New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-08-26
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND.
THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY.

POSITION AND NUMBER OF AMERlCAN AND DNiii'n
soIDTRs-BRTIsH PLAN OF ArTACk-LohD
STRINGS BRAVE REsIsTANcE-sULLiVANS
COMPLEMENTARY OF THE AMERICAN ARMY.
The 9th of August brings Americans another
centennial anniversary of special local interest III
New-York This point had been selected ny tho
british Ministry as peculiarly fitted for invasion
The town itself would afford reconnaissance io'
large garrison Its central position favored imme-
d,ate communication with the lakes and New-En-
Gland Operations, therefore, could be carried On In
tho East in Canada or the northern lakes. anu IN
the Southern colonies, according to circnm-
stances Howe had been ordered 10 meet
here the reenforcements to be sent rom Ell
Gland under Admiral Lord Howe, MS oroohei
Both had been appointed COMMISSIONERS 10 teao ioI
ueace with the colonlsts. On the Zoth Oh 1uhe ~
British ships from Halifax arrived, bringing between
1000 and 10000 troops recently expelieu hoin
BOSTON. There were also six transports hiled WIN
HIGHLAND troops which had joined the fleet at sea.
The force under Washington did not exceed 5000
men. He made acquisitions upon Massachusetts for
its quota and projected flying camp of 10000 men
to operate in the Jerseys. On the "a OF July nc
issued general order, animating the army. IL must
he noted that the number of disafected was thought
TO be greater in New-York than in any other prov
ince. There had been plot to seize the person OF
British upon their arrival The works About Brooklyn,
IN Long Island had been carried with great ac-
tyty under Gen Greene Indeed every effort had been
made by Washington to put the city in condition
of complete defense before the arrival of the british
armament. Jay had thought it best to lay Long
Island waste burn New-York, and retire to the I'M
pregnable Highlands; but in obedience OF the poHcy
of Congress, which was mot to give up q LOOT Oh
territory which could possibly be held" asnng'
ton had occupied Kingsbride, Governors Island
Panlus's Hook and the flights OF Brooklyn. Ills
army was in q very destitute condition, WITHOUT
tents or hospitals while about 5000 men lay SICK.
Only 5000 Of the effective men had had any
experience, and none had seen more than
years service. Some were wholly without arms
not q regiment of infantry was properly
equipped. There was no discipline. The artillery
under Knox was exceedingly ineffective. In the
city more than a nOIety of the men OF wealth kept
aloof from the struggle or sided with the enemy.
THE FoRrIFrcATIoYs IN BROOKLYN.
The American lines in Brooklyn, including four
redoubts, mounting 20 guns, extended distance OF
a mile and half from Wallabout Bay to the mouth
of Gowanus Cove. On Brooklyn flights was forth
ficat:on of seven guns A battery of five guns at
Red Hook guarded the East River. This long line
was occupied by Gen Greene with only six incom-
plete Continental regiments and two OF Long Island
militia.
On the morning of the 22d Of August the men,
of-war moved near the shore of Gravesend Bay to
protect tho landing of 5000 British troops from
Staten Island. Washington, anticipating an at
tempt 10 force his lines at Brooklyn, REINFORCED
them with six regiments while five battaions more
were ordered to he IN readiness If required. Inc
parting exhortation of Washington to these troops
was " to be cool but determined" :" DO not IRE AT
a distance he said, g but wait the commands OF
vopr officers 1t is the Generals express orders,
that If any man attempt TO suk lie down, or retreat
without orders he be instantly shot down for an ex
auplep And so they went off, as Washington says,
&" in high spirits.'
The British troops were under the command Of
sir Henry Clinton. who led the first division. They
landed without opposition, when Lord CORVALLIS
yas detached with the reserve to Flatbush, while
the resi- of the army extended itself from the ferry
at the Narrows through Utrecht and Gravescnd to
the village Of falkland. The country people could
offer no resistance the farmers of the ueghborhood
sought the British camp with professions Of loyalty
while the patriots took to iight
CONDITION or THE AMERICAN CAMP.
On the 2ith Washington crossed over to Brook
lvn 10 inspect the lines and reconnoter the country
Greene was absent and ILL., There was confusion in
tho American camp, and almost total lack of dis
cipline Washington, therefore. transferred the
command TO Gen. runam-a mark Of confidence
which is said to have made the old man perfectly
happy" The enemy the 2jth augmented their
forces by sending two brigades Of essans from
Staten Island. Washington was now convinced that
the eacmy's design for the possession of Brook
lyn flights. He therefore sent overyaddt;onal re-
endorsements including IiaSlets excellent Delaware
re1ment, with Lord Strings brigade, composed
mos ~ of Southern troops. He was again in Brook
lyn on the 28yh. The enemy's troops were evidently
about to move ard Washington was in close confer
cnce with Putnam. Howes force on Long Island,
rank and iile was now upward of 2O,OO0-an army
Thoroughly disciplined and appointed. There were
100 ships and transports in the bay-ten ships OF the
line twenty frigatcs, besides ketches and galiots.
These unequal armies were kept apart by the
ridge hich runs through Long Island to the south
west There were three routes from the British
canpmcflt to Brooklyn. One following lane
through gorge south of the present Greenwood
Cemetery to coast road from the bay to Brooklyn
Ferry was held by the Pennsylyaniamen; the Massa-
chusetts and Nsw.Jersey regiments lay across the
direct road to Brooklyn; the Connecticut levies and
Pennsylvania infantry guarded the third which
descended into the village of Bedford Not far from
$500 American troops were stationed To harass and
impede the march of the enemy. II WAS evidently
the intention of the British to get into the rear of
the Americans by the Jamaica road. Washington
ordered this to be scared. but his command was not
obeyed. He rctured to the city in the evening.
THE BRITISH PLAN OF ATTACK.
Gen. Howe's plan of attack a good one. Sir
Henry Clinton, with the vanguard of the choicest
troops, was by circuitous night march to gain
the road leading from Jamaica to Bedford, seize
the pass of the Bedford Hills and thus turn the left
OF the American advanced post. Gen. Grant was to