On July 31, 1776, George Washington learned that his army’s nightly countersign was reaching people who had no right to know it. He imposed a precise system for distributing future passwords through the army.

British Ships Arrive

The same day, two enslaved men escaped British-held Staten Island and reached American guards in New Jersey. One reported overhearing British discussions about attacking New York when Lord Howe’s fleet arrived.

Brig. Gen. Hugh Mercer told Washington that 39 square-rigged vessels, including three warships, had entered the area within three days. In Philadelphia, Congress ordered five tons of musket powder sent immediately to New York.

Congress Responds

Congress responded to the growing threat by ordering five tons of musket powder sent immediately to Washington. Delegates also directed officials to provide medicine for hospitals serving the northern army and southern department.

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