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.
April 24, 1776
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Gen. George Washington’s general orders begin to form his plan to transform a disparate collection of provincial regiments, very tribal in nature, into a disciplined army before the British strike New York.
Washington begins to reshape the army in New York into five brigades and tightens control over arms.
He knows the city is vulnerable. He knows the enemy can appear suddenly by sea.
Writing to the New York Committee of Safety he presses for specifics: How many troops can New York actually furnish? How many arms do they have?
Washington rightly fears a “great deficiency” in weapons.
