To: PA, NY,
NJ, PA, TRENTONSiege Victory of BOSTON Battles of Long Island MANHATTAN White Plains Ft Washington TRENTON
Traveled
Boston to NY
To: PA, NY,NJ, PA, TRENTON
Also, on January 1, the new Union flag was displayed. It had 13 stripes, red and white, with the British union's combined crosses of St. George and St. Andrew in the upper corner. This was also the commencement day for the reorganization of the first official "new" Continental army.
Washington wrote to the President of Congress,
"It is not in the pages of history, perhaps, to furnish a case like ours. To maintain a post within musket-shot of the enemy, ... without powder, and at the same time to disband one army, and recruit another, within that distance of twenty odd British regiments, is more, probably, than ever attempted." And he also wrote to Joseph Reed, the financier of the revolution, "The reflection on my situation, and that of the army, produces many an uneasy hour when all around me are wrapped in sleep. Few people know the predicament we are in, on a thousand accounts ..."
Councils of war were called on January 16 and 18. John Adams, as a member of the Continental Congress, was present. In the weakened state of the army lines, the council advised Washington to write to neighboring states to send thirteen regiments to the Boston area. A detachment from these could be sent to Canada; they had just heard of the death of General Montgomery and of the defeats at Quebec.
Also, on the 18th, Colonel Knox arrived from Ticonderoga, NY with the good news that he had deposited at Framingham, MA, deserted munitions by the British, consisting of 55 pieces of iron and brass ordinance, a barrel of flints, 2300 pounds of lead.
These had been brought slowly overland. The cannon would be installed at Dorchester Heights, overlooking Boston harbor. They would prove to be a critical factor in British decisions, soon to be planned.
Knox had been sent by Washington from Cambridge on this adventure beginning on November 16, 1775.
Knox had arrived at New York town on the 25th. By December 1, he had gone up river to Albany and had arrived at Ticonderoga on December 5. He and his men headed east with his heavy-hardware on December 9, to arrive on January 18, 1776, to buttress the Continental army.
On January 24, about six sachems and warriors with their wives and children from the French Caghnwaga tribe dined in Cambridge with General Gates and wife, George Washington and Martha, Colonel Mifflin and his wife, and John Adams.
They dined at Mifflin's house. Washington introduced John Adams to the Indians as "one of the grand council fire at Philadelphia." They must have been impressed, for they made Adams many bows and gave a cordial reception.
Washington wrote several letters to Joseph Reed. In one, he mentioned the destruction of Norfolk, VA and Falmouth, MA (ME). These cruelties added to,
"the sound doctrine and unanswerable reasoning contained in the pamphlet 'Common Sense,' [by Thomas Paine] will not leave numbers at a loss to decide upon the propriety of a separation." (absolute separation from Britain).
A council of war was called on February 16. Washington was ready, willing and desirous to make an assault on Boston, by passing over the ice from Roxbury and Cambridge. The council overruled his opinion, thinking that they had insufficient force, powder and armaments to win a victory.
They soon finished installation of heavy cannon at Leechmore's Point.
On February 26, a council of war decided to take possession of Dorchester Heights. They planned the attack for the night of March 4, the anniversary of the "Boston Massacre."
They also planned a diversion. On March 2, they began to bombard the British works from Cobble Hill. . . also from Lamb's Dam on the Roxbury side, and from Leechmore's Point on the Cambridge side of Boston.
On February 27, Congress had formed new military departments. The Middle department covered NY, NJ, PA, DE, and MD. The Southern military department covered VA, NC, SC, and GA. General Charles Lee was appointed to the southern district; he left New York on March 7 to return months later..
Also on February 27, about 900 Loyalists were captured by rebellious forces at Moores Creek Bridge near Wilmington, North Carolina. Washington did not learn of this until late March.
DORCHESTER HEIGHTS ==> Washington and his party reconnoitred the Heights, then during the night of March 4, 1776, cannons and mortars were incessantly fired by both sides. American General John Thomas took "the Heights" with about 2000 soldiers.
The Victory at BOSTON
They immediately began completing their defense works, which included redoubts of "screwed hay" because of frozen ground.
On March 5, Washington animated his officers to push forward. They planned to take Nook's Hill next and points near the south-end of Boston.
The "The Heights" were immediately reinforced by cannons, brought by Colonel Henry Knox on sleds and carts from Ticonderoga, N.Y. in January. The cannons pointed out over Boston and the harbor.
Washington was blessed with a stroke of luck from "nature". On the night of March 5, about 3500 British troops had been sent to Castle William to launch a large attack against the Americans. However, they were awaiting a signal from Roxbury meeting house, which was not received in the near hurricane force winds that flattened fences and sheds, blew out windows and drove ships aground.
Within four days, on March 9, it was heard that General Howe might embark all his troops and some loyalists for removal to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
On March 16, a strong American detachment was sent to fortify Nook's Hill section of Dorchester Point. The hill had a completely commanding view over Boston. During the night, the British cannonaded the hill. The Americans stood firm.
V I C T O R Y !
At 2 A.M., on Sunday, March 17, British Lt. General William Howe began evacuation of all his troops from Bunker's Hill and from several Boston wharves. The British troops, many Loyalists and their families, then sailed from Boston with a destination of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The fleet first sailed to Nantasket. On the 20th, they demolished Castle William, several other fortifications, and burnt surrounding houses. They rendered most cannons useless.
On that day, the 17th, (St.Patrick's Day), Washington wrote to Governor Cooke of Rhode Island,
"I have the pleasure to inform you, that this morning the ministerial troops evacuated the town of Boston without destroying it, and that we are now in full possession."
General Putnam's chaplain, the Reverend Mr. Leonard, preached to Washington and others of distinction from Exodus XIV. 25,
"... And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily; so that the Egyptians said, 'Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians.' "
On March 18, Washington dined in Boston at the house of Mr. Erving with James Bowdoin. Washington wrote to wealthy John Hancock,
" ... your house has received no damage worth mentioning. Your furniture is in tolerable order, and the family pictures are all left entire and untouched."
On March 20, the Commander-in-chief entered the town of Boston with the main body of the army. Every precaution was begun to avoid the infection of Small Pox. Regiments of Witcomb, Phinney and Hutchinson were to march in and relieve troops under General Putnam, who would march out of Boston to join their various regiments. Stores would be guarded.
The next day, from Cambridge, Washington issued a proclamation for all officers of the Continental army to promote peace and good order.
On the evening of March 27, Washington wrote to Congress that the whole of the ministerial fleet, besides three or four ships, got underway at Nantasket Road, and were standing out for sea.
Washington supposed that the next British attempt would be against New York town. On the 18th, he had ordered General Heath and six regiments of the army, and the whole contingent of riflemen, to march to New York. Now, on the 27th, he ordered the whole army to the south, except for five regiments under General Ward.
GW wrote to his half brother, John Augustine Washington,
"The enemy left all their works standing in Boston and on Bunker's Hill; and formidable they are. The town has shared a much better fate than was expected, the damage done to the houses being nothing equal to report. But the inhabitants have suffered a great deal, in being plundered by the soldiery at their departure."
On March 28 in Boston, Washington, his officers and suites met in the Council Chambers.
They were then preceded by the Sheriff, Members of the Council, the Committee of the House of Representatives, the Selectmen, the Clergy, and other gentlemen, to the old Brick Meeting House.
A divine service was held with the words of Isaiah XXXIII, verse 20. They then returned to the Council Chamber and on to the tavern, Bunch of Grapes, for an elegant dinner given at public expense.
The Pennsylvania Evening Post reported that "very proper and pertinent toasts were drank. Joy and gratitude sat on every countenance, and smiled in every eye."
Washington wrote to General Arnold,
"The chief part of the troops are marched from hence towards New York. I will set off to-morrow."
On the same day, April 3rd, Harvard College conferred on Washington,
"who by the most signal smiles of Divine Providence on his military operations, drove the Fleet and Troops of the enemy with disgraceful precipitation from the town of Boston," ... the degree of Doctor of Laws.
On April 4, Washington received and answered an address from the Selectmen of the town of Boston. He then left for New York. The first night's rest was at Dr. Nathaniel Ame's Tavern at Dedham, Massachusetts.
The next day at Providence, Rhode Island, he met with Governor Nicholas Cooke and the Council. In the evening, an entertainment was given in his honor. He stayed at Stephen Hopkin's house from April 5-7.
On April 8, at Norwich, CT, he went to Leffingwell Inn. He dined with Governor Trumbull at Jedediah Huntington's house.
He left in the evening for New London, where he met Commodore Hopkins. He slept at the house of Nathaniel Shaw.
On April 10, he stayed overnight at the house of John McCurdy at Lyme, CT. He passed through New Haven on April 11 and then stayed at Samuel Penfield's Tavern in Fairfield, CT. On April 12, he stayed at Guion's Tavern in Westchester county.
Finally, he arrived in New York town on Saturday, April 13 where he stayed until the 16th at William Smith's. Along with him on this journey were William Palfrey, Esq. and aide-de-camp, also, Horatio Gates, Esq. and Adjutant General and other gentlemen of distinction.
Martha Washington arrived on the 17th of April. She and George Washington then headquartered near Pearl Street at Cedar Street at the East River (until the end of May).
Washington wrote to Congress, thanking them for an awards of a special medals (to be cast in gold) to him, his officers and men for "his wise and spirited conduct in the siege and acquisition of Boston." [The medal, struck in Paris in 1786, remained in Washington's possession until his death; it was purchased by subscription in 1876 by the Boston Public Library].
On April 25, Washington and his party went to Staten Island to reconnoitre landing sites. He had about 10,000 troops at New York, including about 2,000 sick or on furlough.
Washington issued a proclamation forbidding intercourse and correspondence with ships of war and other vessels belonging to the King of Great Britain.
In May, he rode out to reconnoitre large parts of Long Island. The troops observed a day of fasting, prayer and humiliation on May 17, as requested by Congress.
In May, General George Washington commanded a force of about 18,000 men at Manhattan and Long Island.
His men began to forge a huge-chain to stretch across the Hudson River near West Point and another in Manhattan-Brooklyn's East River.
A small foot-and-hand-powered one-man submarine, the "American Turtle," designed by Yale student, David Bushnell was being completed; Sergeant Ezra Lee piloted it. One reference claimed that the pilot was Ezra, the brother of Bushnell?).
On May 21, Washington urged General Putnam to carry on the works of defensive construction in his absence - constructing redoubts at Canal Street, some redoubts surrounding Brooklyn Heights and other defenses; Washington was leaving for Philadelphia to consult with Congress on the "present posture of affairs." Martha would go there, too.
George Washington and party traveled via Amboy, NJ and places contiguous with Staten Island toward Philadelphia - on May 22 and 23.
He arrived in Philadelphia at 2 P.M. on May 23, 1776. Martha Washington had also arrived. They had been invited to stay with the President of Congress, at the Hancock's house; however, due to Hancock's attack of gout, they may have stayed elsewhere.
Washington attended a couple of sessions of Congress. Congress then appointed a committee of Brigadier General Mifflin and Major General Gates to work with Washington to concert a plan for future military operations.
On May 29, Indians who had come to town to conduct business with Congress, also attended, with Washington, a review of about 2500 men of city militia and two battalions of the Continental troops.
In May 1776 in Maine, on the captured ship "Hope," wounded American James Mugford shouted, "Don't give up the ship, you will beat them off." And his men did beat them off ...
Martha received an inoculation for small-pox. She remained behind in Philadelphia for a few days as Washington, Gates and Mifflin rode out on June 5 toward Brunswick, NJ, where they stayed at Van Voorhee's Tavern. They then set out again for New York town.
They arrived on June 6 in the afternoon. From June 6 until September, Washington made his new headquarters at the Mortier House (later known as "Richmond Hill") at the southeast corner of Varick at Carlton streets on the North [Hudson] River side of Manhattan (or York) Island.
On June 18, the New York Provincial Congress gave an elegant entertainment to Washington and his officers.
On June 20, Washington rode north to the far tip of York Island (Manhattan) to view the grounds about Kingsbridge. He ordered that defensive works begin to be constructed there. This involved what would be called, Fort Washington with redoubts built nearby at Jeffdrey's Point.
Across Harlem Creek near the Hudson River, they also began construction of Fort Independence.
By June 26, Washington rode north along both sides of the Hudson River to Tarrytown; then he went east to view the Mamaroneck area along Long Island Sound.
By June 26, Washington rode north along both sides of the Hudson River to Tarrytown; then he went east to view the Mamaroneck area along Long Island Sound.
On June 28, one of Washington's Guards, Thomas Hickey was made an example to all others - by his execution for mutiny, sedition and treachery. Hickey, Governor Tryon, and Mayor David Matthews had plotted to try to capture General Washington and deliver him to General Howe. They plotted to kill American officers, when the British fleet arrived.
In Nassau, the Bahamas, about 270 American marines with Commodore Esek Hopkins captured over 80 cannons. They captured two British ships - and were defeated once. Later, the Continental Congress would fire Hopkins, their first navy commodore, for not following orders to destroy two flotillas of English boats along the East Coast.
In Canada, British Sir Guy Carleton's reinforced troops pursued the army of, first, General David Wooster, then of John Thomas (who subsequently died of smallpox) and then of General John Sullivan.
[In July, wounded General Benedict Arnold would withdraw from Montreal to defend Lake Champlain].
Orwell, VT and ==> Fort Mt. Independence (Takes a bit of time).
On June 28, Colonel William Moultrie and General Charles Lee withstood the attack on Fort Sullivan, which had been built with sponge-like palmetto logs and earth at ==> Sullivan Island in Charleston Harbor.
Clinton had started from Boston in January, but on May 3, he and his ships were joined at Cape Fear by a large fleet under Sir Peter Parker, which had troops aboard serving under Lord Cornwallis command.
After the American victory, the fort was renamed "Fort Moultrie". The subdued British fleet would then turn northward to sail toward New York.
Hearing of the American victory at Boston, Louis XVI of France offered support to the colonies against Britain.
On June 28, Washington was on western Long Island at Brooklyn Heights. Washington's "lookout" on Staten Island reported that 45 ships arrived at Sandy Hook, NJ, just south of Staten Island. During the day about another 65 ships arrived. Washington and his General Officers went into council.
Martha Washington was sent out of the New York town for safety.
On July 3, 1776, 50 of the ships came into New York Bay and anchored along Staten Island.
And at the Bowling Green in New York, with the British fleet in sight, the statue of King George III was overturned [and probably melted down for ammunition].
The enemy ships then totaled about 130 sail carrying 9,000 or 10,000 men. Many of the troops were landed on Staten Island, which before had a population of about 850, mostly Loyalists. Some Highlanders were present as well as troops from the West Indies.
Admiral Lord Howe and his brother, General William Howe, arrived on Friday July 12. Additional ships were expected. From somewhat dubious reports from ex-prisoners, deserters and Tories, it was expected that new British reinforcements would create a total force of about 25,000 men, facing about 15,000 American troops.
Washington continued building fortifications, including those at Fort Lee, NJ, across the Hudson from Fort Washington.
On August 1, British General Clinton had arrived at Staten Island from South Carolina, with the whole southern army of 3,000 to 4,000 men. Apparently, the whole British army in America were present, except for those in Canada.
General Sullivan was given command of forces on Long Island on August 20, while General Greene was ill.
On the night of August 21 and 22, a large body of the enemy landed at Gravesend Bay on Long Island and were within three miles of American lines of defense. General Sullivan was given a command to focus in the Brooklyn area; General Putnam was given responsibility over Long Island. Many under the British command were German speaking soldiers of fortune, the Hessians.
The Loss on LONG ISLAND
On August 26, Washington, Putnam, Sullivan and other officers rode out to near their Flatbush outposts to observe the enemy's position. Late that night, General Howe kept several thousand of his soldiers active along the three known roads through passes through the hills near (now) Greenwood Cemetery and Prospect Park.
But as these diversions took place, he marched his main force of about 10,000 soldiers, east to the poorly defended road at Jamaica Pass. By this move, he quickly flanked the American forces and his troops began moving back westward.
On August 27, Washington watched from a hill bounded by the present Pacific, Atlantic, Clinton, and Court Streets; he witnessed Lord Stirling's attempt to counter-attack against British General James Grant along the coastal road near the coastal region of swamp land.
General Sullivan had covered action on the two inland roads against the enemy General Philip von Heister's Hessian forces. The already outnumbered troops of Sullivan heard shots to their rear and found themselves completely surrounded; General Sullivan was captured and many of his men were killed by the British and Hessians.
British General Grant received enough reinforcements to outnumber Stirling by about six to one.
Though he was surrounded, Stirling elected to go with Major Gist and about 250 of his Maryland troops to advance up the road toward the enemy; this allowed the remaining Maryland and Delaware troops to retreat across the swamp near New York Bay. Lord Stirling was captured [he was exchanged soon thereafter].
Washington observed this slaughter of some of the Maryland battalions and rout of Lord Stirling's division.
It would appear that the BATTLE of Brooklyn and surrounding area on the western point of LONG ISLAND was lost to the British, as their troops succeeded with their flanking operation through Jamaica pass.
On the evening of August 28, a council of war was held in the stone Dutch church near the present Fulton Street and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. The generals elected not to split the army; they decided to remove the entire American army from Long Island if it was possible, so that they could operate together as a single force. It had rained heavily all afternoon.
In a misty rain, starting at 4 A.M. on August 29, in a "Dunkirk-like operation," Colonel John Glover's and Colonel Hutchenson's regiments of New Englander fishermen rounded up enough boats, near the present Brooklyn Bridge, for Washington to be able to execute a massive retreat to Manhattan Island of the remaining American army.
Washington embarked with the last of the troops on a boat at about 6 A.M. on August 30. The British pursuit was not pressed immediately.
The American army began to loose more by desertion than it had in battle. In the battles, they had lost about ten times the number than had the British. The retreat across the East River was dramatic, but the morale from the loss of the battles on Long Island would prove to cut into enlistments. Militia around New York began to leave for their home states.
Washington wrote to the President of Congress,
"Inclination as well as duty would have induced me to give Congress the earliest information of my removal, and that of the troops, from Long Island and its dependencies, to this city the night before last; but the extreme fatigue, which myself and my family have undergone, as much from the weather since, as the engagement on the 27th, rendered me and them entirely unfit to take pen in hand. Since Monday, scarce any of us have been out of the lines 'til our passage across the East River was effected yesterday morning; and, for forty-eight hours preceding that, I had hardly been off my horse, and never closed my eyes; so that I was quite unfit to write or dictate till this morning."
He later wrote to the President of Congress,
"...that no damage shall be done to the city in case we are obliged to abandon it, I shall take every measure in my power to prevent it."
The Retreat through MANHATTAN ISLAND
On September 7, a council of war decided to send a division of 9,000 men north to Kingsbridge. And 5,000 would remain to defend the town of New York. The others would be situated between (in mid-Manhattan island) to support the other divisions. It is believed that young Alexander Hamilton defended at a redoubt on Canal Street.Another council of war took place on September 12; it was decided to abandon the town of New York. On the next day, the main portion of the army began moving toward Fort Washington and Kingsbridge.
Mrs. Robert Murray's house on "Murray Hill", near the present corner of Park Avenue and 36th street, was host to George Washington on September 14, 1776.
The British fleet moved up the East River and troops landed at Kipps Bay early on September 15, near 34th Street. The terrible sound of the ship's cannonade caused panic of Connecticut troops under Fellows and Parsons.
Washington rode into the heart of confusion, and attempted to rally the men in the face of extreme odds. He fought a skirmish near the present Empire State Building site.
Subsequently, Mrs. Murray found herself having to entertain the British officers at "Murray Hill".
It is said that Aaron Burr led the way up a path across Bloomingdale Road (59th Street) to Broadway. On the night of September 15, Washington stayed at Mott's Tavern in Harlem Plains. He then rode west to Harlem Heights to the "Point of Rocks" at 126th Street."
On September 16, Hessian Yeagers, Highlanders, and British Light Infantry ran up against American riflemen at about 150th Street on Harlem Heights. The results favored the Americans.
Washington praised Major Leitch; however, an officer of the Connecticut line was killed in this action - Lt. Colonel Knowlton. Also killed was Captain Gleason of (Nixon's) the Massachusetts regiment.
Washington rode to review his troops at Kingsbridge. About 6,000 were healthy, about 1,000 sick and another 1,000 were listed as sick-absent. In a letter to his brother, John Augustine Washington, he estimated the total forces under his command as 12,000 - 14,000 and the British at about 25,000.
From September 15 through
October 20, 1776, Washington headquartered in
Harlem
Heights at the Roger Morris-
Mary Eliz Phillipse house.
MARY ELIZ PHILIPSE 
Born July 3, 1730 -- Died 1825. She met George
Washington when he was age 24. His First Proposal ?
Mary was the daughter of the patroon landlord (owner
of about 51,000 acres), Frederick Philipse, speaker of the NY Colonial
Assembly.
She met George Washington at the house of her brother-in-law, Colonel Robinson in New York. They met again at Robinson's house when Washington's returned from his meeting with General Shirley at Boston.
Later, in 1758, Mary married Colonel Roger Morris, Washington's companion-in-arms on the battlefield of Monongahela, Pa. Subsequently, Roger built a mansion on the outskirts of town of New York.After Colonel Roger Morris pledged his allegiance to England and the King, the couple moved to England. Their house was confiscated. In the autumn of 1776, it became Washington's headquarters - on his measured retreat northward and westward into New Jersey before Washington's successful battle at Trenton.
Mary and her sister, the wife of Rev. Charles Inglis, were the only women accused of treason during the Revolution. Rev. Charles Inglis had been rector at Trinity Church in NY town. After the war, they went to England. Soon thereafter, he was raised to the position of Bishop in Nova Scotia. His authority was over all of British North America - mainly Canada.Mary and Roger Morris went to England. He died in 1794. Mary died 31 years later at age 96. They were buried near Saviour-gate church in York, England.
The house is near the present Broadway and 161st Street.
On Friday, September 22, Washington saw in the distance that a large area, near Wall Street and near St. Paul's church, on the southern tip of York Island, was ablaze. It burned throughout most of the night.
Nathan Hale, who said, "I only regret that I have but one life to give to my country," was executed as an American spy. (There are statues of him at City Hall park and on the Yale University campus - though the artists did not really know what he looked like).
The British enemy was encamped from river to river across Harlem Plains and Harlem Heights south of the American forces.
Washington crossed the Hudson to review the defenses from Fort Lee to Paulus Hook (Jersey City). Then he returned to lead the army northward.
The British landed troops slightly north and far to the east at Frog's Point (Throcks - or Throgs Point). On October 16, it was determined that the British had landed the main body of their army, with a possible plan for a flanking operation. The council of war determined to move the American army and artillery north to Westchester County, but intended keeping a large garrison to maintain Fort Washington.
On October 11, a British flotilla of about 25 ships under Sir Guy Carleton, on Lake Champlain, attacked General Benedict Arnold's flotilla of three galleys, three schooners, two sloops and eight gondolas at Valcour Island.
Arnold with a small remnant of his men, retreated during the night to Crown Point. He then set sail for Ticonderoga. Carleton did not follow through; rather, he cantoned his men for the winter at St. Johns.
On October 21, Washington moved his headquarters from Harlem Heights via King's Bridge to Valentine Hill, and two days later to White Plains, NY. He stayed at the Jacob Purdy House from October 23-28.
The Retreat through WHITE PLAINS
While Washington was on horseback reconnoitring, choosing sites, and instructing the formation of redoubts and posts, as the main army under Generals Lee, Heath, Sullivan, and Lincoln withdrew to Valentine Hill at White Plains, N.Y. Washington stayed at the "Elijah Miller House" north of White Plains and east of the Bronx River.
The British fleet brought troops to the Bronx and proceeded on October 28 to the battle of White Plains against 1,600 American at Carlton Hill and occupied Chaterton's Hill, west of the Bronx River near White Plains.
On October 30, Washington and his army removed to the heights at North Castle, five miles north of White Plains.
On November 6, the British broke camp and moved toward Kingsbridge to the south-west. A council of war decided to move about 3,000 troops under General Heath towards Peekskill and the Highlands opposite West Point.
Washington arrived at Peekskill on November 10 and Fort Montgomery and the Constitution Island region on November 11 in the company of Generals Stirling, James, Clinton, and Mifflin.
General Washington rode with General Heath in the Peekskill area.
Washington crossed the North River to New Jersey at King's Ferry. Some American troops had already moved to New Jersey west of the North River (Hudson River). Washington had gained information from deserters and prisoners - that the British plan was now to try to take New Jersey.
The main army crossed the Hudson River at Kings Ferry north of Fort Lee on November 12, 1776; they advanced to encampment near Hackensack.
On November 14 and 15, Washington stayed at the Peter Zabriskie house in Fort Lee on the New Jersey Palisades opposite Fort Washington.
Washington rode back to Fort Lee from Hackensack headquarters, when it was reported that Fort Washington on York Island (Manhattan) was the focus of a British threat.
Washington was partly across the river, but returned to Fort Lee because it was late at night and Generals Greene and Putnam had reported that the American troops were in good spirits.
On the 16th of November, he crossed the North River again. He returned to near Roger Morris (Jummel) House at 161st street - near the present St. Nicholas Avenue, just to observe the situation on York Island. Fifteen minutes after he departed, the British took possession of Washington's observation site.
In two months, Washington had come "full circle" : from Harlem Heights - to the northeast, to the north, to the northwest, to the west into NJ, and back - to Harlem Heights. He must have harbored hopes of retaking York Island.
On November 19, Washington wrote to his half-brother, John Augustine Washington,
"This is a most unfortunate affair, and has given me great mortification; as we have lost not only two thousand men that were there [Fort Washington], but a good deal of artillery, and some of the best arms we had. And what adds to my mortification is, that this post, after the last ships went past it, was held contrary to my wishes and opinion, as I conceived it to be a hazardous one."
He had observed the terrible American defeat at Fort Washington on "Washington Heights" Manhattan - across the river from ==> Fort Lee. (This takes a Bit of time).
He had observed the terrible American defeat at Fort Washington on "Washington Heights" Manhattan - across the river from ==> Fort Lee. (This takes a Bit of time).
The Retreat Across NEW JERSEY
On November 21, Washington wrote to General Charles Lee,
"Yesterday morning the Enemy landed a large Body of troops below Dobb's Ferry, and advanced very rapidly to the Fort called by your Name. I immediately went over, and, as the Fort [Lee] was not tenable on this side, and we were in a narrow neck of land, the passes out of which the enemy were attempting to seize, I directed the Troops to move over to the west side of Hackensack River."
The troops crossed to the west side of the Passaic River, too - and marched a few mile south to Newark, NJ.
Washington was in Newark from November 22 to November 28. Then, the advance British forces entered Newark as Washington was leaving.
Washington and American troops moved on southwest to New Brunswick and across the Raritan River, where two brigades left, due to "expiration of service." Washington's remaining troops numbered about 8,000. Many were in the Brunswick area for about four days.
On December 1, 1776, at New Brunswick, he wrote to General Charles Lee again,
"The enemy are advancing, and have got as far as Woodbridge and Amboy, and, from information not to be doubted, they mean to push for Philadelphia. The force I have with me in infinitely inferior in numbers, and such as cannot give or promise the least successful opposition."
Washington continued the retreat to Princeton, where he arrived at 8 AM on December 2, 1776 - and then moved on to Trenton on the same day - and camped until December 8. Lord Stirling, who had been released as a prisoner by exchange, was left with two brigades at Princeton for rear-guard action.On December 6, Washington returned to Princeton with an additional 1,200 men. The enemy was still at New Brunswick awaiting General Howe and reinforcements.
Click ==> MAP of the CROSSROADS, the COCKPITS of the REVOLUTION
At Trenton, he ordered the rounding-up of all boats and the removal of all military baggage and store to cross over to the west side of the Delaware River. Very large Durham boats and "flat bottom ferries" were brought to near Coryell's Ferry and hidden behind Malta Island in the Delaware River. I would like to see how horses were secured in these boats. Click for area information.
...(This takes a Bit of time) ==> William Trent House.
Thomas Paine had been along on this long retreat. He wrote,
" ... both officers and men, though greatly harassed and fatigued, frequently without rest, covering, or provision, the inevitable consequences of a long retreat, bore it with a manly and a marital spirit. All their wishes were one; was that the country would turn out, and help them to drive the enemy back. Voltaire had remarked, that King William never appeared at full advantage, but in difficulties and in action.
The same remark may be made of General Washington, for the character fits him. There is a natural firmness in some minds, which cannot become unlocked by trifles, but which, when unlocked, discovers a cabinet of fortitude(,) and I reckon it among those kind of public blessings which we do not immediately see, that God hath blessed him with uninterrupted health, and given him a mind that can even flourish upon care."
On December 8, Washington and his troops removed across the Delaware River into Bucks County Pennsylvania at Trenton Falls - just northwest of Trenton.
For six days, he stayed at the house of Thomas Barkley, a founder of the "Hibernian Society" in America [at Morrisville] about a half a mile from the Delaware River across from Trenton.
The enemy came marching down to the Delaware River, but found no boats. Washington received word that re-enforcement's were on the way. Congress was sending the Philadelphia militia and an American battalion of German extraction. Enemy German Hessians would occupy Trenton, NJ on the opposite side of the river.
Read about ==> St. Eustatius, in the Dutch West Indies
Thomas Paine wrote,
"These are times that try men's souls ... The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."
On December 14, Washington moved North to the house of William Keith, on the road to Brownsburg for five days.
Then he moved to a camp 10 miles above Trenton Falls for five days, where he met General Sullivan, who had just arrived with about 3,000 troops, which had started over a month before from New Castle, NY and via Morristown, NJ.
Sullivan was General Charles Lee's replacement - Lee had been captured by British "light horse" at Mrs. White's tavern at Basking Ridge, NJ, near MorrisTown.
Washington was back at William Keith's house in Upper Wakefield Township in Pennsylvania from December 20-24, 1776. His supply depot was nearby at Newtown, PA.
Victory at TRENTON against the Hessians
Washington's troops were stationed from Coryell's Ferry [now New Hope, PA] in the north to Yardley, Pa to the south. On December 24, he was at the Thompson-Neely House.
While he kept camp fires burning on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware, in the dark and cold of December 25, before midnight and into the dark wee hours of December 26, 1776 - Washington with General Green's troops secretly re-crossed the Delaware River into NJ at McKonkey's Ferry [now Taylorsville, PA].
On the New Jersey side [Washington's Crossing], they quietly encircled to the north and east of Trenton on Pennington Road.
At the same time, General Sullivan's men followed quietly along the River Road from the North.
On that December 26 morning, at 8 AM, they surprised and defeated the Hessian detachment in Trenton.
The ruthless Hessian commander was killed and over 900 surrendered: they were taken as prisoners the same day - to Pennsylvania. [A young officer named James Monroe was in the heart of action; he was wounded in the chest; he would eventually become an aide-de-camp to General Stirling; also, he would eventually become the 5th president of the United States].
Painting by William E. Pedrick
It is said that Washington stayed at Jinnie Waglum's "True American Inn" at Trenton on the 26th.This was a much-needed victory for the American army and good news for the congress!
However, bad news arrived that British General Clinton, with over 8,000 men, took possession of Rhode Island (which the British held until October 25, 1779).
Washington made his headquarters back in Pennsylvania at Newtown at the property of a Hannah Stewart's - Mrs. John Harris house for three days.
On December 29, Washington wrote to Congress,
"I am just setting out to attempt a second passage over the Delaware, with the troops that were with me on the morning of the 26th."
On the December 30, 1776, he rode north and crossed the river at McKonkey's Ferry, and then south to Trenton.
He stayed at the house of Loyalist Major John Barnes near Assunpink Creek on the west side of Greene Street [then Queen Street]. The artillery was delayed until the 31st, due to the river ice.
Generals Mifflin from Bordentown and Cadwalader from Crosswicks with Pennsylvania militia marched at night to reach Trenton. The enemy under Cornwallis planned to trap Washington's army with its back at the Delaware River.
#1775, #1776, #NEXT 1777, #1778, #1779, #1780, #1781, #1782, #1783,
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T. Collins in NJ, USA on 08/05/07 10:32 AM
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