Richard Howe, though commander of the British fleet sent to stop the rebellion, was not personally hostile toward America.
On the shore at Perth Amboy, New Jersey, a British officer stepped out of his boat to meet three American civilians. They were members of the Continental Congress, sent as a committee to talk with the British admiral — at his invitation — about the possibility of peace. The officer who met them was a sort of hostage: while the three crossed over to Staten Island to meet with Admiral Howe, he would stay behind as security for their safe-conduct. It was understandable for Admiral Howe to send the officer, but the three Americans considered a hostage unnecessary, and they insisted that the officer accompany them to meet the admiral on Staten Island.
Admiral Lord Richard Howe and his brother, General Sir William Howe, in addition to being the commanders of the British navy and army in America, were “peace commissioners”: that is, they had been given a mission to try to talk the Americans into ending the war, and had been authorized to grant pardons to those who had rebelled. But since the time when they were given that mission, the Americans had declared independence, which made the situation much more difficult: even before the declaration of independence, the British couldn’t negotiate with the Continental Congress, because that would be acknowledging the Congress as a legal body; and after the declaration, negotiating with them would be acknowledging the United States as independent — which the British could not do without giving up the war. As a result, the meeting was somewhat unofficial.
The Great Seal of the United States, which can be seen on the back of a dollar bill, includes an eagle and a pyramid. The original proposed design was very different; as shown in this note by Thomas Jefferson, it included the story of Moses parting — or rather, closing — the Red Sea, and a rather defiant motto.
One of the first things that the Continental Congress did after declaring independence was to appoint a committee to come up with a “great seal” for the United States — a design that would officially symbolize the new republic. What with everything else going on, it was August 20 before the committee reported back and presented their recommendation.
Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence
After the Continental Congress set a date to decide whether to declare independence, they appointed five men to draft a formal declaration that could be published to the world. They wanted to be ready ahead of time so that they could move quickly if the decision was made. One of those five was Thomas Jefferson.
The other members of the committee — John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston — chose Jefferson to be the writer. During the month of June, he worked on writing a declaration that would show to the world why they were deciding to become independent. At the same time, he was working on a constitution for Virginia, and of course he had other Congressional duties as well.
After he finished writing it, the document was reviewed by the other members of the committee. Adams and Franklin made some minor changes. The committee reported to Congress on Friday, June 28, and the declaration was “laid on the table”.
Part of a 1777 map of Canada. Three Rivers (les Trois Rivières) is near the top right.
In a bold attempt to regain some lost ground in Canada, an American force of less than 1,500 men marched to attack the town of Three Rivers (Trois Rivières), on the northern bank of the St. Lawrence River, in the early morning of June 8, 1776. Their plan depended on surprise, but some of the locals alerted the British that they were coming, and others, acting as guides, delayed the Americans by leading them the wrong way. As they marched along the riverbank, British warships began firing at them, and they turned aside into a swamp for safety. Forcing their way through the swamp was harder and took longer than anticipated. When they finally reached the town, they were the ones surprised: they had expected to find an enemy force much weaker than their own; instead, they found that the British outnumbered them by far — and they had cannons (which the Americans did not) and were sheltered behind fortifications. Despite all that, the Americans attacked. They fought bravely, but it was a hopeless situation, and they were soon forced to retreat. They left behind many casualties — about 200 Americans had been taken prisoner, and perhaps as many had been killed or wounded — and all hope of holding on to Canada.
Captain Henry Harvey of the British Royal Navy commanded the sloopMartin, which was anchored in the river Trois Rivières. He reported to his superior
A little before three oClock in the morning, of the 8th I received intelligence by a Canadian Canoe, that a great number of Batteaus, had cross’d the river from Nicolet, and landed a great Body of the rebels, at the Point of the lake, & were on their march towards Three rivers…about 5 OClock, a large body of the rebels appear’d opposite to the Ship, at the edge of the woods, marching towards the Town; I immediately fir’d on them which oblig’d them, to take shelter in the Woods, til they had passed our line of Fire; about six oClock they attack’d the advance guard, of our Troops and appear’d to do it, with much resolution, but on receiving the fire from a line of infantry, posted to advantage, they gave way with the loss of some kill’d and wounded; they then appear’d to be forming again, but very soon went off, in hast & confusion.
Anthony Wayne, a Pennsylvania colonel, helped lead the American attack. He described the battle to Benjamin Franklin:
About 2 in the Morning we landed Nine Miles above the town, and after an Hours March day began to Appear, our Guides had mistook the road, the Enemy Discoverd and Cannonaded us from their ships. A Surprise was out of the Question. We therefore put our best face on and Continued our line of March thro’ a thick deep Swamp three Miles wide and after four Hours Arrived at a more Open piece of Ground, amidst the thickest firing of the Shipping when all of a Sudden a large Body of Regulars Marched down in good Order Immediately in front of me… I Ordered my Light Infantry together with Capt. Hay’s Company of Rifle men to Advance and amuse them whilst I was forming, they began and Continued the Attack with great Spirit until I advanced to Support when I Orderd them to wheel to the Right and left and flank the Enemy at the same time we poured in a well Aimed and heavy fire in front… They Attempted to Retreat in good Order at first but in a few Minutes broke and run in the Utmost Confusion. About this time the Other Divisions began to Immerge from the Swamp…. At this Instant we Recd. [received] a heavy fire in flank from Muskettry field pieces Howitzers &ca. &ca. which threw us into some Confusion, but was Instantly Remedied. We Advanced in Colums up to their breast Work’s which till then we had not Discovered. At this time Genl. Thompson with Cols. St. Clair Ervine and Hartly were Marching in full view to our Support, Col. Maxwell now began to Engage on the left of me, the fire was so hot he cou’d not mantain his post. The Other troops had Also fired off to the left. My Small Battalion Composed of my own and two Companis of Jersey men under Major Ray amounting in the Whole to About 200 were left exposed to the Whole fire of the Shipping in flank and full three thousand men in front with all their Artilry under the Command of Genl. Burgoine. Our people taking example by others gave way. Indeed it was Imposible for them to stand it longer.
