June 1: Charleston Defies the British

American defenders in Charleston Harbor repel an attempted attack by British forces under Gen. Henry Clinton.

June 2: A Loss in Canada

Gen. John Thomas, commander of the American invasion of Canada, dies of smallpox at Fort Chambly, Quebec.

June 3: Washington Consults Congress

George Washington confers with Congress regarding plans to defend New York City from an anticipated British attack.

June 4: Washington Stops in Princeton

While traveling back to New York, Washington dines at Hudibras Tavern in Princeton.

June 5: Supplying the Army

The Continental Congress continues efforts to arm and provision the Continental Army.

June 6: Witherspoon Challenges Franklin

The Somerset County Committee of Correspondence issues an open letter, almost certainly written by Rev. John Witherspoon, criticizing Governor William Franklin for his “insidious design” to divide the colonies.

June 7: Lee Moves for Independence

Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduces a resolution declaring that the colonies “are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.”

June 8: New York Hesitates

The New York Assembly refuses to authorize its delegates to vote for independence.

June 9: The British Fleet Sets Sail

The British army departs Halifax for New York. Americans expect as many as 30,000 British and Hessian troops.

June 10: French Support Grows

King Louis XVI approves a loan of one million livres to assist the American cause.

June 11: The Declaration Takes Shape

As the New Jersey Provincial Congress meets, Congress appoints Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, John Adams, Robert Livingston, and Thomas Jefferson to draft a Declaration of Independence. Jefferson receives the task of writing it.

June 12: Planning for a New Government

Congress appoints John Dickinson to lead a committee charged with drafting a new framework of government should independence be declared.

June 13: Retreat Through Canada

American forces withdraw to Fort St. Jean in Quebec while British troops press their pursuit.

June 14: Congress Looks to the Iroquois

Congress instructs Gen. Philip Schuyler to negotiate a treaty with the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy.

June 15: Franklin Declared an Enemy

The New Jersey Provincial Congress declares Governor William Franklin “an enemy to the liberties of this country.”

June 16: More Colonies Support Independence

New Hampshire, Delaware, and Connecticut authorize their delegates to support independence.

June 17: Orders for Arrest

Col. Nathaniel Heard arrives in Perth Amboy under orders from the New Jersey Provincial Congress to arrest Governor Franklin.

June 18: South Carolina Troops Join the Continental Army

Congress converts South Carolina’s military forces into units of the Continental Army.

June 19: The Retreat Reaches Ile aux Noix

American forces withdraw to Ile aux Noix, the last piece of Canadian territory still under their control, as British troops continue their advance.

June 20: Franklin Taken into Custody

Connecticut declares its independence, while Col. Heard arrests Governor Franklin and escorts him to Burlington for examination by the Provincial Congress.

June 21: New Jersey Authorizes Independence

The New Jersey Provincial Congress formally authorizes independence.

June 22: A New Delegation for a New Cause

The Provincial Congress appoints Francis Hopkinson, Richard Stockton, Rev. John Witherspoon, John Hart, and Abraham Clark as New Jersey’s new pro-independence delegates to Congress.

June 23: New York Braces for Battle

Washington’s army continues strengthening defenses around New York City in anticipation of the British arrival.

June 24: Franklin Passes Through Princeton

Escorted by twenty-three light horse troopers, William Franklin leaves for Connecticut in a closed coach, traveling through Princeton on his way north.

June 25: The British Arrive

The first ships of Gen. William Howe’s invasion fleet appear off Sandy Hook. Many more are expected.

June 26: Counting the Army

Washington conducts a head count of his forces as additional British ships arrive off Sandy Hook.

June 27: A Plot Against Washington

Sgt. Thomas Hickey, involved in a conspiracy to kidnap Washington and deliver him to the British, is sentenced to death by military tribunal.

June 28: New Jersey Joins the Independence Movement

Francis Hopkinson arrives in Philadelphia and presents the credentials of New Jersey’s new delegation as the Committee of Five submits its draft Declaration of Independence to Congress.

June 29: Congress Revises Jefferson’s Draft

Congress begins editing Jefferson’s draft Declaration, including the removal of language condemning slavery.

June 30: The Declaration Awaits Debate

The final draft of the Declaration of Independence is agreed upon for Congressional consideration beginning July 1.