From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 158
able to crush us if, as General Lee says, 'God is on the side of heavy battalions.'"
He was not long in doubt concerning their destination, for they landed at Long Island.
"They mean to capture Brooklyn Heights," exclaimed Washington; "their designs are clear enough now."
"The city is at their mercy if they once capture that position," replied "Old Put," as the soldiers called General
Putnam. "They must not be suffered to gain that position."
"You must go to General Sullivan's aid with six battalions, all the force we can spare," said Washington.
"There is no time to be lost."
In anticipation of such a movement, Washington had stationed a body of troops on Brooklyn Heights under
General Greene; but the latter was taken sick, and General Sullivan succeeded him, and now General Putnam
was placed in command. No more men could be sent to Brooklyn Heights, because Washington expected the
British fleet would attack the city.
He received the following message from General Livingston of New Jersey:
"I saw movements of the enemy on Staten Island, and sent over a spy at midnight, who brought back the
following intelligence: Twenty thousand men have embarked to make an attack on Long Island, and up the
Hudson. Fifteen thousand remained on Staten Island, to attack Bergen Point, Elizabethtown Point, and
Amboy." The spy heard the orders read and the conversation of the generals. "They appear very determined,"
added he, "and will put all to the sword."
Again, in expectation of an immediate attack, he addressed the army to inspire them with determined valor,
and said:
"The enemy have landed upon Long Island, and the hour is fast approaching on which the honor and success
of this army, and the safety of our bleeding country, depend. Remember, officers and soldiers, that you are
free men, fighting for the blessings of liberty; that slavery will be your portion, and that of your posterity, if
you do not acquit yourselves like men. It is the general's express orders that, if any man attempt to skulk, lie
down, or retreat without orders, he be instantly shot down for an example."
Fifteen thousand British troops landed and advanced to seize the Heights. It was on the twenty-first day of
August, 1776. A terrific battle of seven days followed, in which the slaughter and suffering were fearful.
Alternate victory and defeat were experienced by both sides. Sometimes it was a hand-to-hand fight with
bayonets. As Washington beheld a detachment of his heroic men pierced to death by Hessian bayonets, he
wrung his hands in an agony of spirit, and exclaimed:
"O good God, what brave fellows I must this day lose!"
There were but five thousand Americans pitted in this battle against fifteen thousand British, and yet they
fought seven days.
On the twenty-eighth day of August, the British moved their line of battle to within a mile of the Yankee
breast-works on the Heights. The capture of the Heights, with all the American soldiers, seemed inevitable.
Between them and New York was the East River, which the enemy's fleet commanded. Before them was the
foe, numbering three to one. To human view there was no hope for the brave little army of patriots.
But on that night a storm arose, and a dense fog enveloped the Heights. Early in the evening the rain began to
fall, and, together, fog and rain created a dismal scene. At the same time a brisk breeze sprang up, sufficient to