The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-08-27
the past, an estimate of the present and
horoscope of the future.

the past. an estimate of the present and
horoscope of the future.
During the first year Of the war Boston
was the scene of the revolutionary struggle,
but early in 1776 it became apparent that the
military operations were to be transferred to
New York. Sir Henry Clinton set sail tow
ard tho South, and, stopping in New York
Bay long enough to frighten the inhabitants
of this city, proceeded on his journey. But
the danger was not past, and first General
Charles Lee was sent to take charge OF the
defence of New York, and little later
Washington and the main body of the army
came on from Cambridge and encamped on
Manhattan Island. On the part of the Brit
ish the plan of the campaign was compre-
hensive one, and it required moro than the
resources of the colonies to meet and over
come the powerful enemy by which it was
to be executed. Clinton was to capture
Charleston and operate in the South while
the Howes seized the city Of New York and
the Hudson River, and formed junction
with Carleton, who was expected to march
VIGOROUSLY from Canada In pursuance Of
this plan the month of August was busy
one on both sides. Howe preparing to carry
it into execution and Washington making
the best defence in his power with his
meagre army and slender resources. Re-
doubts and batteries were constructed along
the East and North rivers, on Governors
Island, Brooklyn Heights and at other
points. General Howe reached Staten Island
in Inn uybo In iOiy, I'D Inv
brother, Admiral Howe, and it was not until
the 22d of August that their forces began
any real movement On that day four
thousand men crossed from the Quar-
antine ground to Fort Hamilton, and
others followed soon aftcrward, so
that the whole invading force numbered
about ten thousand. General Greene, who
was in command of the Americans, had fallen
sick just before this movement, and the
command devolved upon General Sullivan.
1t is unnecessary to follow step by step the
events which constituted the battle of Long
Island, and finally resulted in the famous
and fortunate retreat OF General Sullivan
a defeat, but not the crushing disaster the
enemy had designed, and if our patriot
fathers had been greatly our superiors in
all the qualities which make good soldiers
and good ctizeps its military Importance
and political significance would scarcely
have been felt to the disadvantage Of the
cause.
The movement Of the enemy had begun
but the deadliness Of his first blow was par
ried. The American army, by the skilful-
ness of retreat that has become historic,
was safe in New York. A little self-sacritico
was sufficient to make Howc's victory bar
rem one. Of this, unfortunately, there was
almost none, while sectional jealousies and
chickering's of long continuance made effec-
tive defence next to impossible. The army
was without discipline, and insubordination
among the inferior officers and men rem
dcred it unattainable. The immortality
which prevailed was fearful. Treason
loyalty to the cause was common
crime among the wealthier families
Even women Of social distinction were spies
for the enemy and many,a Lady Brothertoft
waited with impaticnce for the coming of the
red coats. Washington was almost in de-
spair, yet out Of all this chaos-these bicker-
ings and jealousies and this wickedness and
insubord:nation and treason-came the
army of the Revolution. 1t certainly can
not be said that either morally or politically
we are worse off to-day, or that patriotism
and love of republican institutions are not
more firmly fixed in the hearts of the people
in 1876 than they were in 1776. Those who
doubt on this point have only to consider
the events which preceded and followed the
battle of Long Island, Of which this day is
the hundredth anniversary, to become con-
WINGED to the contrary.