On This Day: Washington Confronts a Dangerous Weakness at the Heart of His Army
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.
TL;DR
- General Washington is exasperated with the Second Continental Congress's inaction on providing arms.
- He informed John Hancock that numerous regiments lack sufficient weaponry, making their numbers deceptive.
- Washington proposed borrowing thousands of weapons stored in Philadelphia.
- He stressed the strategic importance of controlling the Hudson River and the danger of the British capturing New York City.
- The potential fall of New York could divide the colonies and jeopardize the entire war effort.