GENERAL WASHINGTON ARRIVES IN PHILADELPHIA TO MEET WITH 2ND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS
Philadelphia (JFK+50) On May 24, 1776, the Second Continental Congress in session at the Pennsylvania State House received and acted upon several committee reports concerning the war effort against Great Britain. John Hancock wrote a letter to General Philip Schuyler* "about the importance of securing Canada for the preservation of American Liberty."
General George Washington, who arrived in good health, attended the Congress today and "was directed to attend again tomorrow."
JFK+50 NOTE
John Hancock served as president and presiding officer of the Second Continental Congress from May 1775 to October 1777. He was the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.
*Philip John Schuyler (1733-1804) was born in Albany, NY & served as a captain & major in the French & Indian War, was elected to the provincial assembly & advocated for the constitutional rights of the colonies. PJS commanded the Northern Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War & was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1798.
SOURCES
"Philip Schuyler," National Park Service, www.nps.gov/
"Second Continental Congress: May 24, 1776," Journal of the Continental Congress, www.americanfounding.com/
