“This Week in 1776” is an ongoing almanac of events from that year in the American Revolution. Be sure to check out my novel HEARTLANDERS.
I’m changing the format for this week, focusing on dates instead of places. Just felt like the last few issues have been a bit stale—GB
Tension escalates in New York as the locals prepare for the smash-up between the Patriots and the Redcoats. On August 17, Washington issues proclamations to the women, children, and elderly that they ought to evacuate because the fighting could break out at any time. If there are vulnerable civilians on the ground, they could make Army maneuvers dangerous too.
On August 18, the wind changed and pushed south, favoring the designs of the British, so they sent some ships back down the river past the American batteries.
Logistics are further complicated on August 20 when Nathaniel Greene falls ill with fever. He’s one of Washington’s Major Generals and, canonically, the commanding officer in charge of Silas Proctor’s espionage outfit from SLEEPLESS HOLLOW. While Greene was sick, Maj. Gen. John Sullivan replaced him, but it became quickly apparent that he was the wrong man for the job—he didn’t know the terrain and started giving orders that baffled his subordinates. Washington regretted the decision and on August 22nd, he appointed Israel Putnam to replace Sullivan.
This wounded Sullivan’s ego, so Washington told Putnam to let him down easy and still make him feel useful. Putnam had more familiarity with the area and had proven his mettle at Bunker Hill. Technically this appointment came on August 24, which is slightly outside of this week’s window, but that’s fine.
On August 22, one of the British Howe Brothers put about 15,000 troops ashore on Long Island near what is today Brooklyn. Loyalists happily greeted them as they advanced, forcing Patriots to retreat. The Americans burned farms and killed livestock to hinder the Brits as much as they could, but make no mistake, they were on their back foot here. Washington heard reports of this but didn’t believe it was the main assault; he expected a feint on Long Island, meant to draw his troops away from the real target, which would be Manhattan.
By August 23rd, militia were regularly exchanging fire and scrapping with the advancing British troops in several locations. New York was in a state of active combat. Washington reminded the men that they were fighting for liberty and that their success depended on the righteousness of their conduct.
This came in the wake of months of enforcement in the camps against low behavior like gambling and profanity, among other things. The General understood that having God on his side was essential; the Patriots were fighting against a superior temporal force, but not one that could beat the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, if the Americans would but live worthy of His favor.
“…the hour is fast approaching, on which the honor and success of this army, and the safety of our bleeding country will depend. Remember, officers and soldiers, that you are freemen, fighting for the blessings of liberty; that slavery will be your portion, and that of your posterity, if you do not acquit yourselves like men.
“Remember how your courage and spirit have been despised and traduced by your cruel invaders; though they have found by dear experience at Boston, Charlestown, and other places, what a few brave men, contending in their own land, and in the best of causes, can do against hirelings and mercenaries. Be cool, but determined; do not fire at a distance, but wait for orders from your officers. It is the General’s express orders, that if any man attempt to skulk, lie down, or retreat without orders, he be instantly shot down as an example.
“He hopes no such will be found in this army; but, on the contrary, that every one for himself resolving to conquer or die, and trusting to the smiles of Heaven upon so just a cause, will behave with Bravery and Resolution.”
—Gen. George Washington, General Orders of Aug. 23, 1776
Something to remember when the detractors claim the Revolution was all about the money.
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