This is the second in a series.

In June 1775, the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, consolidated the local New England militia besieging Boston into the Continental Army and appointed George Washington to command it. Before Washington could arrive at Boston, a battle was fought at Bunker’s Hill.

In July, the politicians in Congress took a step back, drafting a petition to King George III proposing compromises. They would cease all hostile acts against the crown while negotiations took place.