The Continental Congress opened in Philadelphia on Wednesday, May 22nd with a review of a privateering issue involving the sale (without Congress’approval) of the sloop Sally. They then proceeded to address a host of other military matters ranging from supplying the army in Canada to fortifying the Hudson River. And, of course, the continuing problem of finding hard currency to fund these military needs was once again discussed.

But by mid-May, the political landscape was shifting in Philadelphia as sides were drawn between the radical factions (those seeking complete independence) and the moderate factions (those still believing that reconciliation with the Mother Country was possible) with both sides jockeying for influence and control of this historic moment. So, while their focus this day was on military matters, this ongoing political debate lurked in the background, always present in the minds of the delegates.

Earlier this month, on May 15th, “Virginia’s Fifth Revolutionary Convention  instructed its delegates in the Continental Congress to propose American independence.” (McMillan, pg. 113)

“Speaking on behalf of all the colonies, Virginia resolved that the delegates appointed to represent this colony in General Congress (Continental) be instructed to propose to that respectable body to declare the United Colonies free and independent states, absolved from all allegiance to, or dependence upon, the Crown or Parliament of Great Britain.” (McMillan, pg. 108)

Although this represented a seismic change, with Virginia being the most powerful colony, Congress still remained focused on matters of war as more reports of British troop movements and intended use of hired foreign troops poured into Philadelphia. Within days, General Washington would arrive in the city to meet with members of the Continental Congress. 

Meanwhile, back in Black Rock on this same day, military matters were being pursued as well. According to Joseph Knapp, of Stratford, “this night the brig Defense sailed from Black Rock Harbor to the eastward”.   Patricia Q Wall writes in her book, “the Defense was sailing under orders from Governor Trumbull…to intercept and arrest Tories escaping to join British forces or seeking to join Long Island cohorts in plotting raids against Connecticut.” (Wall, pp. 50-51). In a very short period of time, the Defense, at this point under the command of Seth Harding, would be commanded by young Samuel Smedley, a Fairfield resident who spent much of his childhood in and around Black Rock Harbor.

So as the political tide was clearly turning in Philadelphia, the reality of war continued to consume the efforts of leaders from Hartford to Philadelphia to Williamsburg. But there can be no doubt that also consuming the minds of these leaders was the looming question of complete separation from the Mother Country as more and more calls for independence were heard and these leaders were quickly reaching the point of no return. 

Of Life & The American Revolution- The Journals of Joseph Knapp of Stratford, Connecticut 1761-1808  Wall, Patricia Q  , The Stratford Historical Society, Stratford, CT 06615

The Year that Made America  McMillan,Tom Lyons Press, Essex CT. 2025