The following is an installment of “On This Day,” a series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by following the actions of Gen. George Washington, the Continental Congress, and the men and women whose bravery and sacrifice led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Gen. George Washington arrives in Norwich, Connecticut, while on his way south to New York. Washington meets with Connecticut Gov. Jonathan Trumbull Sr., a trusted and important ally of both Washington and the American cause.
Gurdon Saltonstall, the New London patriot leader, writes to Washington reporting that Continental Commodore Esek Hopkins has just arrived in New London Harbor with his fleet and captured prizes.
Saltonstall even notes the time in his letter:
Gurdon Saltonstall to George Washington, 8 April 1776
From Gurdon Saltonstall
N. London [Conn.] April 8th 1776
P.M. 2 Clock.
May it please Your Excelencey
Comodore Hopkins with the Fleet & Prizes, came this
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