The Breed's Hill Institute

Oct 27, 1775 King George III read a Proclamation of Rebellion and and gave his plan to send more troops and navy to pacify America in his speech from the throne to Parliament.

Oct 26 1776 : Benjamin Franklin departed for France with hopes of negotiating a formal alliance. He travelled with his grandson William Temple Franklin and ambassadors Silas Deane and Arthur Lee.

Oct 25, 1774 The Continental Congress petitioned the King to address their grievances. Oct 25 1783 Robert Shirtliff was honorably discharged from the Army at West Point when it was discovered that he was really a woman named Deborah Samson. Tall for her sex and good at soldiering, Deborah (as Robert) qualified for the light infantry (shock troops). She served in combat and was wounded twice, concealing her injuries. She was finally discovered when sickness caused her to be examined by a doctor. After the war Deborah married and had children. She appeared on stage speaking about her war exploits as the Celebrated Mrs. Gannett.

Oct 24, 1775: The British were defeated in their attack on Norfolk VA. Outnumbered patriot militia drove back the land and sea forces and captured two British ships PROCLAMATION Head Quarters, October 24, 1777. Whereas sundry Soldiers belonging to the Armies of the said States have Deserted from the same; These are to make known, to all those who have so offended, and who shall return to their respective Corps, or surrender themselves to the Officers appointed to re...ceive Recruits and Deserters in their several States, or to any Continental Commissioned Officer before the first day of January next, that they shall obtain a full and free pardon. And I do further declare, to all such obstinate offenders, as do not avail themselves of the indulgence hereby offered, that they may depend, when apprehended, on being prosecuted with the utmost rigour and suffering the punishment justly due to crimes of such enormity. Lest the hope of escaping punishment by remaining undiscovered, should tempt any, to reject the Terms now held out to them, they may be assured, that the most effectual measures will be pursued in every State for apprehending and bringing them to a speedy trial.

Oct 23, 1777: Patriots defending Fort Mifflin pushed back against the attacking British fleet and won the day. The battle continued through November 16 when the destroyed Fort Mifflin was finally abandoned.

Mar 21, 1778: Massacre at Hancock’s Bridge Col. John Simcoe, of the Queen’s Rangers, ordered an attack on sleeping Militia In what became known as the "Massacre at Hancock s Bridge," at least 20 members of the militia were killed, some while surrendering. The Loyalists are reported to have said, "Spare no one! Give no quarter!" as they entered the house of Judge William Hancock, himself a Loyalist and non-violent Quaker, whose house the Patriots had commandeered. Judge Hancock and his brother were bayoneted in the fight alongside the militia.

On March 20 1775 The Second Virginia Convention met at Richmond--in what is now called St. John's Church (instead of the Capitol in Williamsburg) to avoid interference from Lieutenant-Governor Dunmore and his Royal Marines. March 20 1782 Lord North resigns as Prime Minister signaling an end of the desire to prosecute the war in America.

Pepperrell MA Town Meeting dated: March 19, 1777 Formed a Committee of Estimation and voting to pay Prudence Wright's Guard (referred to as Leonard Whiting's Guard because women could not overtly be paid) for services performed in wartime. With their husbands and sons out looking for British soldiers, Prudence Wright gathered the women of Groton, Massachusetts together to defend the bridge leading into town. Putting on their husband’s clothes, they armed themselves and hid in the reeds until a British officer came by. The women discovered the secret messages he was carrying, passing them on to the local Patriot Committee of Safety. The British officer was shocked when he later found out that he had been captured by women.

March 18 1778 The Battle of Quinton's Bridge NJ. Fought during the British occupation of Philadelphia. The New Jersey militia companies defending a bridge across Alloway Creek were lured into attacking what they thought was a small force of retreating British soldiers. It was a trap well executed by British Lt. Col. Mawhood and resulted in an American defeat.