111th Congress, 2nd Session
General George Washington wrote a letter to the Continental Congress about conditions in the city of Boston
March 24, 1776
On this date, General George Washington wrote a letter to the Continental Congress about conditions in the city of Boston, which British troops had evacuated after a one-year occupation. Washington wrote, “As soon as the town was abandoned by the enemy, I judged it advisable to secure the several heights les[t] they shou’d attempt to return.” Washington also directed the construction of “a large & strong work” to “greatly annoy any Fleet the Enemy may send against the Town.” Washington requested instructions about the disposal of munitions and contraband vessels, several of which were owned by private citizens. “I wish Congress wou’d direct a mode of proceeding…,” Washington wrote, “…are they now to be considered as belonging to [the private owners], or to the publick?” He also asked for instructions about diplomatic protocols for British peace commissioners who planned to visit the colonies: should they be “considered as Ambassadors & to have a pass or permit for repairing thro the country…or whether they are to be restrained in any & what manner.” The Continental Congress received Washington’s letter on April 3 and referred it to a committee. Three weeks later Congress authorized Washington to return the captured vessels to their former owners unless they had been offered to help the British. Congress also ceded the captured munitions to the colony of Massachusetts. One week later, Congress advised Washington that if the commissioners “are…to be sent…to [discuss a treaty] of peace, that the practice usual in such cases will be observed…Congress will then direct the proper measures for the reception of such commissioners.”
Related Highlight Subjects
Cite this Highlight
Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/highlights.html?action=view&intID=350, (December 14, 2010).For Additional Information
Office of History and Preservation(202) 226-1300
history@mail.house.gov
Subscribe to E-mail Updates
Sign up for monthly e-mail updates on House art and history.
This c. 1876 print, published by Currier & Ives, features George Washington accepting his commission from the Continental Congress.
Image courtesy of Library of Congress
Teaching Tip
War and Peace
Have students locate two highlight dates pertaining to either a war or military conflict. Compare and contrast the two entries and briefly discuss the role the House played in either American intervention or in a peaceful resolution.
