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A History | Revolutionary War Timeline | Timeline: 3/1775 - 12/1775
Timeline: 3/1775 - 12/1775
March of 1775
March 6. 1775
- A town meeting in Boston erupts in panic when a British soldier yells "fie", which is mistaken for "fire" by
the townspeople.
March 17. 1775
- Cherokees, by the Treaty of Sycamore Shoals, sell to the Transylvania Company of North Carolina all land
between the Kentucky and Cumberland Rivers.
March 23. 1775
- At a meeting at St. John's Church in Richmond, the Second Virginia Convention hears Patrick Henry deliver
his "liberty or death" speech supporting a resolution to put Virginia "into a posture of defense."
March 25. 1775
- The Virginia Convention requires each county to form a volunteer company of calvary and infantry.
March 30. 1775
- The New England Restraining Act is endorsed by King George III, requiring New England colonies to trade
exclusively with England and denying them fisheries in the North Atlantic.
April of 1775
April 1. 1775
- The New York Assembly passes its final militia act as a colony, requiring all males 16 to 50 years of age to
enlist under penalty of a fine.
April 3. 1775
- The Colonial Assembly of New York holds its last session and adjourns.
- The last of David Leonard's weekly letters "To the Inhabitants of the Province of Massachusetts" is
published.
April 8. 1775
- Governor Josiah Martin orders dissolution of the North Carolina Assembly.
April 14. 1775
- The first society advocating the abolition of slavery is organized in Philadelphia with Benjamin Franklin and
Dr. Benjamin Rush as presidents.
- Massachusetts Governor Gage is secretly ordered by the British to enforce the Coercive Acts and
suppress "open rebellion" among colonists by using all necessary force.
April 15. 1775
- Some British troops in Boston are relieved of normal duties in preparation for action.
April 17. 1775
- Last "Novanglus" letter by John Adams appears in the Boston Gazette.
April 18. 1775
- General Gage orders 700 British soldiers to Concord to destroy the colonists' weapons depot. That night,
Paul Revere and William Dawes leave Boston to warn colonists. Before being captured by a British
patrol, Revere reaches Lexington about midnight and warns Sam Adams and John Hancock.
April 19. 1775
- Dr. Samuel Prescott reaches Concord with a message that the British are coming, which allows the militia
to remove or destroy supplies and prepare to fight.
- An unordered "shot heard around the world" begins the American Revolution. British forces retreat from
Lexington back to Boston and are harassed and shot at all along the way by farmers and rebels. News
of the events at Lexington and Concord spreads like wildfire throughout the colonies.
- Postrider Israel Bissel begins his ride through the colonies to deliver the news of Lexington.
- British troops retreat into Boston under fire, and the patriot siege of the city begins.
- Patriots in Charleston, South Carolina, seize arriving British mail.
April 20. 1775
- Israel Putman (later an American brigadier general) arrives in Cambridge, Massachusetts,
from Connecticut.
April 21. 1775
- Royal Marines, acting under Governor Lord Dunmore's orders, take 15 half barrels of gunpowder from
the magazine in Williamsburg, Virginia.
- New Hampshire militiamen march to Cambridge after learning about Lexington and Concord. Patriots seize
all the gunpowder supplies in Charleston, South Carolina.
April 22. 1775
- Rhode Island militia prepares to march to Boston.
- Virginia Governor Dunmore threatens to free enslaved Africans if British officials come to harm.
April 25. 1775
- Baltimore patriots seize military supplies.
- About 8,000 persons at a town meeting in Philadelphia resolve to defend "with arms their property, liberty,
and lives."
April 28. 1775
- The New York Committee of 60 urges a more permanent, revolutionary body to replace the ineffective
Provincial Congress.
April 29. 1775
- Benedict Arnold arrives in Cambridge with New Haven (Connecticut) Militia Company.
- The General Association of Orange County is organized to assure the execution of measures advocated
by the Continental and New York Provincial Congresses.
May of 1775
May 1. 1775
- New York's Committee of 100 recommends that every man procure weapons and train himself in military
discipline.
May 2. 1775
- The Committee of Public Safety in Cambridge, Massachusetts, appoints Benedict Arnold "to a secret
mission" (the capture of Ticonderoga).
May 3. 1775
- The Earl of Dartmouth instructs colonial Governor Martin of North Carolina to organize an association of
loyalists and raise militias.
May 4. 1775
- The Pennsylvania Assembly rejects Lord North's proposal for conciliation.
May 5. 1775
- The British Naval ship Falcon captures two American ships at Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts.
May 6. 1775
- In a candid report to the Earl of Dartmouth, New Jersey Governor Franklin writes that the Lexington
skirmish greatly diminished chances of reconciliation.
May 7. 1775
- Benjamin Franklin writes to his son, the governor of New Jersey, encouraging him to support American
independence.
May 8. 1775
- The County Committee of Bucks County, Virginia, urges the townships to form military associations.
May 9. 1775
- Benedict Arnold challenges Ethan Allen's authority to lead the expedition against Fort Ticonderoga.
However, since Arnold has no soldiers, Allen retains control.
May 10. 1775
- American forces led by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold capture Fort Ticonderoga in New York, with its
military supplies.
- The Second Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia.
- The loyalist president of King's College (later Columbia University), Dr. Myles Cooper, is threatened by a
New York City mob, but escapes with the help of lawyer Alexander Hamilton.
May 11. 1775
- Patriots seize gunpowder in royal magazines in Savannah, Georgia.
May 12. 1775
- Patriot commander Seth Warner captures the disabled British fort at Crown Point, NY, without resistance.
May 13. 1775
- The Provincial Congress of Massachusetts appoints a committee to establish a postal system.
May 14. 1775
- The Committee of 100 orders Staten Island and New Jersey to halt the illicit sale of provisions to British
warships.
May 15. 1775
- Congress resolves to put the colonies in a state of military readiness.
May 16. 1775
- Hannastown, Pennsylvania, Resolutions declare that it is the duty of Americans to resist British
oppression and form a defense association.
May 17. 1775
- New York Provincial Congress assumes functions of government.
- Troops under Benedict Arnold take St. John's, Canada.
May 18. 1775
- Governor Martin of North Carolina reports that he is powerless to prevent the people of North Carolina
from forming an army and a government.
May 19. 1775
- Six transports of British Marines arrive in Boston.
May 20. 1775
- The Safety Committee of Cambridge, Massachusetts, votes to refuse to admit slaves into the army.
May 21. 1775
- Ethan Allen returns to Ticonderoga, New York, after being repulsed by a superior British force at
St. John's.
May 22. 1775
- Henry Laurens of Charleston, South Carolina, writes that the events at Lexington created in South Carolina
"an amazing readiness to contribute to the common cause."
May 23-24. 1775
- The Second Provincial Congress of New Jersey confirms allegiance to Continental Congress.
May 24. 1775
- John Hancock is elected president of the Second Continental Congress, replacing Peyton Randolph.
May 25. 1775
- The Continental Congress orders defensive posts to be established in New York.
- British Generals Burgoyne, Clinton, and Howe arrive in Boston with reinforcements.
May 26. 1775
- A British Navel surgeon visits an American encampment and notes that the Americans are "a drunken,
canting, lying, praying, hypocritical rabble without order."
May 27. 1775
- Action at Hogg Island in Boston Harbor takes place when a British schooner runs aground. Americans
board and loot her.
- Patriot forces skirmish with British foragers at Noodle's Island in Boston Harbor.
May 28. 1775
- Military spirit is high in Philadelphia as more than 2,000 men turn out for daily military exercises.
May 29. 1775
- Congress adopts an address urging Canadians to join in the revolution.
May 30. 1775
- Deputy Quarter Master General William Sherreff complains of the serious shortages of food and fuel in
Boston.
May 31. 1775
- A committee in Charlotte, North Carolina, adopts the Mecklenburg Resolutions, challenging royal authority in
the colonies.
- Governor Josiah Martin of North Carolina flees New Bern to take refuge on the British ship HMS Cruzier in
Cape Fear River.
June of 1775
June 1. 1775
- The Continental Congress resolves that "no further expedition or incursion ought to be made against or into
Canada."
June 2. 1775
- Massachusetts requests that the Continental Army assume responsibility for the New England Army at
Boston.
- Congress creates Army Pay Department.
- The Provincial Congress of South Carolina asserts solidarity with the other colonies.
June 3. 1775
- Three young men from Williamsburg, Virginia, are injured by surprise gunfire, while attempting to arm
themselves from the public magazine.
June 4. 1775
- Ethan Allen expresses surprise that a reconnoitering party was fired on and pursued by Canadians.
June 5. 1775
- A Williamsburg, Virginia, mob breaks into the town magazine and carries off 400 guns.
June 6. 1775
- Lt. Colonel Marius Willet and a small group of Sons of Liberty seize five wagonloads of weapons after
confronting British soldiers evacuating the arms from New York City.
June 7. 1775
- The Provincial Congress of New York expresses approval of Albany's troop raising efforts, but requests
that no more troops be raised until further orders.
June 8. 1775
- Lord Dunmore, governor of Virginia, flees to the British warship HMS Fowey at Yorktown.
June 9. 1775
- The Provisional Congress of South Carolina prohibits exports of rice and corn and begins stockpiling
supplies.
June 10. 1775
- John Adams proposes a Continental Army.
June 11. 1775
- A band of men from General Wooster's Connecticut troops raid the Turtle Bay warehouses and magazine,
making off with shot, cannon balls, horse harnesses, and other needed supplies.
June 12. 1775
- In Machias, Maine, a group of patriots captures the British armed cutter HMS Margaretta, after a brief fight.
- British General Gage proclaims martial law in Massachusetts.
- Rhode Island establishes a naval force.
June 13. 1775
- Patriots learn of General Gage's decision to occupy Dorchester Heights.
June 14. 1775
- Congress establishes the Continental Army.
June 15. 1775
- The Congress unanimously votes to appoint George Washington general and commander-in-chief of the
new Continental Army.
- Naval Commander Abraham Whipple captures two British ships in Providence River, Rhode Island.
June 16. 1775
- The Massachusetts Provincial Congress appoints Colonel Richard Gridley as chief engineer officer to
design a defense for Bunker Hill.
- Under the leadership of Colonels Putnam and Prescott, patriot troops occupy the Charleston Peninsula with
instructions to establish defensive positions on Breed's Hill near Bunker Hill.
- Congress appoints generals in the Continental Army and creates supporting military services.
June 17. 1775
- George Washington accepts his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.
- The first major fight between British and American troops occurs at Boston in the Battle of Bunker Hill
(fought at reed's Hill). The British succeed in taking the hill, but at a loss of half their force.
June 18. 1775
- Boston shipbuilders refuse to continue working on a brig for the Crown.
June 19. 1775
- Boston residents are ordered to surrender their firearms or be deemed enemies of His
Majesty's Government.
June 20. 1775
- Thomas Jefferson takes a seat in the Continental Congress.
- General Washington reviews the Philadelphia militia.
June 21. 1775
- Nathanael Greene is chosen brigadier general of the Rhode Island forces.
June 22. 1775
- Congress votes to raise money to support the Continental Army.
June 23. 1775
- George Washington leaves Philadelphia for Boston.
June 24. 1775
- New York Provincial Congress assumes power of taxation.
June 25. 1775
- General Washington arrives in New York City.
- The Pennsylvania Rifle Battalion is organized.
- General Philip John Schuyler is named to command "New York department" by Congress.
June 26. 1775
- General George Washington states that after the "establishment of American liberty" he will return to his
role as a private citizen.
June 27. 1775
- Congress authorizes invasion of Canada.
June 28. 1775
- The Massachusetts Congress provides for the raising of soldiers to protect the Massachusetts coast.
June 29. 1775
- Governor Dunmore sails from York, Virginia.
June 30. 1775
- Congress adopts the Continental Articles of War.
July of 1775
July 1. 1775
- The Continental Congress resolves to counter the British employment of Indians by entering into an alliance
"with such Indian Nations, as will enter into same..."
July 2. 1775
- Virginia planter Robert Beverly, writes a business contact in London that "Our publick Affairs are so far
from being carried on with Certainty in these Times of Anarchy, that the wisest heads amongst us know
not in what Train Things are to remain for even a July at a Time, & therefore Prudence must be our
only Guide..."
July 3. 1775
- At Cambridge, Massachusetts, George Washington takes command of the Continental Army and 17,000
troops in the Boston area.
July 4. 1775
- The Continental Congress approves a resolution denouncing the trade restraining acts as
"unconstitutional, oppressive and cruel."
July 5. 1775
- The Continental Congress adopts the Olive Branch Petition which expresses hope for a reconciliation with
Britain, appealing directly to the king for help.
July 6. 1775
- The Continental Congress issues a "Declaration on the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms" detailing
the colonists' reasons for fighting the British and states the Americans are "resolved to die free men
rather than live as slaves."
July 7. 1775
- In Savannah, Georgia, Governor Wright calls for a day of fasting and prayer based on a request of the
Provincial Congress.
July 8. 1775
- A skirmish between Americans and British troops takes place in Roxbury, Massachusetts.
- Congress adopts a petition to King George III offering reconciliation.
July 9. 1775
- In London, King George calls a petition of the London Common Council "most decent and moderate in
words" but subversive in its denial of Parliament's authority to tax the colonies.
July 10. 1775
- Georgia sends out one of the first patriot vessels commissioned for naval service.
- Captain Bowen accomplishes the first seizure of a British ship at sea.
- Georgia sends 5,000 pounds of gunpowder to the Continental Army.
July 11. 1775
- Georgia's Provincial Congress assures Governor Wright that although Georgia had aligned itself with the
other American colonies it still retained great regard for England; it pledged to work towards reconciliation
to "preserve the peace and good order of this Province."
July 12. 1775
- Americans capture Fort Charlotte. Governor Dunmore of Virginia reports to London that rebels had
occupied his residence, converted the capital into a barracks, mobilized a force in York, and intercepted
official mail: "the People of Virginia manifest open Rebellion by every means in their power, and declare
at the Same time that they are his Majesty's Most dutyfull subjects..."
July 13. 1775
- The Continental Congress approves a speech to the Six Nations, urging the Indians "to remain at home,
and not join either side, but keep the hatchet buried deep." Similar speeches are ordered for other tribes.
July 14. 1775
- John Wilkes, the Lord Mayor of London, and members of the Common Council offer a petition to King
George calling for reconciliation with the colonies and an end to all military operations in America. The
King later states that he "owed it to the rest of the law-abiding people to oppose the petition."
July 15. 1775
- In Wilmington, North Carolina, the Committee of Safety passes a resolution calling for as many men as
possible to join Colonel Howe in his attempt to overthrow the British detachment occupying Fort Johnston.
July 16. 1775
- Upon meeting George Washington in Braintree, Massachusetts, Abigail Adams writes: "Dignity with ease,
and complacency, the Gentleman and Soldier look agreeably blended in him."
July 17. 1775
- The third Virginia Convention meets in Richmond, ordering the formation of two regiments as well as
minutemen and militia.
July 18. 1775
- Congress requests that all of the colonies establish minuteman units.
- Royal Governor Josiah Martin of North Carolina seeks refuge on a British warship when patriots occupy
Fort Johnston.
July 19. 1775
- Congress appoints commissioners to seek peace with Indian tribes.
July 20. 1775
- New York observes a Day of Fasting and Devotion, in accordance with the recommendation by Congress.
- American patriots raid royal stores at Turtle Bay, New York.
July 21. 1775
- Americans raid Natasket Point (Brewster Island), Massachusetts. The raiders confiscate lamps, oil,
gunpowder, and boats and burn the wooden parts of the lighthouse...
July 22. 1775
- Washington organizes his army into three divisions under Generals Charles Lee, Artemus Ward, and
Israel Putnam.
July 23. 1775
- Noting the lack of uniforms for the Continental Army, Washington orders commissioned officers to wear
cockades in their hats: pink or red for field rank, yellow or buff for captains, and green for
subalterns. Sergeants are identified by a strip of red cloth on their right shoulder.
July 24. 1775
- The Virginia Convention passes a resolution to cease the export of flour, wheat, and other provisions from
the colony to any country.
July 25. 1775
- Commanded by Captain Michael Doudel, the First Continental Unit reaches Boston.
- Dr. Benjamin Church becomes the first Surgeon General of the Continental Army.
July 26. 1775
- An American Post Office is established with Benjamin Franklin as Postmaster General.
- The Maryland Convention meets in Annapolis where it votes to support the Continental Congress and
resolves to organize 40 companies of minutemen.
July 27. 1775
- Congress establishes The Army Medical Department.
- Henry Laurens, President of the Council of Safety of South Carolina, urges Captain Clement Lempriere to
purchase gunpowder, lead, and muskets for the colony, relying on force only as a last resort.
July 28. 1775
- The Pennsylvania Committee of Safety orders Robert Morris to import from Holland and Spain the
medicines required by the harbor defense force.
July 29. 1775
- Congress establishes the Army Chaplain Department and Judge Advocate General Department.
July 30. 1775
- Samuel Adams writes his wife that the Continental Congress will adjourn soon, the delegates having
decided "to make a Recess during the sultry August of August."
July 31. 1775
- A second raid on Brewster Island occurs. The patriots are successful in killing or capturing the entire
enemy force.
- Congress rejects the plan of reconciliation advanced by British Prime Minister, Lord North.
August of 1775
August 1. 1775
- The Continental Congress adjourns.
August 2. 1775
- In South Carolina, William Drayton and William Tennet leave Charleston to secure the loyalty of settlers in
the interior parts of the province to the patriot cause.
August 3. 1775
- Washington requests Governor Cooke of Rhode Island to send a vessel to remove the Provincial supply of
powder from the magazine in Bermuda.
August 4. 1775
- In London, King George congratulates himself on securing a German corps "much Cheaper than if raised
at home, and when no farther wanted Saves the expence of half pay."
August 5. 1775
- A native of Charleston, South Carolina, writes to London: "Be assured peace will never be firmly
established between Great Britain and America, until the latter receives an ample recognition of her rights,
and a full satisfaction for the blood that has or may be shed."
August 6. 1775
- The Virginia Convention appoints Patrick Henry to the post of Commander of the First Regiment of the
colony's militia. He is later named Commander-in-Chief of the Regular Forces.
August 7. 1775
- In Paris, France, King Louis XVI agrees to send Julien Achard de Bonvouloir to America on a fact-finding
mission. He is also instructed to assure the Americans that France has no aspirations for the
reconquest of Canada.
August 8. 1775
- Captain Daniel Morgan and his Virginia riflemen arrive in Cambridge.
August 9-10. 1775
- British Captain John Linzee is forced to release two captured patriot sloops and retreat from Gloucester
Harbor, Massachusetts.
August 11. 1775
- Washington warns British General Gage about the treatment of prisoners: " . . . I shall regulate all my
conduct towards those gentlemen who are or may be in our possession, exactly by the rule you shall
observe towards those of ours now in your custody: if severity and hardship mark the line of your
conduct, painful as it may be to me, your prisoners will feel its effects."
August 12. 1775
- The Massachusetts House of Representatives instructs inhabitants of the colony "not to fire a gun at
beast, bird, or mark, without real necessity therefor." The recommendation is made to encourage
the conservation of gunpowder.
August 13. 1775
- In London, Lord Sandwich announces that the British Navy has engaged the 6,000 tons of shipping
needed to transport regiments from Ireland to America.
August 14. 1775
- Americans raid storage magazines in Bermuda, carrying off at least 100 barrels of gunpowder.
August 15. 1775
- Governor Campbell of South Carolina appeals to the House of Assembly for aid, admitting that "the powers
of Government are wrested out of my hands. I can neither protect, nor punish; therefore with the Advice
of His Majys Council I apply to You & desire that in this dreadful emergency You will aid me with all the
assistance in Your power, in enforcing the Laws, & protecting His Majys Servants..."
August 16. 1775
- In New Jersey, the Provincial Congress resolves to organize a military force consisting of 48 battalions,
one ranger company, and 63 companies of minutemen.
August 17. 1775
- British military officials in Cork, Ireland, recruit men for military service in America.
August 18. 1775
- The Dutch renew their embargo on the export of military stores to America.
August 22. 1775
- King George III issues a proclamation declaring the Americans to be in a state of open rebellion.
August 23. 1775
- The colonial governments of Virginia and Massachusetts discuss the manufacture of saltpeter and are
actively encouraged to increase the production of gunpowder.
August 24. 1775
- A brief artillery exchange in New York sparks an exodus by New York City civilians to New Jersey.
August 25. 1775
- British Prime Minister Lord North advises the King that "The cause of Great Britain is not yet sufficiently
popular," predicting difficulty in reaching military enlistment goals.
August 26. 1775
- The Rhode Island Assembly resolves to have their delegates to the next Continental Congress ask if they
may build a fleet of ships at Continental expense "for the protection of these colonies."
August 27. 1775
- Benjamin Franklin writes to Silas Deane agreeing with his opinion that the colonies need a navy: "I hope the
next Winter will be employed in forming one. When we are no longer fascinated with the Idea of a
speedy Reconciliation, we shall exert ourselves to some purpose. Till then Things will be done by Halves."
August 28. 1775
- Apparently unaware of loyalist sympathies in the interior of the colony, a native of Charleston, South
Carolina, observes that "Every thing here is suspended but warlike preparations... The country
is unanimous."
August 29. 1775
- George Washington expresses a suspicion that false shortages of wood, hay, and oats had inflated their
costs for the military and asks the legislature to fix prices on these items.
August 30. 1775
- Washington writes to the President of the New York Provincial Congress attacking ship owners who
secretly deliver provisions to Boston. He also emphasizes his need for gunpowder, noting that although
his troops had seized a hill advancing them towards the enemy, their "poverty prevents our availing
ourselves of the Advantage of [the] Situation."
August 31. 1775
- In New York, the Provincial Congress enters into a contract with Joseph Hallett for importing 15 tons of
gunpowder and 1,400 muskets.
September of 1775
September 1. 1775
- Richard Penn and Arthur Lee, representing the Continental Congress, present the Olive Branch Petition to
the Earl of Dartmouth. King George III refuses to receive the petition.
September 2. 1775
- Washington appoints Captain Nicholas Broughton to take command of the armed schooner Hannah for the
purpose of seizing vessels carrying soldiers, ammunition, weapons, and supplies to and from Boston.
September 3. 1775
- The Grand Union Flag is adopted.
September 4. 1775
- A resident of Rhode Island presents to the Committee of Safety a proposal to build a submersible vessel
for the purpose of destroying British warships.
September 5. 1775
- In Charleston, South Carolina, the Council of Safety adopts a more proactive program for the defense of
the province, calling on the militia to stand "in readiness as in time of Alarm."
September 6. 1775
- Washington writes to the residents of Bermuda defending the American struggle to secure its rights and
urging them to deliver to him the contents of their powder magazines. In return he promises to ask
the Continental Congress to release the provisions needed by the inhabitants of the islands.
September 7. 1775
- In New York, New York, the Provincial Congress orders the Quakers to submit a list of all male members of
their society aged 16 to 60 years living in the city and county. The Quakers refuse on the grounds that the
request violates their religious beliefs.
September 8-10. 1775
- American forces unsuccessfully assault a British garrison at Saint Johns, Canada.
September 11. 1775
- A group of conscientious objectors sends the Committee of Safety 152 in support of the American cause.
September 12. 1775
- The Second Continental Congress reconvenes in Philadelphia. Three new Georgia delegates join the
deliberations.
- In London, Lord Dartmouth announces that 10,000 stand of arms and 6 light artillery pieces would be sent
to North Carolina where Governor Martin claims a large body of loyalists would oppose the rebels
with force.
September 13. 1775
- In Boston, Admiral Graves orders Captain Vandeput of the Asia to seize and keep in safe custody any
delegates to the Continental Congress and any "Rebel General Officers, or the chief radical leaders
in New York."
September 14. 1775
- Rebels capture strategically important Fort Johnson, on James Island, South Carolina.
September 15. 1775
- The British charge d'affairs in Paris is ordered to protest the shipment of 30 tons of powder to Philadelphia
by the Governor of St. Domingo, a French possession.
September 16. 1775
- In South Carolina, William Drayton and loyalist leader Colonel Thomas Fletchall sign a treaty of neutrality in
the interior community of Ninety-Six.
September 17. 1775
- Patriot siege of Chambly (part of Canadian invasion) begins.
September 18. 1775
- The Continental Congress resolves to appoint a Secret Committee to import up to 500 tons of gunpowder,
20,000 musket locks, 10,000 stand of arms, and 40 brass six-pounders.
September 19. 1775
- The British government halts the practice of using flintstones as ballast in ships sailing to America. Admiral
Graves is ordered to search all incoming ships, dump all flintstone ballast in deep water, and
confiscate all flints suitable for use in firearms.
September 20. 1775
- In Canada, Ethan Allen informs General Montgomery that he has 250 Canadians under arms and more
volunteers coming in.
September 21. 1775
- Washington writes to Continental Congress president John Hancock describing the problems facing the
army including the need for winter quarters and clothing, the expiration of soldiers' enlistments, and the
lack of funding.
September 22. 1775
- Admiral Graves advises the British Admiralty against relying on America for supplies and provisions for
the fleet during the coming winter. All necessary items would have to be shipped from England.
September 23. 1775
- American forces depart on the long march to Quebec.
September 24. 1775
- The British Cabinet gives notice that it is their intention to "carry on the war against America with the
utmost vigour; and to begin the next campaign as early as possible in the spring. The outlines of the plan
to be pursued, are, an army of eighteen thousand men to be employed in New-England, and another army
of twelve thousand men are to act in Virginia and the middle Provinces."
September 25. 1775
- Ethan Allen aborts a poorly timed attack on Montreal and is captured by the British.
September 26. 1775
- In Philadelphia, John Hancock writes to Washington on behalf of the Continental Congress asking him to
prepare winter quarters for his men. Edward Rutledge of South Carolina makes a motion to have
Washington discharge "all the Negroes as well Slaves as Freemen in his Army." The motion fails.
October of 1775
October 1. 1775
- General Gage orders two detachments from St. Augustine, Florida, to Boston, leaving only about half a
regiment in all of east Florida. Ninety soldiers are left in St. Augustine; the rest are stationed in New
Smyrna, Matanzas, the Cowford, Lookout Tower, and St. John's River.
October 2. 1775
- In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the supply ship Prince George, transporting flour from Bristol, England, to
Boston, is taken by force as it enters the Portsmouth harbor by mistake.
October 3. 1775
- The Committee of Safety orders the repair of the barracks and hospital at Albany, New York, "with all
possible dispatch in the cheapest... manner, so as to make them fit for the reception of the
Troops of the Continental Army."
October 4. 1775
- The Massachusetts House of Representatives orders the overseers of Harvard College "to inquire into the
principles" of its staff and to "dismiss those who, by their past or present conduct, appear to be
unfriendly to the liberties and privileges of the Colonies."
October 5. 1775
- A committee to prepare a plan for fitting out two armed vessels to intercept enemy transport ships is
appointed by the Continental Congress.
October 6. 1775
- The Continental Congress passes a resolution calling for the arrest of all loyalists who are dangerous to
"the liberties of America."
October 7. 1775
- After refusing to provision a British ship, Bristol, Rhode Island, is bombarded and burned. Townspeople
eventually surrender 40 sheep.
October 8. 1775
- In Cambridge, Washington's General Officers meet at a Council of War, and agree that the new army
consist of at least 20,372 men enlisted for one-year terms.
October 9. 1775
- British General Sir William Howe writes to Lord Dartmouth his belief that the British army should be
evacuated from Boston and moved to Rhode Island where it "would be better connected, and the corps
would act with greater effect."
October 10. 1775
- General Gage departs Boston for England.
October 11. 1775
- John Hancock writes to General Philip Schuyler expressing Congress's hope that his endeavors in Canada
result in convincing the Canadians to join in the union with the Colonies, form a Provincial Convention,
and send delegates to the Continental Congress.
October 12. 1775
- The Irish Parliament finalizes an address to King George III, pledging their "unfeigned zeal and unshaken
loyalty" for the King and the British government.
October 13. 1775
- Congress authorizes the creation of a navy.
October 14. 1775
- In London, Secretary of State Lord Suffolk receives intelligence that the colony of Pennsylvania is
preparing an armed fleet and floating batteries to prevent the passage of the King's ships through the
Delaware River. He recommends that the Admiralty dispatch vessels to destroy the floating batteries.
October 16. 1775
- The maritime minister of France sends orders to officials in port towns urging them to prevent American
ships from loading war munitions.
October 17. 1775
- In Wilmington, North Carolina, the colony's Committee of Safety orders the creation and sale of certificates
proving one's loyalty to the American cause. To encourage their sale, the committee orders that no
business be conducted with any citizen of the county unless they produce one of the certificates.
October 18. 1775
- As a punitive measure, British ships bombard and set fire to Falmouth, Maine, destroying the majority of
the town.
- Three committeemen from the Continental Congress meet with Washington and representatives of the
colonies of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts Bay. The conference is called to draw up a
plan for reorganizing, supplying, and continuing the Continental Army.
October 19. 1775
- The British surrender their fort at Chambly, Canada.
October 20. 1775
- The committee meeting with Washington about the Army agrees that the forces should be supplied with
provisions by the New England colonies. Washington is given the authority to impress wagons,
vessels, horses, and other necessary items.
October 21. 1775
- On the recommendation of the Continental Congress and news of an imminent attack, the Provincial
Congress of New York orders all sulphur and brimstone supplies in New York City shipped to a safe
place on the Hudson River.
October 22. 1775
- Former president of the Continental Congress, Peyton Randolph of Virginia, dies in Philadelphia.
October 23. 1775
- The Congressional Committee meeting with Washington agrees to accept the Penobscot, Stockbridge, and
St. John's Indian tribes offers of assistance, allowing them to be employed in the Army if necessary.
The committee decides, however, to exclude African Americans.
October 24-25. 1775
- Patriots successfully defend Hampton, Virginia, from a British naval attack.
October 26. 1775
- The Continental Congress passes a resolution recommending that all colonies export goods to the West
Indies in exchange for the import of arms, ammunition, sulphur, and saltpeter.
October 27. 1775
- In Philadelphia, the Society of Friends, or Quakers, asks the Pennsylvania Assembly "to guard against any
proposal or attempt to deprive us and others of the full enjoyment of liberty of conscience." Quaker
religious beliefs prohibited members from bearing arms or supporting armed conflict through personal
service or financial obligation.
October 28. 1775
- General Sir William Howe, new Commander-in-Chief of the British army, issues a proclamation to the
American residents of Boston forbidding any person from leaving the city on pain of death. He also
orders citizens to organize into military companies in order to aid in the "defense" of their city.
October 29. 1775
- Four armed American vessels sail from Cambridge as part of a fleet created to cruise the coast in search
of enemy transports carrying arms and provisions.
October 30. 1775
- Congress establishes the Naval Committee, the first real administrative committee on standing naval affairs
for the colonies.
October 31. 1775
- Washington tries to encourage re-enlistment in the Army by reserving new supplies for those who agree
to commit to another year of service. He also promises each man time to visit his family during the winter.
November of 1775
November 1. 1775
- The Continental Congress resolves to ban the export of produce and livestock, except horses, from the
colonies unless the proceeds of the shipments are used to purchase military stores.
November 2. 1775
- American troops, under the command of Montgomery, end a siege with the capture of St. Johns, Canada,
a costly victory that delays the fight for Quebec.
November 3. 1775
- In Cambridge, Washington mourns the destruction of "so many Valuable Plantations of Trees" by soldiers
to be used for firewood. He writes that "from Fences to Forrest Trees, and from Forrest Trees to fruit
Trees, is a Natural advance to houses, which must next follow..."
November 4. 1775
- The Continental Congress agrees to underwrite the cost of raising three battalions for the defense of
South Carolina and one for the colony of Georgia. The body also recommends that South Carolina
create a new form of government, if necessary.
November 5. 1775
- King George receives numerous expressions of support for his policies towards the American colonies
from communities in England and Scotland. Lord North organized the endorsement campaign.
November 6. 1775
- The Governor of Jamaica reports to London that "the North Americans are amply supplied with Gun
powder and other Military Stores by the French in Hispanola; which is sold at an advanc'd price by
the Inhabitants who I find import great quantitys from Old France, finding it such an advantageous article
of Commerce; But I do not learn that they get any out of the Royal Stores or Magazines."
November 7. 1775
- Congress amends the Continental Articles of War.
November 8. 1775
- Washington seeks to resolve several problems facing the army: how to encourage experienced troops to
enlist; how to assemble a capable officer corps; and how to overcome provinical differences and
rivalries. He writes, "Connecticut wants no Massachusetts man in her corps. Massachusetts thinks there
is no necessity for a Rhode Islander..."
November 9. 1775
- At Phipp's Farm, Massachusetts (also know as Lechmere Point) Americans successfully drive off British
soldiers seeking cattle to supply the Boston garrison.
November 10. 1775
- Congress adopts resolutions to encourage the domestic production of saltpetre, raise two battalions of
marines, and dispatch two agents to Nova Scotia to secure information on the sentiments of that populace
and their state of military readiness.
November 11. 1775
- The Continental Congress engages the missionary Samuel Kirkland to spread the "Gospel amongst the
Indians," and confirm "their affections to the United Colonies... thereby preserving their friendship
and neutrality."
November 12. 1775
- Upon hearing of England's rejection of the Olive Branch petition, Abigail Adams writes: "Let us separate,
they are unworthy to be our Brethren. Let us renounce them and instead of suplications as formorly for
their prosperity and happiness, Let beseach the almighty to blast their councils and bring to Nought all
their devices."
November 13. 1775
- After an easy battle, American troops capture and occupy Montreal.
November 14. 1775
- The King informs Lord North that he has contracted for raising 4,000 German recruits for Great Britain.
November 15. 1775
- Virginia Governor Dunmore issues a proclamation offering freedom to "all indented Servants, Negroes, or
others, (appertaining to rebels,)... that are able and willing to bear Arms, they joining His
Majesty's Troops."
November 16. 1775
- In Quebec, a Council of War decides to defend the city by securing troops from naval vessels.
November 17. 1775
- The Virginia Gazette carries a letter from a reader advising planters to warn their slaves that the British
government are worse enemies than their masters; that if the Americans are defeated, the slaves would
be sold in the West Indies; and to advise the slaves to look for an improved status in the next world.
November 18. 1775
- The new Secretary of State for America, Lord Germain, informs General Howe that 20,000 soldiers were
to be supplied for the spring campaign and five regiments were to be dispatched to the Carolinas by the
end of November.
November 19-21. 1775
- A truce ends two days of fighting between loyalists and patriots at the fortified settlement of Ninety-six,
South Carolina.
November 22. 1775
- Congress resolves to permit the colonies to export a fixed amount of provisions to Bermuda, where
inhabitants faced starvation, in return for salt which was badly needed in the colonies. Unlimited quantities
of food could be exported if the return cargoes contained military supplies.
November 23. 1775
- General Montgomery writes, "till Quebeck is taken, Canada is unconquered." He concludes that an
invasion of the city would be inevitable.
November 24. 1775
- The Pennsylvania Assembly brands as public enemies all individuals who refuse to accept provincial bills
of credit.
November 25. 1775
- The South Carolina Congress resolves that "the colony is in a state of actual alarm" and sends additional
militia into the interior to reinforce those fighting against the loyalists.
November 26. 1775
- In his absence, Washington instructs the manager of his Mt. Vernon plantation to "Let the Hospitality of the
House, with respect to the poor, be kept up; Let no one go hungry away."
November 27. 1775
- General Montgomery begins his move on Quebec.
November 28. 1775
- Congress establishes the American Navy.
November 29. 1775
- Congress establishes a Committee of Secret Correspondence to seek assistance from European nations.
December of 1775
December 1. 1775
- General Montgomery joins General Arnold's patriot forces outside Quebec.
December 2. 1775
- Thomas Jefferson proposes a resolution in Congress calling for the exchange of Ethan Allan, captured by
the British at Montreal.
December 3. 1775
- At the American camp in Cambridge, the captain of an American schooner brings in a captured enemy
vessel carrying 5000 pounds of dry goods; the British revive a fear of smallpox by sending victims
of the disease from Boston to the patriot lines.
December 4. 1775
- In an effort to prevent Connecticut troops from leaving the service, General Lee threatens to cut off
provisions to those who do not reenlist for three weeks, and posts a notice to innkeepers between
Cambridge and Hartford asking them to refuse service to deserters. Soldiers react to the notice by posting
one of their own stating, "General Lee is a fool and if he had not come here we should not know it."
December 5. 1775
- Recruitment and retention woes continue for Washington as Massachusetts sets a monthly pay schedule
of twenty-eight days, adding another month of pay per year to each soldier's salary. He writes
the Massachusetts Council, "... it aims the most fatal stab to the peace of this army that ever was given,
and that Lord North himself could not have devised a more effective blow to the recruiting service."
December 6. 1775
- West India sugar planters and London merchants draft a petition to present to the House of Commons
asking for concessions for rum trade in the forthcoming Parliamentary bill stopping all trade with America.
December 7. 1775
- Dr. Benjamin Gale writes to Connecticut delegate to the Continental Congress Silas Deane regarding the
progress of construction on a submarine invented by David Bushnell.
December 8-31. 1775
- Siege of Quebec by American force.
December 8. 1775
- The French Foreign Minister, Count de Vergennes, announces that King Louis XVI will renew his order to
French ports forbidding the loading of munitions on American ships. Despite issuing the original order
in October, commerce in war goods had not diminished.
December 9. 1775
- British troops under Governor Dunmore are defeated at Great Bridge, Virginia.
December 10. 1775
- A group of British marines, sailors, and women under the command of Captain James Wallace of the HMS
Rose raid the town of Jamestown, Rhode Island.
December 11. 1775
- Congress approves a $3000 appropriation to support American diplomats in Europe.
December 12. 1775
- To provide much-needed fuel for the colony, the Massachusetts Council allows decayed barns, stores,
and houses to be torn down, as well as any public buildings if needed.
December 13. 1775
- Congress authorizes the Naval Construction Act of 1775.
December 14. 1775
- With reinforcements from Williamsburg and North Carolina, American forces occupy Norfolk.
December 15. 1775
- Following the patriot capture of Norfolk from the British, the Virginia Gazette reports that Lord Dunmore will
bombard the city if frontier riflemen enter the fight.
December 16. 1775
- A representative of the Delaware tribe visits the Continental Congress where he is thanked by John
Hancock for keeping the Delwares neutral in the conflict between Britain and America.
December 17. 1775
- Patriot forces in Montreal build ramparts of snow and ice. An American describes the event in a letter
stating, "Who but Yankees would have thought of such a contrivance or who but enthusiastics for
liberty would carry on a siege at such a season of the year."
December 18. 1775
- A company of foot rangers raids Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, where Governor Campbell has retained
slaves and loyalists.
December 19. 1775
- The New York Provinical Congress orders the purchase of 1,000 copies of the proceedings of the
Continental Congress in Low Dutch and German to be distributed to residents of the colony.
December 20. 1775
- The Continental Congress orders a temporary cease-fire between the colonies of Connecticut and
Pennsylvania in their dispute over conflicting land claims in the Wyoming Valley.
December 21. 1775
- In London, the British Parliament passes a bill calling for the confiscation of all American vessels and the
impressement of their crews into service in the English Navy.
December 22. 1775
- British Parliament passes the American Prohibitory Act.
- Esek Hopkins is commissioned Commodore in the Continental Navy.
December 23. 1775
- King George III issues a royal proclamation closing the American colonies to all commerce and trade, to
take effect in March of 1776. Also in December, Congress is informed that France may offer support
in the war against Britain.
December 24. 1775
- The Georgia Council of Safety attempts to stop several vessels from loading lumber on the Sapelo
River for export to the West Indies.
December 25. 1775
- Christmas Day
December 26. 1775
- The Continental Congress calls for another three million dollars in bills of credit to be issued to help defray
the costs of building a navy and supplying the army. The thirteen colonies pledge for the redemption of
the bills of credit by levying taxes in each colony.
December 27. 1775
- A group of thirty-four prisoners taken by the British near Montreal are moved to the HMS Soleboy to be
transported to Boston. Colonel Ethan Allen is the only officer in the group.
December 28. 1775
- The Continental Congress resolves that troops raised in Virginia be enlisted on the same terms and pay as
the forces at Cambridge.
December 29. 1775
- In Schenectady, New York, the local Committee of Correspondence asks local magistrates to prevent the
firing of guns on New Year's Day in order to conserve gun powder.
December 30. 1775
- General Washington's recruitment officers are allowed to discuss enlistment in the American army with
free African Americans that want to join the force.
December 31. 1775
- Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold lead an unsuccessful American assault on Quebec in which
Montgomery is killed and Arnold wounded.
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