In 1775 and 1776, even before officially declaring independence, the colonies begin adopting constitutions. We see many of the principles later found in the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution showing up in these first attempts at self-government.
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General John Thomas takes command of Continental forces around Quebec. Despite his efforts, the Continentals must withdraw as the British relief fleet arrives in spring 1776. An American force surrenders to an inferior force at an outpost known as the Cedars, leading to scandal and courts martial.
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In the months between the time the British evacuate Boston and land in New York, Washington had plenty of time to work with his army to build up defenses around New York City and to confer with leaders in Philadelphia.
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The North Ministry settles on a plan to send an overwhelming force. They will shock and awe the colonists into submission. General Howe will command an army of 32,000 regulars and Hessians supported by his brother Admiral Howe commanding over 10,000 sailors and Marines. A secondary force of 8000 under General Burgoyne will go to Quebec and fall under the command of General Carleton.
The Howe brothers will capture and occupy New York City, then expand out from there. They also will serve as Peace Commissioners, with limited authority to grant pardons once the rebels submit to proper authority in London.
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Following the failed attempt to take Quebec City, the Continentals keep a token force around the city. General Benedict Arnold recovers from his wounds while he fights with his fellow officers over what to do next. General David Wooster pulls rank and takes command of Quebec, forcing Arnold to leave.
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After the Continentals capture Dorchester Heights, the British Army and Navy must leave Boston right away. Loyalists crowd onto ship and escape to Halifax. Gen. Howe spares the city in exchange for the Continentals not firing on the city or the fleet during the evacuation.
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The Continental Army occupies Dorchester Heights overnight, surprising the British and forcing them to evacuate Boston.
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The Continental Congress builds a small fleet to take on the British Navy. The new Commander of the Continental Navy begins his command by disobeying orders to confront the British Navy directly. Instead, he launches a raid on the Bahamas to collect needed arms and ammunition.
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Delegates to the Continental Congress, including conservatives, begin to consider independence as a realistic option. Lord Drummond sails to Philadelphia in a well intentioned but poorly conceived attempt to broker a peace deal. Congress blames General Schuyler for the failures in Canada and moves around some of its generals. It sends Silas Deane to France to open up diplomatic negotiations with the new King Louis XVI of France.
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General Henry Clinton leaves Boston to secure the southern colonies. His plan is to meet up with a fleet of regulars coming from Britain under the commend of General Cornwallis. These regulars will serve as a rally point for loyalists to enlist and reclaim the colonies for the King.
The British send two recruiting officers to western North Carolina, where they raise several thousand recruits. The Patriots learn of the organization of loyalist regiments. They send Continentals under Col. James Moore, along with patriot militia to prevent the loyalists from reaching the coast and joining with the regulars.
The parties meet at Moore's Creek Bridge. The loyalists attack, but fail and flee. The patriots capture most of the militia and disperse any loyalists. When Clinton and Cornwallis arrive in North Carolina, they find nothing but hostile patriot regiments to oppose them. They give up on North Carolina move on to South Carolina.
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