On This Day: A panic spreads throughout New York as rumors fly that British ships are within sight
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
- A false rumor of British ships off the coast of New York caused a panic.
- The rumor prompted Gen. George Washington to formalize an alarm system.
- The alarm system included cannon signals and flags by day, and cannon signals with lanterns by night.
- Washington also ordered his troops to be drilled on assembly and response procedures.