On This Day: George Washington has a problem: New Yorkers are trading with the enemy

Published April 17, 2026 9:21am ET | Updated April 17, 2026 9:21am ET



The following is an installment of “On This Day,” a series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by following the actions of Gen. George Washington, the Continental Congress, and the men and women whose bravery and sacrifice led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

April 17, 1776

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