Washington Seeks Seamen for Continental Navy as He Heads to New York

The Continental Army faces a shortage of naval personnel as Washington meets with Connecticut's governor.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:35pm

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As General George Washington travels south towards New York, he makes a stop in Norwich, Connecticut to meet with Governor Jonathan Trumbull Sr. Meanwhile, Continental Commodore Esek Hopkins has arrived in New London Harbor with his fleet and captured prizes, but is in urgent need of additional sailors to man his ships. Gurdon Saltonstall, a New London patriot leader, has written to Washington requesting he allow Hopkins to enlist up to 200 seamen from Washington's troops to bolster the Continental Navy's manpower.

Why it matters

The Continental Army's need for naval support is critical as Washington prepares to defend New York from a potential British attack. However, the shortage of available seamen threatens the readiness of the fledgling Continental Navy to support Washington's land forces. This highlights the challenges the American revolutionaries face in coordinating their military efforts across both land and sea.

The details

In his letter, Saltonstall informs Washington that Commodore Hopkins has arrived with several captured ships and prisoners, including the Governor of New Providence and other officials. However, Hopkins' fleet is severely undermanned, with more than 50 'invalids' onboard. Saltonstall requests that Washington allow Hopkins to enlist up to 200 seamen, or 'landmen' if necessary, from Washington's troops to help crew the Continental Navy vessels.

  • On April 8, 1776, General George Washington arrives in Norwich, Connecticut.
  • Commodore Esek Hopkins has just arrived in New London Harbor with his fleet and prizes.

The players

General George Washington

The commanding general of the Continental Army, who is traveling south towards New York as the British threat looms.

Governor Jonathan Trumbull Sr.

The governor of Connecticut, a trusted ally of Washington and the American revolutionaries.

Commodore Esek Hopkins

The commander of the Continental Navy's fleet, who has arrived in New London Harbor with captured ships and prisoners but is in urgent need of additional sailors to man his vessels.

Gurdon Saltonstall

A patriot leader in New London, Connecticut who has written to Washington on behalf of Commodore Hopkins to request additional manpower for the Continental Navy.

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What they’re saying

“Comodore Hopkins with the Fleet & Prizes, came this morning into this Harbour, and waiting on him, aboard the Alfred, he desired me to write Your Excelencey, & ask the favour that he might enlist out of Your Troops, 150 or 200 Seamen, and if not that number of Seamen to be had, compleat the number with Landmen, To Man The Fleet; as he is badly Manned, and more then 50 Invalids.”

— Gurdon Saltonstall, New London patriot leader

What’s next

Washington will need to decide whether he can spare the requested sailors from his army to bolster the Continental Navy's manpower as he prepares to defend New York.

The takeaway

The coordination challenges between the Continental Army and Navy highlight the broader struggles the American revolutionaries face in unifying their military efforts against the British threat. Washington must balance the needs of both land and sea forces as he prepares to defend a critical strategic location.