summer+meadows

War for Independence, August 27, 1776 By: Summer Meadows As George Washington had anticipated, British forces under General William Howe departed from Halifax in the late spring of 1776 and headed for New York City. They entered the harbor in late June and on July 2nd established headquarters on Staten Island. Ten days later Admiral Lord Richard Howe arrived with additional forces. Over a time period of several weeks the British army grew about 32,000 men, including more than 8,000 mercenaries hired for service in America. Washington had moved the Continental Army from Boston following the British evacuation. He Realized that New York City would be difficult to defend, but it’s strategic and symbolic importance dictated that the effort be made .Fortifications were erected around the city, which was then confined to the southern tip of Manhattan, as well as on the Brooklyn Heights area of Long Islands to the east of the city. The Americans were unsure of where the British would choose to strike first. Beginning on august 22, the British plan began to become clear. Soldiers were transported from Staten Island to Long Island by way of Gravesend Bay. Meanwhile, on the waters off New York City, Lord Howe exchanged fire with American Batteries on Manhattan. Within a few days, 20,000 British soldiers congregated in the vicinity of the village of Flatbush. The American Army of 10,000 was deployed in a series of fortified postions on Brooklyn Heights and spread across the surrounding Heights of Guan it wasn’t a military victory for the Patroits.