On This Day: Washington organizes his correspondences for looming war

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. 22, 1776

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Gen. George Washington is at his desk again. It is there that he organizes the details of the war, piecing them together through the many letters he receives. And it is there that he learns from the New Hampshire General Court that advance wages have been delivered to the men marching for Canada, and notes that Congress will reimburse the colony when future funds arrive.

Just 17 days earlier, the colony of New Hampshire declared independence