To Burn or Not to Burn

I’m going to just keep going with this #semiquincentennial thing for awhile…

Today in Revolutionary War History — September 2

250 years ago today, September 2, 1776, George Washington was confronting the possibility that New York was lost—and considering an extraordinary response.

Only days after escaping the catastrophe on Long Island, Washington wrote the Continental Congress asking what should happen if his army were forced to abandon New York City. Among the possibilities: should the city be burned rather than allow the British to use it as winter quarters? Congress ultimately rejected the idea. (Smithsonian Magazine)

Washington’s general orders that day reveal just how precarious the Continental Army’s situation had become. Soldiers were told to be prepared to move, carry their own tents and equipment, and even bake their own bread if necessary. Washington told them:

“Now is the time … for every man to exert himself and make our country glorious or become contemptible.”

George Washington’s Mount Vernon highlights those orders today as part of its “On This Day 250 Years Ago” commemoration. (Mount Vernon)

There are two other September 2 moments worth remembering. In 1775, Washington chartered the armed schooner Hannah to prey on British supply vessels during the Siege of Boston—often regarded as the beginning of the naval force organized under Washington’s command. (American History Central)

And in 1781, the story had changed dramatically. Washington’s Continental Army was marching through Philadelphia on its secret journey south toward Virginia; Rochambeau’s French army followed. Within seven weeks, Cornwallis would surrender at Yorktown. (National Park Service)

The striking contrast: on September 2, 1776, Washington was wondering whether he might have to destroy New York while trying to save his battered army. Exactly five years later, that army was marching toward the campaign that would effectively win the war.