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The Proclamation of 1763
The Provincial Congress in Massachusetts orders 13,600 American soldiers to be mobilized. Colonial volunteers from all over New England assemble and head for Boston, then establish camps around the city and begin a year long siege of British-held Boston. -
American forces led by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold
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George Washington takes control of the Continental Army
At Cambridge, Massachusetts, George Washington takes command of the Continental Army which now has about 17,000 men. -
Thomas Paine's Common Sense
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" is published in Philadelphia. The 50 page pamphlet is highly critical of King George III and attacks allegiance to Monarchy in principle while providing strong arguments for American independence. It becomes an instant best-seller in America. "We have it in our power to begin the world anew...American shall make a stand, not for herself alone, but for the world," Paine states. -
Fort Moultrie
In South Carolina, American forces at Fort Moultrie successfully defend Charleston against a British naval attack and inflict heavy damage on the fleet -
Independence Day
The Declaration of Independence is signed -
Battle of Long Island
- Gen. Howe leads 15,000 soldiers against Washington's army in the Battle of Long Island. Washington, outnumbered two to one, suffers a severe defeat as his army is outflanked and scatters. The Americans retreat to Brooklyn Heights, facing possible capture by the British or even total surrender.
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Congress appoints Jefferson, Franklin and Silas Deane
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Battle of Valcour Bay
A big defeat for the inexperienced American Navy on Lake Champlain at the hands of a British fleet of 87 gunships. In the 7 hour Battle of Valcour Bay most of the American flotilla of 83 gunships is crippled with the remaining ships destroyed in a second engagement two days later. -
Washington's Men Recross the River
December 25-26, 1776 - On Christmas, George Washington takes 2400 of his men and recrosses the Delaware River.
