On July 7, 1776, the Declaration of Independence continued to spread across the nation. In Philadelphia, John Adams sent a copy of the Declaration to his wife Abigail in Massachusetts, where it would be read by others. Meanwhile, George Washington prepared his troops for a potential British attack in New York.

Washington Prepares for Battle

Washington ordered his soldiers to fill their canteens every evening in case the enemy attacked early the next morning. He also asked for the capture of Highlander muskets from Massachusetts to be sent to New York. The British had landed on Staten Island, and Washington was preparing for a potential invasion.

The Declaration was not yet a museum document, but rather breaking news that was spreading quickly through private letters, newspapers, and express riders. John Adams wrote to Abigail that the British were planning a powerful invasion of New York and New Jersey, and that the militia from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey were moving toward the fight.

A Nation at War

The Declaration was moving through the country, and the British were moving toward New York. The army was waiting, and the words of the Declaration were spreading. The northern army was struggling with disease and defeat, and Washington needed arms to prepare for the upcoming battle.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.