General George Washington has been in New York City for less than two weeks, yet he operates under constant urgency. He contends simultaneously with organizing and professionalizing his army, securing food, clothing, and ammunition supplies, and managing the ever-present stress of an unseen enemy. The situation grows more precarious as the British naval threat approaches. The pending arrival of enemy forces by sea pressures his defensive preparations along the coast.
The northern campaign compounds Washington's challenges by draining strength, treasure, and manpower from the city at precisely the moment New York, populated by numerous loyalists, requires reinforcement. Washington must balance the demands of two theaters while maintaining military discipline and preventing his soldiers from destabilizing the civilian population.
Washington issued strict orders governing the conduct of troops departing for Canada. Officers and soldiers were required to assemble the following morning at nine o'clock near General Sullivan's quarters to receive their orders. He explicitly forbade soldiers from removing any items from their barracks or from the houses they occupied. The army, Washington warned sternly, must not behave like plunderers. Commanding officers faced responsibility for documenting any damage to civilian property, with troops held accountable for repairs. General Green's Brigade received orders to encamp on Long Island the following morning at ten o'clock.
Beyond immediate military operations, Washington addressed broader strategic concerns. He forwarded to Congress a petition from Rhode Island's Assembly, originally transmitted months earlier, requesting military support for that colony's defense. Governor Cooke had asked Washington to advocate for Continental forces to be stationed there. Washington endorsed the request, citing Rhode Island's strategic importance. Its extensive coastline provided harbors for American shipping while simultaneously exposing residents to enemy attacks. Washington emphasized the colony's demonstrated commitment to the revolutionary cause and its inability to raise sufficient defensive forces independently. He urged Congress to place Rhode Island's troops on Continental pay and assign a commanding officer appointed by Congress.
