Battle of Brooklyn

a.k.a. Battle of Long Island

Because long island stretched from brooklyn to montauk - top point was brooklyn.

First major battle of revoutionary war

Largest battle during war

First battle with the u.s. Army - only one month after declaration

Led by washington

After defeating british in the siege of boston, continental army went to defend nyc, which was only the southern tip of manhattan

Established defenses and waited for british

Wasn't sure whether British will attack manhattan or brooklyn so sent some of his forces to brooklyn. Majority remained in manhattan

In July, british landed in harbor of staten island with 32,000 soldiers.

Washington in comparison had only 6,000 soldiers in brooklyn.

Bulk of his army was in manhattan

In August, the British attacked Guana heights. At the same time, they flanked the Americans from behind. Those who weren't dead or captured retreated to the main defenses in brooklyn heights. Washington then evacuated the entire army to manhattan, but were soon driven out of New York after more defeats and were forced to retreat through New Jersey into Pennsylvania.

When the Americans were being flanked by the British, they were cut off on three sides. The only escape was a salt marsh and a creek that was 80 yards wide on the other side of brooklyn heights. In an effort to buy time, General Stirling and Gist led 400 soldiers in 6 consecutive attacks against the british so the others could get across safely.

More than half of the attacking soldiers died, and the rest were either wounded or captured.

After the retreat, General Washington had to move his forces to Manhattan, where the defenses were stronger. He called 1,200 soldiers stationed in Manhattan to come to Brooklyn. As soon as it became dark, General Washington ordered the 1,200 soldiers to remain at camp and make it look like there were more people. Meanwhile, the remaining 8,000 soldiers began evacuating Brooklyn by crossing the hudson river starting with the sick and wounded first. By morning, all 8,000 solders, including the 1,200 that came to protect the rear went safely across without losing a single life.