As the army prepares to defend New York, the British navy bears down. Second Continental Congress president John Hancock writes from Philadelphia about the crisis in Canada. To replace John Thomas, who has died of smallpox, Congress has appointed Horatio Gates to command there. Hancock asks Washington to send him north quickly. “The most unfortunate Death of General Thomas having made a Vacancy in that Department, and the Service requiring an officer of Experience and Distinction, the Congress have thought proper to appoint General Gates
to succeed him. And I am to request, you will send him into that Provence to take the Command of the Forces there as soon as possible; and that you direct him to view Point au Fer, and to order a Fortress to be erected there if he shall think proper. My opinion on the Resolve of the 25th May was well founded; Congress having since determined, as you will find by a Resolve herewith transmitted, that you are to employ the Indians whereever you
think their Services will contribute most to the Public Good. I shall write to the Colonies of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to request them to authorize you to call on their Militia if necessary. My Time will not permit me to do it now, as the Post will set out directly, and the enclosed Resolves were not passed till late yesterday Evening. I have the Honour to be Sir, your most obedt and very hble Ser. John Hancock”
John Hancock, Horatio Gates, John Thomas, smallpox, Canada, Second Continental Congress, George Washington, Point au Fer, fortress, Indians, militia, New York, British navy