Creating the United States

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Battlefield Success Boosts Congressional Confidence

Battlefield Success Boosts Congressional Confidence (039.00.00)

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When the American Army commanded by George Washington forced the British army to abandon Boston on March 17, 1776, the confidence of members of the Continental Congress received a strong boost. The news is recorded in this diary of Richard Smith (1735–1803), a member of the Continental Congress from New Jersey. The British retreat from Boston and repulse of the British forces at Charleston, South Carolina, encouraged supporters of a Declaration of Independence to press ahead.

(Transcription)

“Howes troops have abandoned Boston and our People are in Possession. . . .”


When the American Army commanded by George Washington forced the British army to abandon Boston on March 17, 1776, the confidence of members of the Continental Congress received a strong boost. The news is recorded in this diary of Richard Smith (1735–1803), a member of the Continental Congress from New Jersey. The British retreat from Boston and repulse of the British forces at Charleston, South Carolina, encouraged supporters of a Declaration of Independence to press ahead.