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
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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.
Stirling had served as a supply officer during the French and Indian War, where he first met Washington. He would eventually assume command of the Northern Army during the war.
His most significant military contribution would come in August 1776 when he held off the British troops during the Battle of Long Island long enough to enable Washington to evacuate the remainder of his forces. As a result of these actions, Stirling was captured by the British and spent several months as a prisoner on parole in New York City.
