“This Week in 1776” is an ongoing almanac of events from that year in the American Revolution. Be sure to check out my novel HEARTLANDERS.
The Howe Brothers don’t waste time putting the screws to the Patriots, and anxiety rises again as they prepare for the next wave.
New York
Washington sets his headquarters on Harlem Heights, where he’s got a clear view of the Howes loading their boats. He writes to Hancock about the problems with morale and discipline; Congress can declare whatever it wants on paper, but he’s struggling to corral his army together into something effective, and the men know they’re just months away from the end of their enlistments. His officers will quit unless they get a pay raise come January.
In that same cycle he arranges a prisoner exchange with Howe. Washington wants Lord Stirling and James Lovell back. Howe is slow to reply, so in the meantime Washington writes home to his brother Samuel about how the war is going worse than the newspapers make it out. He expects an attack any day now, but not at Harlem, because that’s the only spot he can reliably defend.
Finally the attack comes on October 9th. British boats charge up the Hudson, sailing between Fort Washington (NY) and Fort Lee (NJ). The batteries fire from both banks, killing 27 Brits but failing to stop the charge. The Brits return fire and destroy small boats along the way (including the one carrying Bushnell’s Turtle submersible.) So much for corking the Hudson.
The landing comes next.
Lake Champlain
Benedict Arnold is still behind Valcour Island, hiding his flotilla from anyone coming down the main lake. He’s still getting his men whipped into shape, learning how to sail at an accelerated pace. While they’re drilling, the Brits sail past them on the other side with five warships, twenty gunboats, some smaller boats, and Indians in canoes. Like Washington, Arnold is waiting for a pitched battle that he’s likely to lose. It’ll be here soon.
Philadelphia
Congress approves that $5 million loan at 4%, making it the country’s first overpriced mortgage (and not its last). We’re buying boats, babyyyy. Congress also establishes ranks and officers in the Navy.
The South
The Patriots are gearing up to meet with the leaders of the Cherokee they just defeated to discuss treaty terms. They’ll iron out the particulars next week.
So overall, get ready for next week. The Battle of Valcour Island is coming.
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