New York 1776 : The Continental's First Battles

Despite the massive setbacks suffered at the outset of the War of Independence.

British strategy for 1776 was to overawe the enemy with a show of force.

A major component of this plan was the capture of New York, a task entrusted to Sir William Howe and his brother, Lord Richard Howe.

On 22 August, 15,000 troops landed, unopposed, at Gravesend Bay and forced Washington to abandon Long Island.

Three weeks later, Howe occupied New York City, entering unopposed.

Howe moved again on 12 October, by which time Washington had left garrisons in Fort Washington and Fort Lee and had regrouped.

Howe managed to take both forts, but Washington escaped.