Continental Association and read:
In compliance with said vote, we hereby notify the public that said Association paper was offered to the Reverend Samuel Dana, Joseph Sheple, Jonas Cutler, and Joseph Chase, who did refuse to sign the same, and it is expected that all those who have signed said Association will remember their covenant.
And on that day in Concord the Massachusetts Provincial Congress passed a resolution that was then posted as a broadside signed with the unmistakeable signature of Congress President John Hancock. The resolution and broadside declared
WHEREAS the Preservation of our Country from Slavery, depends under God, on an effectual Execution of the Continental and Provincial Measures for that Purpose:
RESOLVED, That there be now appointed for each County in this Colony, a Committee consisting of Five Persons, any Three of whom to be a Quorum, whose Business it shall be, to receive from the Committees of Correspondence in their respective Counties, a State of the Conduct of the Towns and Districts, with Respect to their having executed the Continental and Provincial Plans as aforesaid
. . .
And whereas some Towns and Districts in the Colony, may be destitute of so excellent an Institution as Committees of Correspondence :
RESOLVED, That it be, and it hereby is strongly recommended to such Towns and Districts, forthwith to choose them, and to afford them Assistance at all Times, in effectually suppressing the Efforts of the Enemies of America, whenever they shall make them.
These committees were sometimes styled as the “Committee of Safety” and are usually referred to by that name in histories today. The Committee of Safety would serve as the local governing body of each town and county in Massachusetts and the other colonies in the opening years of the Revolutionary War.
On this day 250 years ago in New Bern, North Carolina, the Provincial Assembly, which Governor Josiah Martin had declared “the only lawful Representatives of the people of” North Carolina, merges with the Provincial Congress, which Martin had deemed “highly offensive to the King and dishonorable.” The merger made sense to the members of the North Carolina Assembly and the Congress, if not to Governor Martin, since their membership largely overlapped and both bodies had elected the same man — John Harvey — to lead them.
Norton at pp. 327-29.
On that day in Concord, Massachusetts, the Second Provincial Congress adopts “articles, rules, and regulations for the army, that may be raised for the defence and security of our lives, liberties, and estates.” The 52 Articles adopted by the Massachusetts Congress were based on the 1765 British Articles of War.
On the same day in Boston, General Gage requested that Admiral Graves of the Royal Navy prepare ships to ferry soldiers across the Back Bay to Cambridge.
And 250 years ago at Mount Vernon, Virginia, George Washington writes to his old friend and comrade George Mercer, then in London, that
A great number of very good companies were raised in many Counties in this Colony, before it was recommended to them by the Convention, & are now in excellent training; the people being resolved, altho’ they wish for nothing, more ardently, than a happy & lasting reconciliation with the parent State, not to purchase it at the expence of their liberty, & the sacred compacts of Government.
Washington’s letter to Mercer mostly deals with properties that Washington had purchased from Mercer including 1200 acres on Four Mile Run in present-day Arlington that George Mercer had jointly owned with his brother James Mercer. The purchase was very complicated for many reasons including that the brothers were estranged — perhaps because James was an ardent Patriot and George was a Loyalist. James Mercer would go on to serve on the Virginia Committee of Safety, as a delegate to the Continental Congress and as Judge on the Virginia Court of Appeals, throughout the Revolution. George Mercer, on the other hand, would remain in London and never return to Virginia.
Washington’s correspondence indicates, however, that the falling out between the brothers was more personal than political. In the same letter to George Mercer, Washington writes
I could wish most sincerely that the unhappy jealousies which seem to prevail between you, were removed, & the confidence which I believe both of you are entitled to, restored. You do not, if I may be allowed to give my opinion, make proper allowances for the situation of each other. The great distance you are apart—miscarriage of Letters, & various other incidental causes have, I dare say, lead each of you into conjectural mistakes which might be explained at a personal interview, but scarce possible in an epistolary way, after the mind is corroded with unfavourable suspicions.
On the same day Washington writes to a lawyer representing another party in the complicated land transactions:
It gives me much pain to find two Gentln, brothers, who individually stand high in the esteem of their Countrymen, imbibing unfavourable impressions, and, to their joint Friends, mu[tu]ally arraigning the conduct of each other, when I am satisfied that both think themselves right, and that neither hath made proper allowance for the situation of the other. . . . the uneasiness I feel at seeing two Brothers, accustomed to live in perfect amity, now bickering, & accusing each other of hardships occasioned by the other, led me into this digression, for which I ask your pardon.
“From George Washington to George Mercer, 5 April 1775,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-10-02-0251. [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Colonial Series, vol. 10, 21 March 1774 – 15 June 1775, ed. W. W. Abbot and Dorothy Twohig. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1995, pp. 326–328.]; “From George Washington to Edward Montagu, 5 April 1775,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-10-02-0252. [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Colonial Series, vol. 10, 21 March 1774 – 15 June 1775, ed. W. W. Abbot and Dorothy Twohig. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1995, pp. 328–330.]
At any event, because of the falling out between the Mercer brothers, whether it was tied to their views on the Revolution or only personal, George Washington acquired a large tract of land in present-day Arlington. Every year I lead a tour of George Washington’s property in Arlington for the Arlington Historical Society, and this year it will be on May 10, 2025.
On this day 250 years ago in New Bern, North Carolina, the Province of North Carolina General Assembly is convened by Royal Governor Josiah Martin. Although the General Assembly was the official body recognized by the British Government, it proved to be no more cooperative with Governor Martin than the outlawed Provincial Congress. That was not surprising in that 61 members of the General Assembly were also members of the Provincial Congress. Moderator John Harvey of the Provincial Congress was also Speaker of the House of Burgesses and the Patriots were the overwhelming majority of both bodies.
Also on that day in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Mercy Otis Warren writes to John Adams about “the present dark and Gloomy aspect of public affairs.” She asked:
Is there no hope that the Dread Calamity of Civil Convulsions may yet be Averted, or must the Blood of the Best Citizens be poured out to Glut the Vengeance of the most Worthless and Wicked men Ever Nursed in the Lap of America.
And wishes him success in the coming Continental Congress:
I do not Expect the pleasure of seeing you (if we both Live through the Approaching storm) till your Return from the Assembly of the states (Ere which perhaps the Fate of Nations may be Decided and A Mighty Empire trembling to the Centrer) but my Every Wish for your Honour safety and Happiness will Attend you. And may you and your Associates be Directed to those steps which will Redound to the Glory of America, the Welfare of Britain and the promotion of that Equal Liberty which is the Birthright of Man and the only Basis on which Civil society Can Enjoy any durable Tranquility.
“To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 4 April 1775,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/06-02-02-0087. [Original source: The Adams Papers, Papers of John Adams, vol. 2, December 1773 – April 1775, ed. Robert J. Taylor. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1977, pp. 413–414.]
In the early morning hours before daylight on this day 250 years ago on Silver Creek in Kentucky, a party of Native Americans attack the encampment of Daniel Boone’s trailblazing party while they were constructing the Boone Trace. Captain William Twitty (sometimes spelled Twetty) was mortally wounded, and his slave, Sam, was killed instantly. Felix Walker was severely wounded but eventually survived. The Native Americans captured a couple of horses and then disappeared into the night.
Boone and other members of the party were not injured in the assault but the injuries to Twitty and Walker were so severe that they could not be moved safely. Boone’s company built a log shelter as a protective defensive position for the entire party while Twitty and Walker recovered. Within a few days Twitty died and was buried with Sam at the site. The wooden structure became known as “Twitty’s Fort” or “The Little Fort” and was occupied for many years afterwards as the first white settlement in Kentucky.
And on this day 250 years ago in Richmond, the Virginia Convention resolved to close the official courts authorized by the British government and that
the lawyers, suitors, and witnesses, ought not to attend the prosecution or defence of civil suits at the next General Court; and it is recommended to the several courts of justice not to proceed to the hearing or determination of suits on their dockets . . . . And during this suspention of the administration of justice, it is earnestly recommended to the people to observe a peaceable and orderly behaviour, to all creditors to be as indulgent to their debtors as may be, and to all debtors to pay as far as they are able; and where differences may arise which cannot be adjusted between the parties, that they refer the decision thereof to judicious neighbours, and abide by their determination.
The Virginia Convention also adopted a resolution organizing the Militia drafted by a committee that included Thomas Jefferson and George Washington:
that it be recommended to the inhabitants of the several counties of this colony that they form one or more Voluntier companies of infantry and troops of horse in each county and be in constant training and readiness to act on any emergency.
. . .
That each company of infantry consist of sixty eight rank and file to be commanded by one captain, two lieutenants, one ensign, four serjeants, four corporals and that they have a drummer and be furnished with a drum and colors: that every man be provided with a good Rifle if to be had, or otherwise with a common firelock, bayonet and cartouch box; and also with a tomahawk, one pound of gunpowder, and four pounds of ball at least fitted to the bore of his gun; that he be cloathed in a hunting shirt by way of uniform; and that all endeavor as soon as possible to become acquainted with the military exercise for infantry appointed to be used by his majesty in the year 1764.
That each troop of horse consist of thirty exclusive of officers: that every horseman be provided with a good horse, bridle, saddle with pistols and Holsters, a carbine or other short firelock with a bucket, a cutting Sword or tomahawk, one pound of gunpowder and four pound of ball at the least, and use the utmost diligence in training and accustoming his horse to stand the discharge of firearms, and in making himself acquainted with the military exercise for Cavalry.
That in order to make a further and more ample provision of ammunition it be recommended to the Committees of the several counties that they collect from their constituents in such manner as shall be most agreeable to them, so much money as will be sufficient to purchase half a pound of gun-powder, one pound of lead, necessary flints and cartridge paper for every titheable person in their county, that they immediately take effectual measures for the procuring such gunpowder, lead, flints and cartridge paper, and dispose thereof when procured in such place or places of safety as they may think best. And it is earnestly recommended to each individual to pay such proportion of the money necessary for these purposes as by the respective committees shall be judged requisite.
And on this day in New York City, in contrast to the preparations for War by the Virginia Convention, the General Assembly of the Colony of New York adopted a “humble petition” that asked the King to hear their “Prayer of your faithful Subjects, and while we are pleading our own Cause, and the Course of Liberty and Humanity, deign to consider us as Advocates for our Sister Colonies also.” The petition then politely asked the King to repeal each of the Intolerable Acts.
On this day 250 years ago at the Second Virginia Convention in Richmond, Patrick Henry introduced three resolutions modeled after the Fairfax Committee’s resolution to form an independent company of militia.
The first resolution stated:
that a well regulated Militia composed of Gentlemen and Yeomen is the natural Strength and only Security of a free Government: that such a Militia in this Colony would forever render it unnecessary for the Mother Country to keep among us for the purpose of our Defense any standing Army of mercenary Forces, always subversive of the Quiet, and dangerous to the Liberties of the People; and would obviate the Pretext of taxing us for their Support.
His second stated:
that the Establishment of such a Militia is at this Time peculiarly necessary by the State of our Laws for the protection and Defence of the Country, some of which are already expired and others will shortly do so; and that the known Remissness of Government in calling us together in a Legislative Capacity renders it too insecure in this time of Danger and Distress to rely; that Opportunity will be given of renewing them in General Assembly, or making any provision to secure our inestimable Rights & Liberties from those further Violations with which they are threatened.
The third resolution stated:
Resolved therefore that his Colony be immediately put into a posture of Defence [and that a Committee be appointed] to prepare a Plan for embodying, arming, and disciplining such a Number of Men as may be sufficient for that purpose.
Richard Henry Lee seconded Henry’s resolutions. Several delegates to the Convention rose to speak against Henry’s third resolution arguing that it was a “prophesy of war” and “would place Virginia in the false position of appearing not to resist armed conflict but to invite it.” In response to these arguments Patrick Henry delivered his most famous speech, which was recorded years later as follows:
No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely, and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfil the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offence, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves, and the House? Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these war-like preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask, gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done, to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne. In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free² if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained, we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!
They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Following Patrick Henry’s speech, the Virginia Convention voted 65 to 60 to adopt Henry’s resolutions forming a militia in Virginia independent of Royal authority.
Today, March 23, 2025, VA250 will have a live reenactment of Patrick Henry’s speech at St. John’s Church in Richmond that will be livestreamed here https://va250.org/patrick-henrys-speech/
On this day 250 years ago in Boston, John Andrews wrote to his brother-in-law in Philadelphia reports of British soldiers harassing citizens of Boston:
An officer, with men from the 4th Regiment in Barracks at West Boston, erected a couple of tents just at the back of Howard’s meeting and conducted a parcell of fifes and drums there, which play’d and beat Yanky Doodle the whole forenoon service time, to the great interruption of the congregation. They intended to repeat the same in the afternoon, but were prevented by orders from the General. The officers in general behave more like a parcell of children, of late, than men. Captain [*] of the Royal Irish first expos’d himself by behaving in a very scandalous manner at the South meeting, while Doctor Warren was delivering the oration in commemoration of the Massacre. He got pretty decently frighted for it. A woman, among the rest, attack’d him and threatened to wring his nose. Last Wensday, the day the oration was publish’d, a vast number of Officers assembled in King street, when they proceeded to the choice of a moderator and seven out of their number to represent the select men, the latter of whom with the moderator went into the Coffee house balcony, where was provided a fellow apparrell’d in a black gown with a rusty grey wigg and fox tail hanging to it, together with bands on — who deliver’d an oration from the balcony to a crowd of few else beside gaping officers. It contain’d the most scurrilous abuse upon the characters of the principal patriots here, wholly made up of the most vile, profane, blackguard language as ever was express’d. . . .
The same evening eight or nine officers paraded the street and abus’d every person they met. but finally met with their matches and were all made to lay level with the ground — and yesterday four Sergeants and as many men were sent to insult John Hancock, under pretence of seeing if his stables would do for barracks.
I wish Andrews had written more details about the patriotic woman of Boston who attacked the Captain of the Royal Irish Regiment “and threatened to wring his nose.” But he did include an interesting report on the collection of arms by the Massachusetts Provincial Congress and an attempt to smuggle ammunition out of Boston to the Patriots.
Our provincial congress is to meet next month at Concord, when, I am told, there is to he an army of observation incamp’d, consisting of twenty thousand men. Am also inform’d that the congress have expended near a million in our Old tenor for amunition and provisions. This I know, that they have had upwards of fifty ton of shot, shell, &ca., cast, besides an innumerable number of Musket halls. Have seen twenty load cover’d with dung to go out of town myself, but lately all carts have been search’d by the Guards, and unluckily last Saturday evening a load of cartridges were seiz’d pack’d in candle boxes, consisting of 13500 besides 1 boxes balls. The countryman struggled hard before he would deliver ’em, and received two or three bad wounds.
On that same day, British Lieutenant Frederick Mackenzie recorded in his diary a slightly different report of the same or perhaps a different attempt by a “countryman” to smuggle ammunition out of Boston:
A Country man was Stopped at the Lines, going out of town with 19,000 ball Cartridges, which were taken from him. When liberated, he had the insolence to go to Head quarters to demand the redelivery of them. When asked who they were for, he said they were for his own use; and on being refused them, he said he could not help it, but they were the last parcel of a large quantity which he had carried out at different times. Great numbers of Arms have been carried out of town during the Winter; and if more strict search had been made at the Lines, many of them, and much Ammunition might have been seized.
And on this day 250 years ago in Newport, Rhode Island, Rev. Ezra Stiles recorded in his diary:
A vessel this day from Virginia informs that the Virginians had sent a Vessel to Old France which lately returned Laden with Powder, Arms, Field pieces & military stores— & tho’ pursued & fired at by the Man o’ War & her Cutters, got in safe to Land.
On this day 250 years ago at Sycamore Shoals in present-day Tennessee, Tsiyu Gansini (known to the colonists and history as “Dragging Canoe”) withdrew from the negotiations with Richard Henderson and the Transylvania Company at Sycamore Shoals for the sale of the Cherokee hunting grounds in Kentucky and pleaded with his people to resist any further encroachment of their territory by the whites. Tsiyu Gansini also ominously told Richard Henderson and the representatives of the Transylvania Company that their new land would become a “dark and bloody ground.”
Also on this day in Williamsburg, Virginia, Pinkney’s Virginia Gazette published the Augusta Resolves that had been adopted by the freeholders of Augusta County at Staunton, Virginia on February 22:
you may consider the people of Augusta county as impressed with just sentiments of loyalty and allegiance to his majesty king George, whose title to the imperial crown of Great Britain rests on no other foundation than the liberty, and whose glory is inseparable from rhe happiness, of all his subjects. We have also a respect for the parent state, which respect is founded on religion, on law, and the genuine principles of the constitution. On these principles do we earnestly desire to see harmony and a good understanding restored between Great Britain and America. Many of us and our forefathers left their native land, explored this once savage wilderness, to enjoy the free exercise of the rights of conscience, and of human nature: These rights we are fully resolved, with our lives and fortunes, inviolably to preserve, nor will we surrender such inestimable blessings, the purchase of toil and danger, to any minister, to any parliament, or any body of men upon earth, by whom we are not represented, and in whose decisions therefore we have no voice.
We desire you to render, in the most respectful terms, our grateful acknowledgements to the late worthy delegates of this colony, for their wise, spirited, and patriotic exertions, in the general congress, and to assure them that we will uniformly and religiously adhere to their resolutions, prudently and generously formed for their country’s good.
Fully convinced that the safety and happiness of America depend, next to the blessing of Almighty God, on the unanimity and wisdom of her councils, we doubt not you will, on your part, comply with the recommendations of the late continental congress, appointing delegates from this colony to meet in Philadelphia on the 1Oth of May next, unless American grievances be redressed before that time; and as we are determined to maintain unimpaired that liberty which is the gift of Heaven to the subjects of Britain’s empire, we will most cordially join our countrymen in such measures as may be deemed wise and necessary to secure and perpetuate the ancient, just, and legal rights of this colony, and all British America.
As the state of this colony greatly demands that . . . bounties may be proposed by the convention for the making of . . . gunpowder, and that, in the mean time, a supply of ammunition be provided for the militia of this colony. We entirely agree in opinion with the gentlemen of Fairfax county, that a well regulated militia is the natural strength, and staple security, of a free government, and therefore wish it might be recommended by the convention to the officers and men of each county in Virginia to make themselves masters of the military exercise
And on this day in Dumfries, Virginia, George Washington reviews the Prince William County Independent Company of Cadets and lodges with Scottish immigrant Andrew Leitch of the Prince William County Committee. Leitch would serve as a Major in the Continental Army under Washington’s command and be mortally wounded in the service of his country at the Battle of Harlem Heights eighteen months later.
On this day 250 years ago in New York City, the Committee of Sixty met to elect delegates to a Provincial Convention and to issue a circular letter to the counties, drafted by John Jay, which called on the other counties to send delegates to the Provincial Convention and set April 20 for the Convention to convene.
Also on this day 250 years ago, a “full meeting of the Inhabitants” of the Town of Braintree, Massachusetts, voted to approve the recommendation of the Braintree Committee of the Continental Association, chaired by John Adams, that the Town form “three Companies of Minute Men each to consist of Forty one Men including officers”. In addition, the Town unanimously adopted a Covenant that pledged to implement the Continental Association including
to do every thing in our power to confirm and establish that union which at this time so happily Subsists among our Selves not only in this Town and Colony but also throughout the Continent
. . .
And We do further agree and resolve that We will not have any trade, dealings, Commerce, or intercourse with any District, Town, Colony, or Province in North America which shall not acceed to, or which shall hereafter violate said association of the Continental Congress, but will hold them as unworthy of the rights of Freemen, and as inimical to the Liberties of their Country.
And whereas it is of the utmost importance that the Salutory association of the Continental Congress be effectually executed; and the plans of the foes to America defeated, who aided by Tyrannical power intend to import goods, wares and Merchandize prohibited by said association, by assistance of such Merchants and Traders as to this intent shall basely prostitute themselves; . . .
And whereas it is expresly recommended by the Continental Congress to the Provincial Conventions and to the Committees in the respective Colonies, to establish such farther regulations as they may think proper for carrying into execution their association,
. . . it is strongly recommended to the Committee . . . of this association, that they exert themselves in causing the same to be strictly executed, . . .
And it advised to the inhabitants of this Town that they by no means fail vigorously to assist and Support their Committees in discharging this as well as all other duties of their offices.
. . .
And We Solemnly, individually and Collectively bind our Selves under the ties aforesaid, to adhere to this association
Sources: “I. Report of the Braintree Committee on the Continental Association, 15 March 1775,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/06-02-02-0078-0002. [Original source: The Adams Papers, Papers of John Adams, vol. 2, December 1773 – April 1775, ed. Robert J. Taylor. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1977, pp. 396–402.]; “II. Report of the Braintree Committee respecting Minute Men, 15 March 1775,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/06-02-02-0078-0003. [Original source: The Adams Papers, Papers of John Adams, vol. 2, December 1773 – April 1775, ed. Robert J. Taylor. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1977, pp. 402–403.
On This Day In The Revolution 