February 1: Troops Assigned to Lee

New York places its troops under the command of Gen. Charles Lee.

February 2: A Naval Capture Recognized

John Hancock commends Lord Stirling for capturing the British vessel Blue Mountain Valley.

February 3: Supplies for the Army

Congress arranges to import large quantities of sailcloth and blankets for the troops.

February 4: Forces Converge on New York

General Lee’s advance troops arrive in New York City as British Gen. Henry Clinton anchors at Sandy Hook en route to attack Charleston.

February 5: Pay Promised

Good news reaches the Continental Army outside Boston as headquarters announces soldiers will be paid for November and December.

February 6: Funds for the Northern Army

Hancock writes to Gen. Philip Schuyler that Congress will send hard currency to pay troops in Canada.

February 7: Knox Advances with Artillery

Schuyler reports that Henry Knox and the “noble train of artillery” have crossed the Hudson with help from local supporters.

February 8: Illness in the Ranks

Gen. Nathanael Greene falls ill with jaundice, described as “yellow as saffron.”

February 9: Naval Intelligence Gained

American forces capture British naval signal codes and share them with American ships.

February 10: A Break with Britain

Washington declares the colonies are determined to “shake off all connections” with a “tyrant and diabolical ministry.”

February 11: Royal Governor Escapes

Georgia’s royal governor, James Wright, escapes house arrest and flees to a British warship in the Savannah River.

February 12: Clinton Heads South

Gen. Henry Clinton departs for Charleston to begin southern operations.

February 13: Naval Ambitions Grow

New Hampshire delegate Josiah Bartlett reports Congressional support for building a frigate for the colonies.

February 14: Skirmish at Dorchester Neck

A brief clash with British patrols opens access to Dorchester Heights—soon to become a critical American position.

February 15: Gratitude for Supplies

Washington thanks Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull for providing much-needed gunpowder.

February 16: Council of War Meets

Washington convenes a council of war to consider attacking Boston but is advised against it.

February 17: The Navy Takes Shape

Commodore Esek Hopkins sets sail with six ships, forming the core of the new Continental Navy.

February 18: Decision Against Attack

Washington informs Congress that the council has decided not to launch an assault on Boston.

February 19: Defending New York

Gen. Charles Lee outlines plans to fortify New York, including defenses across the East River in Brooklyn.

February 20: Wilmington Prepares

North Carolina patriots ready defenses against a potential British attack on Wilmington.

February 21: Anxiety on the Home Front

Abigail Adams writes to her husband that preparations are increasing and “something terrible” is expected.

February 22: Army Pay Addressed

Congress works to standardize pay for soldiers in the Continental Army.

February 23: A New Delegate Arrives

Virginia’s Carter Braxton arrives in Philadelphia to join the Continental Congress.

February 24: Tracking Readiness

Washington orders weekly reports on how many troops are fit for duty.

February 25: Fleet Sails for the Bahamas

Esek Hopkins’ squadron departs on a mission to raid British supplies in the Bahamas.

February 26: Forces Gather in North Carolina

Patriot and Loyalist forces converge near Moore’s Creek Bridge.

February 27: Victory at Moore’s Creek

Patriot forces defeat Loyalists in a decisive battle at Moore’s Creek Bridge.

February 28: Washington Thanks Wheatley

George Washington expresses gratitude to poet Phillis Wheatley for her ode in his honor.