1776

That night in Brooklyn evening a fierce, terrible thunderstorm commenced; lightning set several houses ablaze, maiming and killing soldiers. Even after the storm subsided, the gray cloud that circled overhead was seen as a bad omen. On the next clear day, 4,000 British soldiers attacked. By noon, they numbered 15,000. The British soldiers and the Hessians were surprised at the burned out houses, but they also marveled at the beauty and bounty that these colonists possessed.

The American soldiers continued their hooliganism and were reprimanded by Washington. The soldiers considered their best fighting ground to be the ridge and woods, but the Americans suffered from lack of military intelligence. They had needed a cavalry but had not asked for one.

General Henry Clinton was to devise the plan for the British attaché. His idea, rejected at first by General Howe, was accepted later by General Erskine—then accepted by Howe. Aware of the Continental Army’s weaknesses, the British planned their attack. On August 26, they executed it.

The British began the campaign at night, and they were led in the dark by three loyalist farmers of questionable integrity. After an interminable march, the redcoats came across several rebel sentries from whom they learned that the pass was unguarded. When the troops finally arrived at Bedford Road, the sun appeared over the horizon. After a nine-mile march, they had finally arrived.

The Americans held their ground valiantly, unaware of just how soundly they were flanked by the British forces. At nine o’clock, the Continental Army realized the Hessians surrounded them. Men on both sides deserted the fray, and the American army had no choice but to retreat. Many were particularly terrorized by the blue-and-green uniforms of the Hessians. Sullivan himself was captured.

When Washington arrived, he was rowed to Brooklyn to find dead and dying troops. Washington could only watch the slaughter. The battle covered six miles and was the largest yet held on American soil. It lasted six hours, and the Continental Army was routed. After a number of false reports, Washing reported to the Continental Congress that 300 soldiers had died but 1,000 were taken prisoner.

On August 29, Washington ordered that every able-bodied man (most of whom were wretched from lack of sleep) be sent across the North River. The men were informed they would be making a night attack. At 9:00 the sick and wounded were sent to the Brooklyn ferry landing, having been told they were being relieved. Washington was making a withdrawal under the cover of night. However, the ambiguous note Washington had sent was misunderstood, and General Mifflin and his men showed up. Washington immediately ordered them back to their former position. Washington had his men load their armament onto the boats provided by colony sympathizers.

The next morning the British woke up amazed to discover the entire rebel army had retreated. Lord Percy and the other generals predicted that they had seen the end of the Americans. Most saw it as cowardly behavior, but others knew it was a very astute move. There was much analysis, reckoning, and blaming on the British and the American sides. The battle was such a resounding, humiliating defeat for Washington and the Continental Congress that none knew what to do. Tories rejoiced in London’s streets, and King George gave General Howe the Medal of Bath. Though some criticized Howe for not pursuing the “Sons of Liberty” and finishing them off, most only found cause for rejoicing.