The Letter George Washington Wrote After His Devastating Defeat

Despite early success, the American forces of the Revolutionary War suffered a major setback on August 22, 1776, when General William Howe landed his army on Long Island, New York, beginning the Battle of Long Island. This was a serious blow, forcing the Americans to battle for New York. This would be a costly battle and even America’s famed general, George Washington expressed nervousness at the development.

This Revolutionary War was a battle for equality by the Americans, but it would be only one of many fights as they continued to grant equal rights to their citizens. In a fight with words instead of guns, America would host the Seneca Falls Convention for women’s suffrage.

Letter After the Battle of Long Island

The Battle of Long Island was one of the earliest major battles in the American Revolutionary War. This began right after America declared independence just a month prior. In response, the British launched a campaign to recapture New York City, one of the largest and most important cities in the 13 colonies.

To begin this war, the British forces under General William Howe, evacuated Boston in March and were redirected to New York City where George Washington and the Continental Army were stationed. Although they tried to prepare defenses, the British numbered 20,000 and managed to outflank the American forces on Long Island and achieve a major victory.

This forced George Washington to retreat after suffering heavy losses and leaving the British in control of the city. After this defeat, Washington wrote a letter expressing some of their concerns about this defeat. This showed the chaotic situation of the battle and his army but also highlighted the capabilities of his leadership as he managed to identify these issues and address them later on.

George Washington’s leadership was instrumental in keeping the union together and leading the US to victory.

Similarly, almost a century later another president would find himself in a similar position, though this one would be fighting his people in the American Civil War. Despite that, Abraham Lincoln’s leadership, intelligence, and compassion would see his nation through the turmoil as seen in his letter to some Union families.

The assessment of this army can be seen here.

“Our situation is truly distressing. The check our detachment sustained on the 27th has dispirited too great a proportion of our troops and filled their minds with apprehension and despair. The militia, instead of calling forth their utmost efforts to a brave and manly opposition in order to repair our losses, are dismayed, intractable, and impatient to return. Great numbers of them have gone off, in some instances almost by whole regiments, by half ones, and by companies at a time.”

-Geoerge Washington, General of the Continental Army

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