May 1: Retreat from Quebec Continues

With Gen. Richard Montgomery dead and Benedict Arnold wounded, Gen. John Thomas leads the American retreat from Quebec.

May 2: French Assistance Organized

The trading company Hortalez et Cie is established in France to secretly funnel military supplies and financial aid to the American cause.

May 3: The Howe Brothers Take on Dual Roles

King George III appoints William and Richard Howe as peace commissioners, even as they continue commanding British military forces in America.

May 4: Rhode Island Renounces Allegiance

Rhode Island formally renounces its allegiance to Great Britain while American leaders continue efforts to reinforce troops in Canada.

May 5: Washington Warns of Weapons Shortages

Washington informs Congress of his army’s severe shortage of firearms. In Virginia, members of the House of Burgesses resolve not to adjourn, but to let the royal institution expire.

May 6: Congress Rejects British Peace Efforts

Congress directs Washington to ignore any British peace commission, describing such efforts as “delusive contrivances.”

May 7: Congress Orders a Census

Congress asks New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, and Rhode Island to conduct a census.

May 8: Pennsylvania Galleys Defend the Delaware

Thirteen Pennsylvania galleys attack and drive off two British warships near Wilmington, Delaware. A cannonball from the British frigate Roebuck strikes Helms Cove Tavern in Penns Grove.

May 9: New York Defenses Expand

American forces continue fortifying Brooklyn and New York. “We have done a great deal,” Washington writes to Gen. Charles Lee, describing progress on the city’s defenses.

May 10: Congress Encourages New Governments

Congress recommends that the colonies “adopt such government as shall … best conduce to the happiness and safety of their constituents,” effectively urging them to replace royal authority.

May 11: Concerns Over New York

Connecticut delegate Oliver Wolcott writes to his wife that Congress is deeply concerned about the defense of New York.

May 12: Witherspoon Defends Independence

Writing under the pen name “Aristides” in the Pennsylvania Gazette, Rev. John Witherspoon defends Thomas Paine’s arguments for independence.

May 13: Tensions Escalate in New Jersey

Royal Governor William Franklin summons the New Jersey Assembly to meet in June, triggering the political conflict that will ultimately lead to his arrest and imprisonment.

May 14: The Polly Joins the Continental Navy

Congress orders the vessel Polly to join the Continental Navy in capturing enemy shipping in the Chesapeake Bay.

May 15: Virginia Calls for Independence

Virginia instructs its delegates in Congress to move for independence. Congress simultaneously encourages the election of pro-independence governments in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

May 16: Artillery Accident in Brooklyn

Massachusetts Pvt. Solomon Nash records in his diary that his artillery company tests its cannon in Brooklyn. One gun bursts at the muzzle and destroys a nearby house.

May 17: A Sermon for Independence

On a congressionally mandated day of fasting, John Witherspoon delivers his influential sermon, The Dominion of Providence over the Passions of Men, arguing that liberty and independence align with divine providence.

May 19: Witherspoon’s Argument Circulates

An essay supporting independence, On the Controversy About Independence, authored by John Witherspoon, circulates throughout New Jersey.

May 20: Doubts Inside Congress

Princeton’s Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant confides to John Adams, “Ever since I have seen the inside of the Congress I have trembled.” Meanwhile, Maryland’s legislature rejects independence.

May 21: Sir John Johnson Escapes

Col. Elias Dayton and the 3rd New Jersey move to arrest Loyalist leader Sir John Johnson after he violates his pledge not to arm Tories. Warned in advance, Johnson escapes to Canada.

May 22: Washington Stops in Princeton

General Washington spends the night in Princeton while traveling to Philadelphia in response to a congressional summons. Rumors circulate that he intends to resign his commission.

May 23: Powder Supplies Examined

Massachusetts delegate Robert Treat Paine inspects powder mills amid continuing concerns about American gunpowder shortages.

May 24: Hancock Funds the Northern Army

Continental Congress President John Hancock sends gold and silver to Gen. Philip Schuyler’s Northern Army in Albany to support military operations.

May 25: Native Americans Authorized for Service

Congress resolves to commission Native Americans for service in the Continental Army.

May 26: The Search for Gunpowder Continues

The Secret Committee of Congress meets to ensure critical gunpowder supplies reach American forces.

May 27: New York Rejects Royal Authority

New York’s Provincial Congress formally declares independence from royal authority.

May 28: Preparing for a Difficult Summer

New York delegate Robert Livingston writes to his sister Catherine that “our enemy will make great efforts this summer” but expresses confidence they will be “repelled.”

May 29: Mechanics Push for Independence

A Committee of Mechanics from New York urges Congress to vote for independence.

May 30: Adams Celebrates Naval Successes

John Adams writes to Samuel Cooper in Boston praising recent American naval victories in and around Boston Harbor.

May 31: The British Approach Charleston

British troops under Gen. Henry Clinton arrive outside Charleston Harbor and prepare for operations against the city.