The following is an installment of “On This Day,” a series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by following the actions of Gen. George Washington, the Continental Congress, and the men and women whose bravery and sacrifice led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

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Gen. George Washington has been busy studying the movements of the remaining British fleet ships at Boston Harbor, so he remains at Cambridge.  

Josiah Quincy sends close, detailed reporting from Braintree describing the movement’s red ensigns, blue flags, and pendants shifting repeatedly from Vice Admiral Molyneux Shuldham’s flagship. “I wish it was in my Power to construe it,” Quincy confesses, admitting that he is unable to read the admiral’s intent. 

ON THIS DAY: GEORGE WASHINGTON IS BRITTLE. WITH EXPIRING ENLISTMENTS HE KNOWS SOLDIERS WILL ‘FLEE LIKE A TORRENT’

From Gloucester, Winthrop Sargent reports that 70 ships passed Cape Ann at sundown.

Washington weighs these precise observations carefully.

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