The American Revolutionary War was just a little over one year old, when, shortly after midnight on the 27th of August 1776, the British Army began an attack in force on a small number of picket guards stationed in advance of the right wing of the American Army just south of Brooklyn, New York. Thus began what is generally known as the Battle of Long Island, arguably the largest battle of an extended and sanguinary conflict that was to last six more years. Retreating precipitously, the terrified pickets sent word of the attack to George Washington's main army encamped behind fortified...
The American Revolutionary War was just a little over one year old, when, shortly after midnight on the 27th of August 1776, the British Army began an...