July 12—Lord Howe arrived from England; Gen. Clinton returned from his repulse at Fort Moultrie, several Hessian regiments soon after arrived, and the British force amounted to 24,000; Gen. Carleton was near Lake Champlain with 13,000 men. The forces under Washington did not amount to half as many, but the British had a salutary respect for American prowess, and were laboring to win the American leaders back by promises of pardon. Aug. 27—The battle of Long Island. The Americans, 9,000 strong, are attacked by the British, 15,000 strong. The Americans are worsted, but hold their intrenched camp. Washington silently and safely retreats during the night. The Americans lost 1,600 in killed, wounded and prisoners. British killed and wounded, 400. Sept. 1—General Howe sends General Sullivan (American, taken prisoner in the late battle), to Congress to discuss a compromise of the dispute between England and the Colonies. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge, are appointed to meet English commissioners. They meet on Staten Island, but can make no arrangements. Sept. 15—British army takes possession of New York. General Washington’s army being largely made up of militia, which come and go, he adopts “The Fabian Policy” of avoiding general engagements, keeping the enemy harrassed and in constant movement. This saved the American cause. Sept. 26—Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee appointed commissioners to France. Nov. 1—Henry Laurens, of South Carolina, chosen President of Congress. Nov. 16—Fort Washington, at the north end of Manhattan Island, assaulted by the British, in force. The fort was taken with 2,000 prisoners. The British loss was 1,200 in killed and wounded. Nov. 18—Americans evacuate Fort Lee, on the Hudson, above New York. Nov. 28—Washington retreats across the Delaware into Pennsylvania. Dec. 7—Gen. Lee disobeys the instructions of Washington and is taken prisoner by the British. Dec. 8—A British naval force takes possession of Newport, Rhode Island. Dec. 12—The British army being stationed along the Delaware, in New Jersey, Congress adjourns from Philadelphia to Baltimore. Dec. 26-27—Washington suddenly crosses the Delaware and surprises Trenton. He captures 1,000 Hessians and six cannon, with a loss of four killed. In this year about 350 British merchant vessels had been taken by Americans. 1777. Jan. 2—Washington having re-occupied Trenton, Lord Cornwallis marches a strong force to attack him. Jan. 3—The American army silently retreat in the night and capture Princeton, with 300 prisoners. British loss in killed and wounded, 100. American loss about the same. General Mercer killed.