Long Island: June-August 1776

The British Strategy

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. “View from Battle Hill [Long Island]” New York Public Library Digital Collections.

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. “View from Battle Hill [Long Island]” New York Public Library Digital Collections.

Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, The New York Public Library. “The Ferry House, 1746. (Fulton Street, Brooklyn)” New York Public Library Digital Collections

Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, The New York Public Library. “The Ferry House, 1746. (Fulton Street, Brooklyn)” New York Public Library Digital Collections

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. “Sir William Howe.” New York Public Library Digital Collections.

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. “Sir William Howe.” New York Public Library Digital Collections.

General Howe believed that a single overwhelming victory could bring a swift end to the rebellion. Merely capturing territory or cities, he argued, would prove fruitless as long as the patriot army remained intact. By targeting the vital commercial hub of New York City, however, Howe hoped to draw the Continental Army into a decisive battle that would shatter Washington’s army and lead to a peace treaty on British terms.

"I shall not fail to make the most of the time that remains, by a vigorous exertion of the force I have the honor to command, in the hope of bringing this unnatural rebellion to a speedy conclusion. I am of the opinion that peace will not be restored in America until the rebel army is defeated, should the enemy offer battle in the open field we must not decline it"

General William Howe, Dispatch No. 17, sent on 7 June 1776
Sources
  • General Howe’s letters to Lord Germain (no.17-19), referring to his frustration at being kept at Halifax before departing for Sandy Hook, and reporting upon regiments sent to distress rebels at New York : (2017). Adam Matthew Digital. http://www.colonialamerica.amdigital.co.uk/Documents/Details/CO_5_93_Part_2_010