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.

Jan. 27, 1776

Cambridge, Massachusetts

It has been a handful of days since Gen. George Washington received word of the failure in the Dec. 31 battle for Quebec. Washington is depressed by the devastating loss of U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Richard Montgomery in the battle. Montgomery was leading an assault during a blizzard and died instantly from a British shot at point-blank range.

Washington writes to Benedict Arnold, one of his top commanders. Arnold nearly lost his life in the battle when a bullet fragment tore through his left leg, a wound that plagued him for the rest of his life.

Washington’s tone reveals a man in both grief and stubborn resolve, both mourning Montgomery’s death and worried about Arnold’s wounds:

To Brig. Gen. Benedict Arnold

Cambridge, Jan. 27, 1776

Dear Sir

On the 17 Inst. I received the melancholy account of the unfortunate attack on the City of Quebec, attended with the fall of General Montgomery, and Other Brave Officers & men, & your being wounded—This unhappy affair affects me in a very sensible manner, & I sincerely condole with........

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