On this day in 1776, Connecticut chose independence!

Governor Jonathan Trumbull called an emergency session, and the CT General Assembly officially instructed its delegates at the Second Continental Congress to push for freedom from Great Britain:

Resolved unanimously by this Assembly, That the Delegates of this Colony in General Congress be, and they are hereby, instructed to propose to that respectable body to declare the United American Colonies free and independent States, absolved from all allegiance to the King of Great Britain, and to give the assent of this Colony to such Declaration, when they shall judge it expedient and best, and to whatever measures may be thought proper and necessary by the Congress for forming foreign alliances, or any plan of operations for necessary and mutual defence; and, also, that they move and promote, as fast as may be convenient, a regular and permanent plan of Union and Confederation of the Colonies, for the security and preservation of their just rights and liberties, and for mutual defence and security, saving that the administration of Government and the power of forming Governments for, and the regulation of the internal concerns and police of each Colony, ought to be left and remain to the respective Colonial Legislatures, and also that such plan of Confederation be laid before such respective Legislatures for their previous consideration and assent.

Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, President of the Second Continental Congress John Hancock writes to George Washington to provide an update on the latest actions of Congress. Hancock’s correspondence informed Washington of Congress’s efforts to strengthen the colonies’ military readiness and create a more organized structure for directing the war effort, reflecting the increasing realization that the struggle for independence would require not only brave soldiers in the field but also effective leadership and administration behind the lines. With that goal in mind, the Department of War was created on June 12th; a critical step taken to improve the administration, supply, and coordination of the growing Continental Army.

Sources:

Pembroke College Oxford
https://www.quillproject.net/resource_collections/411/resource_item/36198

Ashbrook Center
https://americanfounding.org/entries/second-continental-congress-june-14-1776/