July 1: Massachusetts Launches a Navy

Massachusetts officially creates a naval force, taking another step toward full independence from British control.

July 2: Washington Arrives in Cambridge

General George Washington arrives in Cambridge to take command and transform New England militias into a unified American army.

July 3: A Stern Assessment

Washington formally assumes command and is unimpressed by the disorder and undisciplined nature of the New England troops.

July 4: An Army Assembles for Canada

Generals Richard Montgomery and Philip Schuyler gather American forces at Fort Ticonderoga for an invasion of Quebec.

July 5: The Olive Branch Petition

Congress approves the Olive Branch Petition, a final plea for peace and reconciliation with King George III.

July 6: A Spy Among Patriots

An encoded letter from Benjamin Church—member of the Sons of Liberty—is intercepted, revealing he is spying for the British.

July 7: A Day of Prayer in Georgia

Georgia Governor James Wright calls for a day of fasting and prayer at the request of the Continental Congress.

July 8: Georgia Strikes a Blow

Patriots in Georgia capture the British ship *Philippa*, seize its gunpowder, and send the supplies north to aid Boston.

July 9: Dorchester Heights Plan Rejected

Washington and his generals meet in a war council and decide not to occupy the strategic Dorchester Heights—for now.

July 10: Washington Establishes Headquarters

Washington moves his headquarters to the Vassall House in Cambridge, where it remains throughout the siege of Boston.

July 11: Adams on Washington’s Greatness

John Adams writes to Abigail that Washington “will cement and secure the united colonies” and become a key figure in history.

July 12: Dunmore Reports Rebellion

Virginia’s royal governor, Lord Dunmore, reports open rebellion by colonists while claiming they still profess loyalty to the Crown.

July 13: Howe’s Fleet Arrives

Admiral Richard “Black Dick” Howe arrives in North America with a powerful British fleet.

July 14: Soldiers Rejoice in Washington

Nathaniel Greene writes, “Joy was visible on every countenance” as American troops cheer Washington’s leadership.

July 15: Fort Johnston Threatened

North Carolina’s Committee of Safety calls for action to oust the British at Fort Johnston. Governor Martin flees to a British warship.

July 16: Abigail Adams Meets Washington

After meeting Washington, Abigail Adams writes that John “hardly had said enough” in praising him.

July 17: Army Camps Get Sanitary Rules

Rev. William Emerson notes that Washington enforces strict hygiene and discipline: “The strictest government is taking place.”

July 18: Washington Writes to Martha

Washington writes to Martha that he did not seek command: “It has been a kind of destiny that has been thrown upon me.” That same day, patriots seize Fort Johnston.

July 19: Seeking Peace with Native Tribes

Congress appoints commissioners to negotiate with northern Indigenous nations to prevent British alliances.

July 20: Supplies Seized in New York

Patriots raid Turtle Bay, Manhattan, and ship British military stores north. In New Jersey, Salem County forms its first minutemen unit.

July 21: Franklin’s Confederation Plan

Benjamin Franklin presents a plan for colonial confederation to Congress. Though not adopted, it foreshadows future union.

July 22: Army Organized into Corps

Washington divides the army into three corps led by Generals Charles Lee, Artemas Ward, and Israel Putnam.

July 23: A Loyalist Sermon

Rev. William Smith, Anglican Provost of the College of Philadelphia, preaches loyalty to the Crown.

July 24: Virginia Enacts Trade Boycott

Virginia resolves to cease exporting flour, wheat, and other goods to Britain and its territories.

July 25: Maryland Prints Revolutionary Currency

Maryland issues paper money with imagery of George III trampling on the Magna Carta—an open act of defiance.

July 26: Cabinet Prepares for War

The King’s Cabinet, shaken by Bunker Hill, resolves to send 2,000 additional troops. Lord North declares: “It must be treated as a foreign war.”

July 27: British Command Change

General Thomas Gage hands over command of British forces in Boston to General William Howe.

July 28: Washington Reflects on the Army

Washington writes to Philip Schuyler, describing his troops as “raw materials” in need of shaping into a disciplined army.

July 29: Army Chaplains Authorized

Congress establishes the Army Chaplain Department to serve the spiritual needs of American soldiers.

July 30: Congress Plans Recess

John Adams tells Abigail that Congress may adjourn in August due to Philadelphia’s “sultry” summer heat.

July 31: Reconciliation Proposal Rejected

Congress rejects a North Ministry peace proposal sent to private individuals rather than to Congress—it falls short of independence.