On This Day: Washington deeply skeptical of Mohawk leaders abandoning neutrality

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.

Jan. 27, 1776

Cambridge, Massachusetts

It has been a handful of days since Gen. George Washington received word of the failure in the Dec. 31 battle for Quebec. Washington is depressed by the devastating loss of U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Richard Montgomery in the battle. Montgomery was leading an assault during a blizzard and died instantly from a British shot at point-blank range.

Washington writes to Benedict Arnold, one of his top commanders. Arnold nearly lost his life in the battle when