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Momentum Builds, Tensions Rise, and Independence Draws Near (April in History)

Momentum Builds, Tensions Rise, and Independence Draws Near (April in History)

April 1776: Momentum Builds, Tensions Rise, and Independence Draws Near

As spring arrived, so too did a turning point in the Revolution. With Boston secured, attention shifted to New York—the likely next battleground. Political unity remained fragile, supplies were scarce, and debates over independence grew louder. Across the colonies, military movements, personal reflections, and bold declarations signaled a conflict accelerating toward something far greater than protest: a break with Britain itself.
April 1: Pennsylvania Assembly Holds Firm
Independence opponents retain control of the Pennsylvania Assembly in a special election centered on the question of independence.
April 2: Congress Honors Washington
John Hancock congratulates George Washington for forcing the British evacuation of Boston, declaring it earned him “a conspicuous place in the temple of fame.” Congress awards Washington a gold medal.
April 3: Arnold Authorized to Attack Quebec
Massachusetts authorizes Benedict Arnold to lead a force against Quebec.
April 4: Troops Shift Toward New York
Washington begins moving his army from Boston to New York, anticipating the British will strike there next.
April 5: Washington Welcomed in Providence
Washington reaches Providence, Rhode Island, where he draws large crowds and is celebrated at Hackers Hall.
April 6: News Reaches London
London learns of Boston’s evacuation, prompting fierce criticism of the Ministry from the Parliamentary opposition.
April 7: A Naval Victory
Commodore John Barry and the Continental Navy ship Lexington capture the British vessel HMS Edward.
April 8: British Warship Arrives in New York
The 64-gun British warship Asia anchors outside New York Harbor.
April 9: Congress Addresses Prisoners of War
Congress establishes policies for handling prisoners of war.
April 10: A Soldier’s Fatigue
Lt. Joseph Hodgkins writes to his wife that he is “a good deal tired of marching,” noting he has never been so far from home.
April 11: Discord Among Delegates
New Jersey delegate John Dickinson Sergeant tells John Adams that the Jersey delegation is not “in the sweetest disposition with one another.”
April 12: First Call for Independence
North Carolina adopts the Halifax Resolves, becoming the first colony to formally vote for independence.
April 13: Washington Arrives in New York
Washington reaches Manhattan to oversee preparations for defending the city, widely expected to be the next British target.
April 14: Headquarters Established
Washington sets up headquarters at No. 1 Broadway. New York, with a population of 20,000, is the colonies’ second-largest city.
April 15: Defenses Found Lacking
After inspecting New York’s defenses, Washington finds them incomplete and recognizes the urgent need for more troops.
April 16: Samuel Adams Backs Independence
Samuel Adams writes to James Warren, expressing strong support for “Independency.”
April 17: New Jersey Debates Independence
Delegates gather in New Brunswick for New Jersey’s Third Provincial Congress, where independence is now openly discussed.
April 18: Shock in Princeton
Elias Boudinot reacts with surprise when John Witherspoon advocates separation from Great Britain.
April 19: Troops Demand Pay
Four regiments refuse to leave Boston for New York until they receive overdue pay.
April 20: Naval Shortages Persist
New Hampshire delegate William Whipple reports a shortage of qualified naval officers.
April 21: Illness at Quebec
American forces continue their siege of Quebec City but suffer heavily from disease.
April 22: Washington Consults Congress
Washington leaves New York for Philadelphia to consult Congress on defending the city.
April 23: South Carolina Rejects Royal Authority
Chief Justice William Henry Drayton declares that King George III has no authority over the colonies.
April 24: A Soldier Reflects on New York
Lt. Hodgkins writes that New York “exceeds all places that I ever saw,” though he notes the cost of living is “excessive dear.”
April 25: Farmers Frustrated
Farmers in New York and Long Island complain that American troops are trampling their crops.
April 26: Strained Relations with Canada
Hancock warns that poor treatment of Canadians is undermining efforts to gain their support.
April 27: Washington Enforces Discipline
Following the Holy Ground riot, Washington imposes a curfew and orders that soldiers resisting arrest will be shot.
April 28: Adams Signals Break with Britain
John Adams tells a North Carolina delegate that “all fondness for the King and Nation is gone,” indicating independence is near.
April 29: Iroquois Turn Toward Britain
Iroquois leaders complain of insufficient American supplies and begin aligning with the British.
April 30: A Shortage of Money
Hancock writes that nothing is more urgently needed than specie, highlighting ongoing financial struggles.
Reflections from the Battlefield
April 1776 reveals a revolution gaining clarity but still facing deep challenges. Military preparations intensify around New York, while shortages of money, manpower, and unity threaten progress. At the same time, calls for independence grow louder—from North Carolina’s bold resolution to private letters abandoning loyalty to the Crown. The path forward is uncertain, but one thing is clear: reconciliation is fading, and a new nation is beginning to take shape.
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