Washington at Brooklyn

From the first of the Revolutionary War, the British wanted New York, for it would divide the colonies. Also, it controlled the Hudson River, the main gateway to the north.

In July 1776 the British landed at Staten Island, some 30,000 strong. Washington and his troops were outnumbered 3 to 1.

By the last week in August, the colonists had been pushed all the way back to Brooklyn, at the western tip of Long Island. Howe's cannons belched relentless death into the trapped army. Washington saw 2,000 of his men die in three days. By August 28, 8,000 Americans, with the East River at their backs, were trying to hold of 20,000 attackers.

Victory was in Howe's hand, but he never pressed for it. He went against all military logic, and hesitated. Washington waited, anticipating the inevitable. He believed the war was about to end, but Howe never attacked.

By late afternoon Washington finally let himself believe Howe was not coming. Some of the soldiers were calling it a miracle. That night Washington would see what many deem the most amazing display of God's intervention in the war for independence.

Washington decided to move his entire army from Brooklyn by small boats. It was a suicidal plan; the East River was a full mile wide there. But Washington felt it was not quite as suicidal as trying to fight off the British. Against all odds, the evacuation plan worked. It was a fitting end to this part of the story, for it had begun with the General challenging his men: "The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army. . . . Let us therefore rely upon the goodness of the cause, and the aid of the Supreme Being, in whose hands victory is."