On This Day: Washington arrives at Staten Island to assess building a fortification

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 is traveling to speak before the Second Continental Congress and its president, John Hancock. While en route from New York to Philadelphia, he breakfasts at Woodbridge, New Jersey. There, he reads fresh dispatches from the campaign in Canada and immediately writes to Major Gen. Israel Putnam in New York, urging swift support for the army in Canada — tools, powder, lead, and provisions that must be sent without delay.

George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 May 1776

To Major General Israel Putnam

Amboy [N.J.] 22d May 1776

Sir

Your Letter of the Last night with the dispatches from Canada, Came to