November 1: Olive Branch Rejected

Congress learns that King George III has formally rejected the Olive Branch Petition, extinguishing the last diplomatic attempt at reconciliation.

November 2: Fort St. John Captured

American troops seize Fort St. John in Canada, opening the way toward Montreal and striking a major blow to British control in the north.

November 3: Rations Reach Cambridge

Continental soldiers in Cambridge, Massachusetts finally receive provisions after widespread hunger and frustration.

November 4: Congress Purchases the Alfred

Congress acquires its first naval vessel, the Alfred, marking a major step in building a Continental Navy.

November 5: New Jersey’s First Fallen Soldier

Lt. John Tomlinson of Cumberland County becomes the first New Jersey soldier to die in military service during the Revolution.

November 6: Gunpowder Raids Reach Jamaica

Jamaica’s royal governor reports that American raiders have seized gunpowder from the island, signaling the widening reach of the conflict.

November 7: Dunmore Issues His Proclamation

Virginia Royal Governor Lord Dunmore promises freedom to enslaved people who escape Patriot owners and join the British Army.

November 8: Washington Warns Congress

Washington writes to Congress expressing concern over rivalry and discord between troops from different colonies stationed in Cambridge.

November 9: Arnold Reaches Pointe Levis

After a brutal wilderness march, Benedict Arnold and 600 exhausted men arrive opposite Quebec City at Pointe Levis.

November 10: Continental Marines Established

Congress creates the Continental Marines, adding a new amphibious fighting force to support naval operations.

November 11: Joseph Brant Departs for London

Mohawk leader Joseph Brant sails for England to seek British support in protecting Indigenous lands from colonial expansion.

November 12: Abigail Adams Calls for Separation

Upon learning the King rejected reconciliation, Abigail Adams writes, “Let us Separate… They are unworthy.”

November 13: Americans Capture Montreal

Patriot forces secure Montreal, tightening the pressure on British strongholds across Canada.

November 14: Hessian Mercenaries Hired

King George III approves hiring 4,000 Hessian troops and endorses any “means of distressing America.”

November 15: Dunmore Renews His Offer

Lord Dunmore again declares freedom for enslaved or indentured people who join the British Army, heightening tensions in Virginia.

November 16: Washington Sends Knox North

Washington writes to General Philip Schuyler informing him that Henry Knox is traveling to retrieve heavy cannon from Fort Ticonderoga.

November 17: Henry Knox Appointed Artillery Chief

Washington appoints Henry Knox commander of the Continental artillery, recognizing his growing strategic importance.

November 18: British Reinforcements Planned

Lord Germain tells General Howe that Britain will send 20,000 troops to crush the rebellion.

November 19: British Flotilla Captured

General Montgomery’s forces seize a British flotilla on the St. Lawrence River, further disrupting royal supply lines.

November 20: Fighting at Fort Ninety-Six

Patriot and Loyalist militias clash at Fort 96 in South Carolina, revealing deepening internal divisions.

November 21: Boston’s First Snowfall

The first snow of the season blankets besieged Boston, leaving both British soldiers and Continental troops cold and miserable.

November 22: New Jersey Delegates Resign

Congressmen John DeHart and James Kinsey resign their seats, reflecting political strain within New Jersey.

November 23: Quakers Petition for Peace

New Jersey Quakers submit a formal petition calling for peaceful resolution with Britain.

November 24: Congress Bars Black Enlistment

Congress issues an order prohibiting Black men from joining the Continental Army—a policy that will later be reconsidered.

November 25: Friction in the Ranks

John Adams voices concern over growing tension between Washington and the New England troops under his command.

November 26: Washington’s Instructions to Mount Vernon

Washington writes home insisting that hospitality toward the poor be maintained: “Let no one go hungry away.”

November 27: The Lee Captures the Nancy

The American ship Lee captures the British vessel Nancy, securing 2,000 muskets, 30 tons of shot, and a prized howitzer named “Congress.”

November 28: Congress Forms a Secret Committee

Congress quietly appoints a committee to pursue military and financial aid from European powers.

November 29: Washington Gives Thanks

Upon learning of the Nancy capture, Washington celebrates the victory as “glad tidings” and “an instance of Divine favor.”