Jonathan Trumbull (1710-1785)

Jonathan Trumbull was the British Governor of Connecticut appointed by King George III. Furthermore, he was the father of the renowned Revolutionary War artist of the same name (1756-1843).

Governor Trumbull was empathetic to the cause of the American colonists. In 1773, he openly proclaimed:

“It is hard to break connections with our mother country, but when she strives to enslave us, the strictest union must be dissolved...'The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitudes of isles be glad thereof.' - the accomplishment of such noble prophecies is at hand.'”

Prior to the Revolution in the 1770s, as tensions mounted between the American colonies and England,

King George appointed another governor. The new governor appointed by King George wrote to the Board of Trade in England.

“If you ask an American, who is his master? He will tell you he has none, nor any governor but Jesus Christ.”

Governor Trumbull proclaimed a day of Fasting and Prayer on April 19, 1775.

“God would graciously pour out His Holy Spirit on us to bring us to a thorough Repentance and effectual Reformation that our iniquities may not be our ruin; that He would restore, preserve and secure the Liberties of this and all the other British American colonies, and make the Land a mountain of Holiness, and Habitation of Righteousness forever.”

He wrote from Lebanon, Connecticut to George Washington on July 13, 1775. In his letter, he exhorted General Washington of the Continental Fast Day.

“The honorable Congress have proclaimed a Fast to be observed by the inhabitants of all the English Colonies on this continent, to stand before the Lord in one day, with public humiliation, fasting and prayer, to deplore our many sins, to offer up our joint supplications to God, for forgiveness, and for his merciful interposition for us in this day of unnatural darkness and distress.”

“They have, with one united voice, appointed you to the high station you possess. The Supreme Director of all events hath caused a wonderful union of hearts and counsels to subsist among us. Now therefore, be strong and very courageous.”

“May the God of the armies of Israel shower down the blessings of his Divine Providence on you, give you wisdom and fortitude, cover your head in the day of battle and danger, add success, convince our enemies of their mistaken measures, and that all their attempts to deprive these Colonies of their inestimable constitutional rights and liberties are injurious and vain.”

Governor Trumbull called for nine additional regiments of volunteers in August of 1776 in answer to General Washington's plea for reinforcements.

“In this day of calamity, to trust altogether to the justice of our cause, without our utmost exertion, would be tempting Providence...March on! - This shall be your warrant: Play the man for God, and for the cities of our God. May the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, be your Captain, your Leader, your Conductor, and Savior.”