The Campaign of 1776 around New York and Brooklyn: Including a new and circumstantial account of the battle of Long island and the loss of New York, with a review of events to the close of the yearJohnston, Henry Phelps
History
The Campaign of 1776 around New York and Brooklyn: Including a new and circumstantial account of the battle of Long island and the loss of New York, with a review of events to the close of the year
Johnston, Henry Phelps
Long Island, Battle of, New York, N.Y., 1776; New York (N.Y.) -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783
"When your favor of the 10th came to hand, I was attending
his Excellency, who was obliged to ride up to West Chester
upon the Alarm of the Enemy's Landing at Frog's Point....
From their not moving immediately forward, I imagine they
are waiting for their artillery and stores, which must be
very considerable if they seriously intend to set down in
the country upon our rear. The grounds leading from Frog's
Point towards our Post at King's bridge are as defensible as
they can be wished. The roads are all lined with stone
fences and the adjacent Fields divided off with stone
[fences] likewise, which will make it impossible for them to
advance their artillery and ammunition waggons by any other
Rout than the great roads, and I think if they are well
lined with troops, we may make a Considerable Slaughter if
not discomfit them totally. Our riflemen have directions to
attend particularly to taking down their Horses, which if
done, will impede their march effectually. Our troops are in
good spirits and seem inclined and determined to dispute
every inch of Ground."
On the 15th he wrote to Duer again as follows, after informing him
that the enemy had not moved from the Neck:
"From the number of vessels that have been continually
passing up the Sound we conclude that they are transporting
cannon and stores necessary to enable them to penetrate the
country and set down in our rear. To hinder them from
effecting this, Genl Lee, who arrived yesterday, has
taken the command in that quarter. He will be posted in such
a situation with a very considerable number of Light Troops
that, let the Enemy advance by what road they will, they
cannot elude him; if they march in one great body he can
easily draw his Divisions together; if they divide and take
different Routs, they will fall in with the different
parties. He will have the Flower of the Army with him, as
our lines in front are so strong that we can trust them to
Troops who would not stand in the field."
Duer, on the 17th, replied:
"I expect daily to hear of some grand attempt made by the
Enemy.... If one half of our army think as much of the
Importance of the approaching Contest as you do, I shall
entertain no Doubt of our success. May Heaven protect you,
and all my Friends who are venturing their Lives in so great
and good a cause."
On the same date Tilghman wrote:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account