The Campaign of 1776 around New York and Brooklyn / Including a new and circumstantial account of the battle of Long island and the loss of New York, with a review of events to the close of the year

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21990

Title

The Campaign of 1776 around New York and Brooklyn / Including a new and circumstantial account of the battle of Long island and the loss of New York, with a review of events to the close of the year

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Henry Phelps Johnston's 1878 historical account details the pivotal 1776 Revolutionary War campaign around New York and Brooklyn. Featuring original documents, maps, and portraits, this volume offers a circumstantial review of the Battle of Long Island, the loss of New York, and the retreat to Harlem Heights, capturing the crisis that defined America's fight for independence.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1878 by the Long Island Historical Society, Henry Phelps Johnston's *The Campaign of 1776 around New York and Brooklyn* stands as a definitive account of the Revolutionary War's most critical turning point. Johnston argues that the events of 1776 centered on New York and Brooklyn were the decisive period of the conflict, where the colonies faced their greatest dangers before ultimately securing independence. The narrative meticulously details the extensive preparations by both British and colonial forces, the fortification of the cities, and the major engagements that defined the summer of 1776. These include the Battle of Long Island, the chaotic retreat to New York, the Kip's Bay Affair, the Battle of Harlem Heights, and subsequent battles at White Plains and Fort Washington. A distinguishing feature of Johnston's work is its reliance on primary sources. Part II of the volume presents a comprehensive collection of original documents gathered from the descendants of participants. These archives include orders from Generals Greene and Sullivan, personal letters from officers such as John Glover and Nathanael Greene, and firsthand accounts from soldiers and civilians. Through these materials, Johnston clarifies historical uncertainties regarding the retreat from Brooklyn and the capture of the city, offering new insights into operations on the Brooklyn side that had previously been obscure. The text also covers the American victories at Trenton and Princeton later in the year, illustrating the dramatic shift in momentum that saved the cause. Johnston's narrative is enriched by maps, portraits of key figures, and a thorough review of events extending to the close of 1776. By combining fact-based illustration with newly unearthed particulars, the work provides a detailed portrait of the struggle that established the United States, capturing the gravity of the crisis as described by John Hancock and the resilience of the American forces under Washington's command.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Military History