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Appealing to New Yorkers to Support the Revolution, December 23,1776

New York at 250


In August 1776,  British forces invaded Long Island, overwhelmed the fledging continental army under General George Washington and went on to occupy New York City by the end of September.

The Provincial Congress was not deterred.

It urged New York’s citizens to fully support the rebel cause despite the military setbacks. It issued an appeal to the public in December 1776, a rallying cry for patience and courage.

Document

An Address of the Convention of the Representatives of the State of New York to their Constituents

Learning Activity

An Address of the Convention of Representatives of the State of New York to Their Constituents, December 23, 1776

An Address of the Convention of Representatives of the State of New York to Their Constituents, December 23, 1776

Discussion Questions

1. What points does the document make to convince New Yorkers to keep fighting in the face of setbacks?

2. How does this document compare to patriot Thomas Paine’s pamphlet  The American Crisis, published the same month, making the case for pursuing independence in the face of defeat and occupation.