American Revolution: Washington Beaten at Long Island!

August 27-30, 1776 - American forces are defeated at the Battle of Long Island. Following his capture of Boston in March 1776, Washington began moving south to New York as he believed it would be the next British target. Lacking a navy, Washington found the city difficult to defend and was forced to divide his army between Manhattan and Long Island. On August 22, 1776, the British under Major General William Howe landed 15,000 men on Long Island. To oppose this force, Major General Israel Putnam deployed his division along the Heights of Guan. After scouting the American lines, Howe was able to find an undefended pass to the east of the American position. Moving by night on August 26/27, Howe's men were able to move undetected through the pass and attacked Putnam's left flank. Caught by surprise, the Americans broke and fled to the fortifications on Brooklyn Heights. The only significant resistance came from the brigade of Lord Stirling which fought until it was forced to surrender. Arriving at Brooklyn Heights with reinforcements, Washington was unable to do anything to save the day. By August 29, he realized the danger of his situation and withdrew with his men to Manhattan.