Americans Won Boston, Lost New York In 1776

The Americans dragged the captured cannon from Fort Ticonderoga through the snow and placed them on the high ground around Boston. The British were forced to evacuate the city. Another setback for the British came when their attack on Charleston, S.C., failed.

Even though the war had been raging for nearly a year, it wasn't until July 4, 1776, that Congress issued the Declaration of Independence.

Washington knew the next assault would come on New York. What he didn't know was how strong the British force would be. The English arrived in more than 300 ships, a flotilla more than twice the size of the legendary Spanish Armada. There were approximately 44,000 soldiers, marines and sailors in the well-armed British force. The Americans had about half that number, many with only pikes or spears.

In the Battle of Long Island, the largest conflict of the war, the British flanked the Americans in Brooklyn and forced them to retreat with heavy losses into a fortified line on Brooklyn Heights. During the night, the Americans escaped across the East River into Manhattan. A British landing at Kip's Bay forced the Patriots to retreat to northern Manhattan, where they briefly repulsed the British at Harlem Heights.

The Americans were soon forced to flee into New Jersey, losing thousands who were captured with the fall of Fort Washington. Many of these prisoners of war were kept in prisons in New York and on prison ships in the harbor. More than 11,000 of these suffering men died, nearly three times as many as were killed in all the battles of the Revolution.

DETAILS ON THE NEW YORK CAMPAIGN

Washington fled across New Jersey and crossed the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. On Christmas night, despite wind and ice, he recrossed the Delaware and attacked Trenton. The 1,500 Hessians there were surprised. Future President James Monroe was badly wounded as he rushed two German cannons. American fire chased the Hessians from the streets. They tried to rally in a field, but surrendered after their colonel was fatally wounded. The German prisoners were paraded through Philadelphia. The Americans were much encouraged by the victory and many soldiers, whose enlistments were expiring decided to re-enlist.

Next:
1777 Started With the Victory At Princeton

Learn More:
American Independence Museum (New Hampshire)
Campfire Chat
Early America Review
Library of Congress
New Jersey Campaign
Trenton Princeton