Tuesday 5 April 2011

ABC Wednesday L is for Long Island

The Battle of Long Island (also known as the Battle of Brooklyn or the Battle of Brooklyn Heights) was fought in 1776 between the British and the American Continental Army. The generals in charge on the day were Major General Lord Howe and General George Washington.

The combatants were 20,000 British and Hessian troops and 10,000 Americans. The Hessian soldiers were German auxiliaries hired by the British Empire from their rulers. They fought in several skirmishes but are mainly associated with their role in the War of Independence.

The battle took place just one month after the United States declared itself a nation and was the first major battle in the American War of Independence (American Revolutionary War) It was also the biggest battle of the whole war.

Following the defeat of the British at the Siege of Boston in March, General Washington’s Continental Army relocated to New York City, then confined to the southern tip of Manhattan, to defend it. On 27th August the Americans were attacked by British troops but were unaware that the main part of the army had gone to their rear and were thus able to effect a flanking action. The Americans, many fewer in number, began to panic but 250 Maryland troops made a stand and allowed most of the rest of the army to flee to the batteries on Brooklyn Heights. 

The British anticipated a siege but two nights later Washington evacuated his remaining army of 9,000 men to Manhattan without further loss of life, weaponry or supplies.
'Retreat at Long Island' by J C Armytage (1820-1897)
It depicts Washington directing the retreat across the East River .
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

A true leader, he was the last man to board the last ferry.

Ultimately, Washington and his army were forced back through New Jersey and into Pennsylvania. The loss of New York marked the saddest stage in the fight for independence. Many hundreds of men deserted and morale was extremely low. It is the sign of a great leader that Washington was able to rally his troops once more and finally achieve his end - wonderful for the Americans but a sad day for King George III.

This weekly meme is organised by the Lovely Denise Nesbitt and her Loyal team of Labourers. Click here to see more Ls. 

19 comments:

  1. Great post for the L Day -- as yours are for every letter in the alphabet! Love the history you include and I always learn something! Hope your week is off to a good start, Janice! Enjoy!

    Sylvia
    ABC Team

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  2. Thanks for this, Janice. It was interesting to read about the American Revolution through your eyes. :)

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  3. It was so interesting to read about this!

    Great post.

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  4. I know many Americans think of George Washinton as the "Father of Our Country." However, I don't think many people realize just how good a leader he was. Thank you very much for this post, Janice.

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  5. Ah, a history I know at least a LITTLE about! Still, interesting as always.
    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  6. Interesting history, Janice, and a great "L" contribution.

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  7. So, the side that won New York City, would you call them the winners or losers... Mmmm.

    Interesting history lesson though.

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  8. A great post and history lesson.

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  9. God how I love coincidences!! My parents were both from Brooklyn, I was born on Long Island (back in the Stone Age)
    Looked for you on Facebook and there are too many people with the same name. Pls friend ME on Facebook (if you want to, there is only ONE of me lol) My Facebook name is Caren Osrin Gittleman

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  10. I LIKE your L, so pretty..

    Please come take a peek at the laughters at my page. Thank you!

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  11. It would be interesting to hear your interpretation on that segment of American History, or do I mean English. I don't have drop of English blood in me, only Irish which I am about a fourth (actually less.)

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  12. You make history learnin' fun! Thanks!

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  13. Very interesting information about LI, thanks for sharing.

    Please come and see the Lamborghini at my page.

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  14. What a great post. I love these gems posts, chock full of information and nostalgia. I actually read about this battle recently, although I forgot which book it was. But, as you see my memory is not what it used to be, your post was a nicely written reminder!

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  15. History is such a vast subject ! This I didn't know. I only know that Mafia bosses once they became "honnest" settled down in Long Island. That's more up to date !

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  16. Thanks for reminding me of true valor. Great choice for today. . .hoping its lovely.

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  17. Always enjoy your History Lesson and the pictures you share.

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