Who were the leaders of the Continental Army?.Who Was The Commander In Chief Of The Continental Army? – Related Questions.It was also the first major battle that occurred after the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. Interesting Fact: The Battle of Long Island was the largest battle of the Revolutionary War. It would remain in British hands until the end of the war. They were forced into New Jersey and eventually across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. Washington and the Continental Army continued their retreat over the next several months fighting battles along the way including the Battle of Harlem Heights and the Battle of White Plains. When the British went to attack the Americans the next morning, they were gone. Gathering all the local boats he could, his entire army quietly snuck across the East River and into Manhattan. That night Washington made a brilliant maneuver. He had lost the battle and may lose the war. By the night of August 29th, Washington found his army nearly surrounded by the British. They landed on Long Island on August 22 and the battle began a few days later. Howe's troops outnumbered Washington's and were far more experienced. Howe began offloading troops onto Staten Island and began preparing for battle. When Howe offered him a pardon, Washington replied that he had done nothing that needed to be pardoned. In the end, Washington refused to negotiate. Washington refused the letter and sent it back because he considered it an insult that Howe did not address the letter to "General" Washington. Howe wanted to avoid a large battle and sent a letter addressed to "Mr. Just as Washington suspected, the British fleet under General Howe soon arrived in New York Harbor. Once he arrived he began to fortify New York against attack. ![]() Washington continued to New York at a slower pace. He immediately ordered his army to march to New York, but soon discovered that Howe had gone to Canada. Washington feared that Howe was sailing his army directly to New York City, the most strategic port in the Americas. ![]() The British evacuated the city and went to Nova Scotia in Canada.Īfter the siege lifted, Washington knew that General Howe would not stay quiet for long. With the British fleet exposed, British General William Howe decided to retreat. Finally, in March of 1776, Washington moved some cannon captured from Fort Ticonderoga to Dorchester Heights overlooking the city of Boston. Little fighting occurred except for the small skirmish here and there. Washington's soldiers ran short of gunpowder and some had to be armed with spears. During that time both sides dealt with dwindling food and supplies. The Siege of Boston lasted for almost a year. He would not have his army injuring civilians or stealing from the people they were supposed to be protecting. He also implemented strict rules of discipline and behavior. ![]() He established a chain of command and appointed senior officers to command the troops. Upon Washington's arrival, he began to organize the ragtag groups of militias into an army. This stalemate would become known as the Siege of Boston. The Americans had surrounded the city and the British forces, but could not force the British out. The British had defeated the patriots at the Battle of Bunker Hill, but had suffered major losses. By the time Washington arrived on July 2, the two sides were at a stalemate. Not only could he be killed in battle, but if the revolution failed, which was likely, he would lose his estate at Mount Vernon, his wealth, and his powerful position in the colony.Ī few days after becoming Commander-in-Chief, Washington left Philadelphia to travel to Boston which was the center of the fighting at the time. It was not only a daunting task, but a nearly impossible one.Īt the same time, Washington took on the command at great personal risk. His job was to take a bunch of colonial farmers and turn them into a fighting force capable of defeating the most powerful empire on the planet. Although he considered the appointment a great honor, he also considered himself unworthy of the task before him. George Washington accepted the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army on Jun 19, 1775.
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