Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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“The Battle of Lexington,” 1775
A patriotic poem by an African American soldier and clergyman
Supporting Document
General Philip Schuyler’s Report from Upstate New York, 1775
A report updating Washington on military affairs, especially American Indian relations and treaty negotiations
Supporting Document
George III Addresses Parliament on the Rebellion, 1775
A speech condemning the colonial uprising, pledging military action, and escalating the Revolutionary War tensions
Supporting Document
George Washington on Military Strategy near Boston, 1775
A letter seeking advice on strategies to defeat the British
Supporting Document
George Washington on Taking Command of the Army, 1775
A letter expressing concern about his own worthiness and his wife’s situation at home
Supporting Document
John Laurens to His Father on His Desire to be Part of the Revolution, 1775
A law students in London on his desire to come home as revolution nears
Supporting Document
Abigail Adams to John Adams: Boston under Siege, 1775
A letter expressing support for the colonial forces, analyzing the military situation, and showcasing her revolutionary fervor
Supporting Document
Battles of Lexington and Concord, 1775
The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War in 1775—marked by confrontations between colonial militia and British troops
Event
An Account of the Clashes at Lexington and Concord, 1775
A colonel in the militia calls on local militia groups to arm and go to the aid of Massachusetts patriots
Supporting Document
Bloody Butchery by the British Troops, 1775
A chronicle of the significance and casualties of the Battles of Lexington and Concord
Supporting Document
Report to the Continental Congress on the Battle of Long Island, 1776
An account of British victory, American losses, and retreat during the Battle of Long Island
Supporting Document
Thomas Paine’s The American Crisis, 1776
A series that bolstered revolutionary spirits—urging perseverance during challenging times in the American Revolutionary War
Supporting Document