On This Day: Bad news from Canada continues to plague George Washington

Published May 26, 2026 8:56am ET



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.

May 26, 1776

Gen. George Washington lingers in Philadelphia, where he has been meeting with the Continental Congress. 

It is Sunday. Congress will not convene on this day. 

ON THIS DAY: WASHINGTON ARRIVES AT STATEN ISLAND

Maj Gen. Philip Schuyler writes from Fort George with more bad news from the Canada theater: The shortages of troops, boats, and provisions are dire. Washington is forced to contend with rumors of betrayal from within the ranks. A betrayal that is proved untrue when Mark Hopkins, a Massachusetts lawyer and militia colonel, reports that earlier suspicions about Schuyler’s loyalty are unfounded.