Timeline
May 1 — General John Thomas succeeded General David Wooster as commander of American forces in Canada, which had been reduced to 1,900 poorly equipped men. Thomas prepared to abandon the Siege of Quebec while General Guy Carleton remained in the city, awaiting British reinforcements.
AHC Notes
- David Wooster (1711–1777) — Wooster was a Connecticut militia leader who served in King George’s War, the French and Indian War, and the American Revolutionary War. He died in 1777, soon after the Battle of Ridgefield.
- John Thomas (1724–1776) — Thomas was an officer in the Massachusetts Militia and the Continental Army during the first year of the American Revolutionary War. Thomas is most well-known for securing Dorchester Heights in Boston, forcing the British to evacuate the city in 1776.
- Guy Carleton (1724–1808) — Carleton was a prominent British officer and politician during the 18th Century. He is most famous in America for being the Governor of Quebec during the American Revolutionary War and commanding British forces during the Invasion of Canada (1775–1776).
May 2 — After concluding negotiations with Arthur Lee, Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes, convinced King Louis XVI to secretly approve one million Livres in aid for the American Colonies. He also received similar pledges from the Spanish Government. The King subsequently directed Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais to establish a shell company, Roderigue, Hortalez & Cie, to secretly ship weapons, ammunition, and supplies to America.
AHC Notes
- Arthur Lee (1741–1792) — Lee was a doctor, politician, and abolitionist who is most famous for serving as the liaison between the Secret Committee of Correspondence and European diplomats in the early days of the war. He helped secure aid for America from Spain and France, but fell out of favor after accusing Silas Deane of illegally profiting from his work as a foreign minister. After returning to the United States, Lee continued his political career, serving in the Confederation Congress and helping negotiate key treaties with Native American Indians.
- Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes (1717–1787) — Vergennes was the French Foreign Minister from 1774 to 1787. He directed France’s support for the United States during the American Revolutionary War. Motivated by a desire to weaken Great Britain and restore France’s power, he approved secret aid in 1776, backed formal alliances in 1778, and expanded military assistance that helped secure victory at Yorktown. His policies shaped the course of the war, but the financial strain contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution (1789–1799).
- Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais (1732–1799) — Beaumarchais was a French Enlightenment playwright and secret agent who covertly supported the American war effort by organizing the company Hortalez and Cie in 1776 to supply arms and funds to the Continental Army. His aid helped secure key American victories before the Franco-American Alliance was formalized. His plays, including The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro, criticized the French aristocracy and influenced the ideas that contributed to the French Revolution.
- Roderigue, Hortalez & Cie — A commercial trading firm organized by Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais in 1776 to secretly supply military aid from France to the American Colonies during the American Revolutionary War. Operating with funds from the French and Spanish governments, the company shipped weapons, artillery, ammunition, clothing, and other supplies to American forces. Although presented as a private business venture, the firm functioned as a cover for covert French support. Its activities became controversial due to disputes within the Continental Congress over whether the aid was a loan, commercial transaction, or gift.
May 2 — A fleet of 15 British ships started down the St. Lawrence River, commanded by General John Burgoyne, including the first large contingent of Hessian Mercenaries, who were led by General Baron Friedrich von Riedesel.
AHC Notes
- John Burgoyne (1723–1792) — Burgoyne was a British officer, politician, and playwright who served during the American Revolutionary War. Known as “Gentleman Johnny,” he promoted bold military plans and led the British invasion from Canada toward Albany in 1777. His campaign ended at Saratoga, where he surrendered to Horatio Gates after American forces surrounded his army. After returning to Britain, Burgoyne defended his actions, opposed the war, served in Ireland, and continued writing plays.
- Friedrich von Riedesel (1730–1800) — Riedesel was a soldier who led Hessian troops in support of Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War. Riedesel is most famous for his participation in the failed Saratoga Campaign of 1777.
May 3 — General William Howe and Admiral Richard Howe were authorized by King George III to serve on a forthcoming peace commission. Admiral Howe was also appointed commander-in-chief of all British naval forces in American waters. Lord George Germain insisted that fighting would continue until each colony acknowledged the supremacy of Parliament.
AHC Notes
- William Howe (1729–1814) — A veteran of the French and Indian War, Howe was a cautious yet skilled British officer. He played a central role early in the war, leading British forces during the Siege of Boston, the New York Campaign, the New Jersey Campaign, and the Philadelphia Campaign. Despite notable victories, his strategic hesitations, logistical challenges, and flawed leadership hindered British success and led to his removal.
- Richard Howe (1726–1799) — Howe was an Admiral in the British Royal Navy and commanded forces during the Revolutionary War from 1776 to 1778. He is often criticized for failing to take advantage of situations that may have ended the war as early as 1776.
May 3 — A British expedition under Commodore Peter Parker and General Charles Cornwallis arrived off Cape Fear, North Carolina, joining ships already there under General Henry Clinton.
AHC Notes
- Peter Parker (1721–1811) — Parker was a British Admiral who served in the British Navy during the American Revolutionary War. Appointed Commodore in October 1775, he escorted Charles Cornwallis’s transports to America and later worked with Henry Clinton in the attack on Sullivan’s Island on June 28, 1776. He also supported British operations at New York and Rhode Island, commanded the Jamaica Station, backed expeditions to Honduras and Nicaragua, received a baronetcy in 1783, and later rose to Admiral of the Fleet.
- Charles Cornwallis (1738–1805) — Cornwallis was a British officer during the American Revolutionary War who led several successful campaigns but ultimately surrendered to American and French forces at Yorktown on October 19, 1781, effectively ending major fighting. Despite this defeat, Cornwallis maintained political influence and later served as the Governor General of India and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
- Henry Clinton (1730–1795) — Clinton was a British soldier and General during the American Revolutionary War. He was placed in command of British forces in 1778. Despite early success, he was unable to defeat American forces, which led to the Surrender at Yorktown in October 1781.
May 4 — The Rhode Island General Assembly expunged all written allegiances to King George III from its charter and declared itself independent under the title State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
May 6 — Ships carrying British reinforcements anchored at Quebec under General John Burgoyne, bringing the garrison strength up to 13,000 men. General Guy Carleton sent a 900-man scouting force to examine the American encampment. General John Thomas could not prevent his remaining 250 men from panicking, leading to the abandonment of the camp. Many wounded soldiers and several artillery pieces were surrendered without a fight. Carleton, however, declined to pursue and continued landing the remainder of his troops ashore.
May 6 — The Virginia Convention replaced the House of Burgesses as Virginia’s representative legislative assembly.
May 8 — Loyalists in Fairfield
Fairfield, Connecticut — Last week, a certain Mr. Cable, in Fairfield, Connecticut, sent a load of provisions to the ministerial plunderers, and was loading a second time for the same purpose, but was discovered by a Tory, who was concerned in the affair, and who made oath before a magistrate, of the scheme in agitation.
The said Cable was observed to be sounding for deep water about the channel, which he found at a place called the Black Rock, and through which place he was to pilot a gang of cruel murderers, about one thousand in number, whose orders were to massacre men, women, and children. The signal of their landing was to be three cannon fired in the night.
This gang chiefly inhabited about Newtown, in Connecticut, and from that place all along to Dobb’s ferry on the North River. Cable was on this discovery apprehended, and committed to Fairfield gaol, and also another villain named Pardelow, at Greenwich, who was detected enlisting men for the ministerial service, was examined before the committee of safety for Greenwich, and committed to gaol. Two more were apprehended, but discharged for want of sufficient proof. A list of the names of a number of them that had enlisted has been obtained, and a party of men are gone in pursuit of them. — Constitutional Gazette (May 8, 1776).
May 8–9 — Naval Engagement on the Delaware River
Wilmington, Delaware — British warships HMS Roebuck under Captain Andrew S. Hammond and Liverpool under Captain Henry Bellew sailed up Christiana Creek, near Wilmington, Delaware. They were attacked by 13 armed galleys of the Pennsylvania Navy and driven downstream.
May 10 — The Second Continental Congress authorized a resolution encouraging all 13 Colonies to form new, independent governments. John Adams, Richard H. Lee, and Edward Rutledge led a committee tasked with writing a preamble for the resolution before its public pronouncement.
AHC Notes
- John Adams (1735–1826) — A prominent Boston lawyer, Adams played a key role in the Patriot Cause in the years leading up to the American Revolutionary War. As a member of the Continental Congress, he supported the Continental Association and signed the Declaration of Independence. Following the war, he was America’s First Ambassador to the Court of St. James and the Second President of the United States. He was also the first Vice President, serving two terms under George Washington.
- Richard Henry Lee (1732–1794) — Lee was a Virginia planter and leading Patriot who served in the House of Burgesses, helped organize resistance during the Stamp Act crisis, and promoted Committees of Correspondence. In the Continental Congress, he pushed for independence and foreign alliances, then later signed the Declaration of Independence. Initially opposed to the Constitution, he supported it after the Federalists agreed to add a Bill of Rights.
- Edward Rutledge (1749–1800) — Rutledge was a South Carolina politician who rose to prominence during the American Revolution and became the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence, making him a Founding Father. He also signed the Articles of Association and was a prominent member of the Federalist Party.
May 10 — Lieutenant John Paul Jones received his first command, the 12-gun sloop Providence.
AHC Notes
- John Paul Jones (1747–1792) — Jones was an American naval commander during the American Revolutionary War, who is often referred to as the “Father of the American Navy.” Jones is known for his daring leadership and for his victory over HMS Serapis in 1779, and for his statement, “I have not yet begun to fight!”
May 11–12 — Battle of Orton Mill and Kendall Plantation
Brunswick County, North Carolina — Soon after the Parker-Cornwallis Fleet arrived, General Henry Clinton deployed troops to the mainland for exercises and training. On the night of May 11–12, Clinton decided to test his troops and led them in a raid against Orton Mill.
They landed at Kendall Plantation, the estate of Robert Howe, an American officer who helped organize the North Carolina Militia. American sentries discovered the British, fired on them, and retreated toward Howe’s house.
Clinton ordered his men to fix their bayonets and charge the house. When they arrived, they found only a handful of women and no American troops. The British attacked the women. One was shot, another bayoneted, and another was hit with a musket. Clinton was appalled by his men’s actions and provided financial compensation to the women.
Afterward, Clinton marched to Orton Mill, where Major William Davis was stationed with North Carolina Continentals. Rather than engage Clinton, Davis withdrew.
The British burned the mill and returned to their boats, plundering homes along the way. The raid failed to secure the supplies Clinton likely hoped for, as his men took only three horses and three cows.
May 15 — Virginia Supports Independence
Williamsburg, Virginia — The Virginia Convention instructed Richard Henry Lee and his fellow delegates in Congress to approve independence from England. The following article appeared in the Pennsylvania Journal on May 29, 1776
Yesterday [May 15] is rendered memorable by a unanimous resolution of the Virginia Convention, now sitting at Williamsburg, to instruct their delegates in the Continental Congress to move for a declaration of independence and freedom. It is the result of the most mature deliberation, and we hope will be speedily ratified by the Congress. Let the DOUBTERS read it: —
Forasmuch as all the endeavors of the United Colonies, by the most decent representations and petitions to the King and Parliament of Great Britain, to restore peace and security to America under the British government, and a reunion with that people upon just and liberal terms, instead of a redress of grievances, have produced, from an imperious and vuidictive administration, increased insult, oppression, and a vigorous attempt to eifect our total destruction.
By a late act, all these colonies are declared to be in rebellion, and out of the protection of the British crown, our properties subjected to confiscation, our people, when captivated, compelled to join in the murder and plunder of their relations and countrymen, and all former rapine and oppression of Americans declared legal and just. Fleets and armies are raised, and the aid of foreign troops engaged to assist these destructive purposes.
The king’s representative in this colony hath not only withheld all the powers of government from operating for our safety, but, having retired on board an armed ship, is carrying on a piratical and savage war against us, tempting our slaves, by every artifice, to resort to him, and training and employing them against their masters.
In this state of extreme danger, we have no alternative left but an abject submission to the will of those overbearing tyrants, or a total separation from the crown and government of Great Britain, uniting and exerting the strength of all America for defence, and forming alliances with foreign powers for commerce and aid in war. Wherefore, appealing to the Searcher of Hearts for the sincerity of former declarations, expressing our desire to preserve the connection with that nation, and that we are driven from that inclination by their wicked councils, and the eternal laws of self-preservation.
Resolved unanimously, That the delegates appointed to represent this colony in general Congress, be instructed to propose to that respectable body, TO DECLARE THE UNITED COLONIES FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES, absolved from all allegiance to or dependence npon the crown or Parliament of Great Britain; and that they give the assent of this colony to such declaration, and to whatever measures may be thought proper and necessary by the Congress, for forming foreign alliances, and a confederation of the colonies, at such time, and in the manner as to them shall seem best. Provided, that the power of forming government for, and the regulations of the internal concerns of each colony, be left to the respective colonial legislatures.
Resolved unanimously, That a committee be appointed to prepare a declaration of rights, and such a plan of government as will be most likely to maintain peace and order in this colony, and secure substantial and equal liberty to the people.
The procuring of foreign assistance was the immediate object of this resolution, as the alternative of separation or submission was the assigned ground of it. But a political connection on any terms, with a people who have exerted against us every species of barbarity and insult, would have had few advocates.
In consequence of the resolution, universally regarded as the only path which will lead to safety and prosperity, some gentlemen made a handsome collection for the purpose of treating the soldiery, who today were paraded in Waller’s Grove, before Brigadier-General Lewis, attended by the gentlemen of the committee of safety, the members of the general convention, the inhabitants of the city, and others. The resolution being read aloud to the army, the following toasts were given, each of them accompanied by a discharge of the artillery and small arms, and the acclamations of all present: — 1. The American Independent States. 2. The grand Congress of the United States, and their respective Legislatures. 3. General Washington, and victory to the American arms.
The union flag of the American states waved upon the Capitol during the whole of this ceremony, which, being ended, the soldiers partook of the refreshment prepared for them by the affection of their countrymen, and the evening concluded with illuminations and other demonstrations of joy. Everyone seems pleased that the domination of Great Britain is now at an end, so wickedly and tyrannically has it been exercised for these twelve or thirteen years past, notwithstanding our repeated prayers and remonstrances for redress.
May 15 — In Congress, an intense debate ensued over John Adams and his preamble to a resolution weighing independent governments for the individual colonies, which was written to endorse independence from Britain.
May 16 — Philadelphia Seeks Lead
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — The Philadelphia Committee of Safety offered six pence for every pound of lead or lead products turned over for military purposes. The following article appeared in the Pennsylvania Evening Post on May 18, 1776.
The Committee of Safety in Philadelphia having already made known to the inhabitants of that city, the pressing occasion there is for a large quantity of lead, to be employed in the defence of this country, and requested them to spare for the public use the various species of leaden weights in their respective families; they have, as the most expeditious and easy method of procuring such lead, appointed Thomas Nevill, Frazer Kinsley, William Colliday, and John Darcy to go round the city and receive it at the several houses, they paying at the rate of sixpence per pound as formerly specified, it being understood that clock weights are not at present comprehended among them, as the iron weights to replace them are not yet made.
It is expected that every virtuous citizen will immediately and cheerfully comply with this requisition, but if any persons should be so lost to all sense of the public good as to refuse, a list of their names is directed to be returned to the committee.
May 16 — Major Henry Sherburne led a column of 150 American soldiers from Montreal to reinforce the small American post at the Cedars, 40 miles away. The column was reduced to 100 men through desertion during the march.
AHC Notes
- Henry Sherburne (1748–1824) — Sherburne was an officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He commanded what is known as “Sherburne’s Additional Regiment” from 1777 to 1781. His regiment was at Valley Forge and fought in the Battle of Rhode Island. Following the war, he was a member of the Society of Cincinnati and served as the General Treasurer of Rhode Island from 1792 to 1807.
May 17 — General John Thomas assembled his army at Sorel on the St. Lawrence River and decided to retreat toward Chambly, Quebec.
May 17 — Battle of Nantasket Roads
Nantasket Roads, Massachusetts — Captain John Mugford of the American schooner Franklin attacked and seized the British supply ship, Hope, along with 1,500 barrels of gunpowder and scores of entrenching tools. That night, a British cutting-out expedition of 200 men took 12 boats and attacked the Franklin and privateer Lady Washington near Nantasket Roads, Massachusetts, but was repulsed. Mugford was killed during the battle.
The following article appeared in the Pennsylvania Evening Post on June 1, 1776.
Last Friday, the Continental armed schooner, Franklin, commanded by Captain Mugford, in sight of the British men-of-war, took and carried into Boston, a ship from England, about three hundred tons burden, mounted with six carriage guns.
The enemy, intolerably vexed and chagrined that the prize should be taken and unloaded in their open view, formed a design of wreaking their vengeance on Captain Mugford. The Sunday following, he, in company with Captain Cunningham, in the Lady Washington, a small privateer armed with swivels, blunderbusses, and muskets, fell down from Boston in order to go out in the bay.
The enemy, observing their sailing, fitted out a fleet of boats for the purpose of surprising and taking them in the night; and the Franklin’s running aground in the gut gave them a good opportunity of executing their plan.
The Lady Washington came to anchor near Captain Mugford, and between nine and ten o’clock, he discovered a number of boats, which he hailed, and received for answer that they were from Boston. He ordered them to keep off, or he would fire upon them. They begged him, for God’s sake, not to fire, for they were going on board him!
Captain Mugford instantly fired, and was followed by all his men, and cutting his cable, brought his broadside to bear, when he discharged his cannon loaded with musket balls, directly in upon them. Before the cannon could be charged a second time, two or three boats were alongside, each of them supposed to have as many men as the Franklin on board — which had only twenty-one, including officers. By the best accounts, they were not less than thirteen boats in all, many of them armed with swivels, and having on board, at the lowest computation, about two hundred men.
Captain Mugford and his men plied those alongside so closely with firearms and spears, and with such intrepidity, rapidity, and success, that two boats were soon sunk, and all the men either killed or drowned. But while the heroic Mugford, with outstretched arms, was righteously dealing death and destruction to our base and unnatural enemies, he received a fatal ball in the body, which in a few minutes put a period to his life, from which, had it been spared, his oppressed country would undoubtedly have reaped very eminent advantages.
After our brave men had maintained this unequal contest for about half an hour, the enemy thought proper to retire. The carnage among them must have been great, for besides the two boatloads killed and drowned, many were doubtless killed and wounded on board the others. Great execution was done by the spears. One man, with that weapon, is positive of having killed nine of the enemy!
The number of the boats which attacked the Franklin was about eight or nine. The remainder, to the number of four or five, at the same time attacked Captain Cunningham in the Lady Washington, who then had on board only six men besides himself. This brave little company gave the boats such a warm reception that they were soon glad to give over the contest, after suffering, it is thought, considerable loss.
May 18 — Captain Nicholas Biddle departed the Delaware Capes aboard the 14-gun Andrea Doria, taking 10 enemy ships over the next four months.
AHC Notes
- Nicholas Biddle (1750–1778) — Biddle was an officer in the Continental Navy who served in the American Revolutionary War. After earlier service at sea and in the Royal Navy, he joined the Patriot cause in 1775 and became one of the first four Captains in the Continental Navy. He commanded the Andrea Doria and later the Randolph, took part in the Bahamas expedition, captured supply ships for General George Washington, and died when the Randolph exploded in battle against the British ship Yarmouth in 1778.
May 19 — Battle of the Cedars
The Cedars, Province of Quebec — The 50 men of Britain’s 8th Regiment under Captain George Forster, backed by 200 Indians, attacked 400 American militia under Major Isaac Butterfield at the Cedars, halfway between Montreal and Quebec. The militia, abandoned by Colonel Timothy Bedel, initially defended its small wooden post until Foster assured Butterfield that the Indians would not massacre them. They then capitulated.
May 20 — The American relief force led by Major Henry Sherburne was ambushed near Vaudreuil, Quebec, by soldiers and Indians led by Captain George Forster. The Americans lost 28 killed and several wounded before Sherburne surrendered.
May 24 — General George Washington arrived in Philadelphia to meet with Congress. Two new committees were created, one to oversee the ensuing New York Campaign and another to explore the possibility of recruiting Native American Indians to the war effort.
May 25 — An Appeal to All Americans
At a time when tyranny bears fire in one hand, and instruments of death in the other, let us exert every nerve, and, to our utmost, promote justice, equity, and good economy; that by virtue, resolution, and union, we may break the monster’s head, though he, Colossus-like, bestrides our harbors, sliading the ocean with his lowering brow, and yawns with horrid jaws for the innocent blood of this continent.
But the most effectual way to prevent his blood-thirsty designs, and ward off devastation, will be to seize and confine, within the narrow circuit of a gaol or prison, the sons of this infernal monster. It is the part of a prudent man to confine the lion to his cage when in his power, though he should cease from roaring, or even feign himself a lamb; and to break a serpent’s head, though she, when caught, falsely pretended herself a dove. Let me tell you, words do not convert lions into lambs, serpents into doves, nor Tories into Sons of Liberty. Remember, as our Saviour was betrayed by one of his disciples, so is our country by her pretended friends.
But how ridiculous and destructive is this, to allow persons a right of property in any country, where they employ both their talents and properties to destroy its immunities, and even to sacrifice the blood of its inhabitants, to satisfy the wanton cravings of a greedy monster.
Let me say, to suffer those who contradict the true interest of their country at this important struggle to go unconfined, or to enjoy their former property, upon a slight confession or promise of reformation, is to give them the advantage to sport with our liberties, as well as to appear ridiculously stupid ourselves.
I say, such folly as this cannot fail to give vice the laurel, whilst virtue sits in tears. There is a way to shun calamities of every kind, if rightly understood. The only one for us seems this: to discard the thought of riches, and seek for men of virtue, to serve the public cause. Virtue joined with knowledge will save a state from the greatest calamities; while riches joined with avarice, like an impetuous torrent, drives headlong all within reach, and drowns them within its gloomy vortex.
My countrymen, when you are to employ a man for public trust, consider, not who is most fond of such an office, or may like its profits best, but who is most fit, and who will serve his country best. He who gives his vote, being swayed by birth, fortune, or anything beside the general good, sells his country. He who devotes his all to do it service, let his condition be what it may, is one of the noble columns upon which it stands. Those who prefer the favor of selfish persons, or their own private interest to the true interest of their country, do not long support their own or their country’s cause; but being an insufficient basis for such a trust, by the assistance of avarice and luxury attempt the arduous task, till whatever they pretend to support falls, together with themselves, in one general ruin. Witness the British Parliament! There, virtue has long since been a crime; avarice hath taken the field, and entered the gates where the public councils are held; justice gives up the keys, and flies to seek an asylum in some propitious clime. And now behold what follows! How is the blood of her citizens sported with? — some living an ignoble life, others dying an inglorious death! Who can atone for such a crime as this? To sacrifice more than a thousand troops on death’s grim altar, to gain what in reason’s view was not their right, and what those who survived the bloody scene could not maintain.
Then, to shun such horrid deeds, let us despise both avarice and avaricious men. Consider, I entreat you, that folly in a Judge, a general, or a king, is folly indeed, and draws most aggravated ruin at its heels. O let virtue, prudence, and resolution, take the field! Let them possess the bench, the council chamber, and the senate.
Thus alone can a people be rendered happy, and a country glorious; but give me leave, my countrymen, as I both feel for ourselves and millions yet unborn, to warn you neither to suffer inattention to possess your minds or idleness your pens; and may each one within his own peculiar sphere, strive for the good of the whole. Then shall we, as individuals, be happy; as a people, terrible to our enemies; and as a country, glorious wherever fame shall celebrate the exploits of heroes, and just triumphs of virtuous deeds. And provinces and kingdoms, over which the Roman Eagle never flew, shall bow to the imperial sceptre of the free and independent States of America.
— by Amicus Patriae Filius Libertatis, Providence Gazette (May 25, 1776).
May 26 — General Benedict Arnold marched from Montreal against Captain George Forster’s British and Indians at Quinze Chiens, overtaking them. Rather than risk a massacre of nearly 487 prisoners, Arnold and Forster reached an agreement whereby the captives were freed in exchange for releasing a like number of British later on. The affair partially erased the embarrassment of the American defeat of The Cedars seven days earlier.
AHC Notes
- Benedict Arnold (1741–1801) — Arnold was an officer who rose to prominence for his bold leadership in battles such as Quebec, Valcour Island, and Saratoga. Despite his military talent, Arnold was driven by personal grievances and ambition that put him at odds with many of his contemporaries. Feeling slighted by the Patriot Cause, Arnold famously committed treason in 1780 when he tried to turn West Point over to the British. After the plot was discovered, Arnold defected, received a commission in the British Army, and led raids in Connecticut and Virginia. Following the war, he moved to England, where he struggled as a merchant.
May 31 — A captain, lately arrived from St. Croix, says, that on the tenth instant, in latitude 34° longitnde 67° 24′, he fell in with a brig, the captain of which told him, that he sailed in company with a fleet of seventy sail of transports, under convoy of two sixty-four, four forty gun ships, and two bomb ketches, from which he parted on the fifth in a hard gale of wind. The fleet had on board a large number of Hessians, Brunswickers, and English troops, all bound to Philadelphia, “in order to disperse,” as the captain expressed himself, “that hornet’s nest the Congress, after which they were certain the continent would become a very easy prey.” God grant that the patriots may be prepared to receive this armament. — Pennsylvania Evening Post (June 1, 1776).
AHC Notes
- This likely refers to Commodore Peter Parker’s Fleet.
May 31 — Commodore Peter Parker’s fleet finally assembled in full strength off Cape Fear and sailed for Charleston, South Carolina, along with General Henry Clinton’s forces.
