On This Day: The capture of British transports marks a bold moment in the early American Navy

On This Day: The capture of British transports marks a bold moment in the early American Navy

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. Jan. 28, 1776 Gen. George Washington writes to Capt. John Manley of Marblehead to congratulate him for capturing British transports off Plymouth and praise him for …