1776

Washington’s valiant but unkempt men were ordered to march toward New York. Even in inclement weather, they trudged on. This call was Washington’s, and his alone. The Continental Congress agreed that New York was vital to the whole continent and should be protected. New York was not as welcoming a place as Boston, however, as it was filled with loyalists, many of whom had financial interests in the city.

New York proved a much different town than Boston in other ways too. Although there were numerous churches and one synagogue that the men attended, there was also licentious behavior that the officers had to contend with. Drinking and visiting prostitutes spread syphilis among the troops, and small pox broke out as well. The penalty for such behavior was being shot, but it was difficult to distinguish soldiers from civilians since the New Englanders still had no uniforms.

Washington established another fine home for himself and Martha, once again the “courtesy” of a wealthy loyalist who had fled. Number 1 Broadway was his main post, however. Washington’s first order of business was to inspect the fortifications of General Lee and Lord Stirling.

Washington and his officers decided that Long Island and Brooklyn in particular were key to New York and must be defended at all costs. Washington put Nathanael Greene in charge of the troops. The men set to work felling trees and digging ditches around the area. Pleased with their 120 canons, they assigned the men who had no weapons as artillerymen, despite their inexperience.

On May 16, Henry Knox, now Greene’s best friend, urged the Continental Congress to declare independence. Washington had 6,923 men fit for duty, but word had it that 17,000 German mercenaries were coming to fight, and the number fighting for the British was no less than 30,000. More bad news came from Canada, and Washington commissioned Joseph Reed to replace Commandant Horatio Gates there.

A threat was received on Washington and his officers’ lives, and some of the troops mobbed the towns, tarring and feathering, and making Tories (loyalists) “ride the rail,” dragging the victim on his crotch on the top of a sharp rail fence. The New York mayor and several other Loyalists were arrested due to the plot. Though it turned out not to be so serious, yet Washington and his officers moved the locations of their families anyway.

When the British fleet of ships was spotted, Washington’s upper officers made provisions for their families and young children to go home. The armed ships were formidable; there were 120 total, and one, the Asia, had 64 guns alone. Then there were 10,000 troops at Halifax, with 15,000 to 20,000 more arriving.

That same day the Continental Congress declared independence, breaking ties with England. Word reached New York four days later, and Washington received a formal letter from John Hancock two days after that. The war would take a new turn after this Declaration of Independence, one that marked just the beginning.

On July 12, the British ships sailed up the Hudson, firing cannons and wreaking havoc along the way. They eventually reached Tappan Zee. Washington’s cannons were nothing compared to the mighty British navy, and he and his men felt humiliation after this defeat. When General Howe received word of the American Declaration of Independence, he ridiculed it. Men raped and pillaged but were court-martialed. Loyalists and traitors deserted in droves after plying the British navy with drink, supplies, and munitions.

Beginning on July 13, General Howe began sending officers to Washington with a letter—supposedly a letter of peace, as King George had promised. However, he addressed it to George Washington, Esq., rather than General George Washington. Several attempts were turned away. Even the general’s adjutant, Nesbit Balfour, brought the letter; Washington took him in, but the letter was still addressed to Washington, Esq. Finally, Colonel Patterson brought the letter.

Washington answered that Lord Howe had no authority to render pardons, and that he, Washington, had no decision-making power. Besides, no pardon was required when the revolutionaries were defending their rights in a just cause. Washington never intended to accept King George’s pardon; it was merely an act to demonstrate the new country’s resolve.

On August 1, 45 ships and 3,000 troops arrived at Sandy Hook from Charleston, and more continued to come. Ironically, but true to King George’s intent, the ships were named things like Good Intent, Father’s Good Will. This massive fleet was just a tiny fraction of the British navy, as only small, maneuverable ships were sent. The American officers’ hearts were filled with reluctance, if not terror, but Washington remained stalwart. In the meantime, 3,000 more British troops and 8,000 Hessians arrived.

Washington, Greene, and Knox were torn about how to situate their men, who were once again suffering from illness and defecting to go home and farm. Washington considered splitting the troops—a cardinal sin in warfare that is rarely attempted. Greene fell ill, nearly to death, and was replaced by John Sullivan, who was much his inferior. On August 21, a report came in saying the British were attacking by evening at the latest, but Washington saw no evidence.