The Broad Street Affair

The Committee of 100 who was governing New York agreed to let British Soldiers retreat to Boston with only their personal arms.  The soldiers raided a storehouse and filled carts with weapons.  Willett urged any British soldier who “disliked the service” to stay and “receive the protection of the Citizens who considered them as Bretheren of the same famaly.” Willett later recounted that one soldier took the offer and “was received with repeated huzzas and Led away by the Exulting citizens.” A few more soldiers took the offer as well. The remaining soldiers were allowed to leave, but the crowd hissed at them as they retreated.  Willett took the carts and arms to a safe location. They would later be used to arm American troops.