Provisions State of The Revolution

By Albert E. Van Dusen

Realizing the pressing need for assuring ample provisions for Connecticut militiamen on active duty, the assembly met in special session one week after Lexington and Concord and enacted an embargo on the export of such necessities as corn, rye, beef, pork, live cattle, and bread flour. Later the assembly and the Council of Safety were authorized to grant permits to petitioners who had legitimate reasons to export embargoed items.

Joseph Trumbull (1736/37-1778), eldest son of the governor, was chosen commissary general, with nine commissaries to assist him, and was sent to Cambridge to oversee supplying Connecticut troops. He performed so effectively that in July 1775 the Continental Congress appointed him commissary general for the Continental army, a position in which he excelled.

At the outbreak of war probably no Connecticut leaders foresaw that the state would become a leading source of provisions for the American army. Unlike many states which at times were overrun by the British army, Connecticut was free from British occupation and major battles except for the raids on Danbury and a few coastal towns. Thus, the farmers could concentrate on raising food for the army. Based on its assessed valuation, each town was allotted a fixed quota of supplies. Aided by efficient commissaries, such as Jeremiah Wadsworth (1743-1804), Henry Champion (1723/24-1797), and Elijah Hubbard (1745-1808), Connecticut provided large quantities of foodstuffs, particularly beef and pork.

Connecticut's pre-eminent position as a supply state was exemplified by General Washington's frequent appeals to Governor Trumbull (1710-1785) for help with provisions. During the bitter winter at Valley Forge, Washington made a desperate plea to Connecticut for cattle to prevent dissolution of the army. Governor Trumbull and the Council of Safety ordered the immediate purchase of cattle and they were driven to Valley Forge. Arriving just in time to save the army, the first herd was devoured in five days by the ravenous soldiers.

After chronic mismanagement by Joseph Trumbull's successor, Congress in 1778 appointed Jeremiah Wadsworth commissary general of purchases, a position he held with distinction until resigning in December 1779. In 1780 he and John Carter of Newport became agents to supply the French army, an effort which brought prosperity to many Connecticut citizens.

Despite Connecticut's successes, there were serious supply problems. Major reasons included slow payment to the farmers, congressional slowness in making requests, rivalry between state and Continental commissaries, severe depreciation of money, and illicit trade. The illegal trade centered on Long Island Sound and Fairfield County, with British goods bought in New York City and supplies for the British army sent to New York City. Although General Washington, Governor Trumbull, and other patriot leaders were infuriated by it and severe laws prohibiting it were enacted, such trade persisted until the end of the war.

For the war as a whole, Connecticut's total contribution of supplies greatly surpassed what could be expected from a state of such small size and population and earned it the title of "the Provisions State."

For Further Reading

Destler, Chester M. Connecticut: The Provisions State. Chester, Connecticut, 1973.

* Entry under revision.