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The American Revolution
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Holding New York would be a tall order. The city was situated at the
southern end of Manhattan Island. Washington had no warships at his
disposal. The Royal Navy would be able to operate uncontested in the
waters around New York.
Defeat on Long Island
Washington and his commanders oversaw the construction of defenses
in New York City. They also fortified Brooklyn Heights. That high ground
on Long Island lay across the East River from New York City.
As spring turned into summer, Washington’s army grew. Regiments
of Continental soldiers raised in several of the states arrived.
On June 29, British warships began arriving in the Lower Bay, south
of New York City. In the weeks that followed, regiment upon regiment
of redcoats and Hessians went ashore on Staten Island. Their numbers
eventually reached about 32,000. An additional 13,000 sailors and marines
manned the 400-odd ships of the British fleet.
On August 22, about 15,000 redcoat and Hessian troops were trans-
ported from Staten Island to Long Island. They landed at Gravesend Bay,
more than 10 miles south of Brooklyn Heights. A few days later, another
5,000 Hessians joined them.
Washington suspected that the British move was a feint, or trick. He
left more than 8,000 Continental soldiers in New York City, committing
10,000 to Long Island.
Words to UNDERSTAND IN THIS CHAPTER
bombardment—
a continuous attack with bombs or cannon
shells.
oath of allegiance—
a statement in which a person promises
to be loyal to a ruler or to his country.
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