On May 27, 1776, General George Washington was in Philadelphia for meetings with the Second Continental Congress, focusing on the defense of New York City and the situation in Canada. During this time, Virginia delegates presented resolutions calling for independence from England.
In Boston, Major General Artemas Ward reported to Washington about a skirmish involving a small American schooner with seven crew members that successfully repelled multiple boarding attempts by a larger British force. Ward's correspondence detailed that the schooner, commanded by Captain Cunningham, was attacked by five boats carrying approximately one hundred men but managed to defend itself effectively.
Ward also informed Washington about the purchase of the Brigantine Hannah for Continental service, which was intended for a specific mission as directed by Congress.