In July 1776, Loftus landed with his regiment on Staten Island, where the 17th joined forces with the newly recruited Hessian troops. He distinguished himself with great gallantry in his first command on the Bedford Road under Sir William Erskine, personally commended by General Howe for his part in driving back the Americans and capturing General Sullivan, together with two Brigadier-Generals and ten field officers (ibid). A few weeks later at Kip's Bay, Loftus was presented with the opportunity to change the course of history when he saw General Washington virtually unguarded and galloped to: