On This Day: The eve of fire and freedom: Washington braces for war as Congress battles the storm

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.

July 1, 1776 The heat in New York was oppressive, […] ...