Tweeting Brooklyn 1776
A day-by-day history of the events leading up to the largest battle of the American Revolution, which was fought in Brooklyn.

@BrooklynBattle #ny1776

JUNE 1776 General Geroge Washigton continues to fortify New York. General Charles Lee and General Stirling had begun the process beginning in March. Lee had recommended NOT fortifying the Narrows. He felt that it was best to fight the Crown Forces on land and inflict heavy casualties fighting in the fields, streets and hills. Lee's plan was centered on denying the Crown Forces possession of the Brooklyn Heights and East River. Washington approves. Only a small number of artillery pieces are sited at the Narrows. This allows the British Royal Navy full access to New York Harbor. Washington builds strong fortifications on Brooklyn Heights, Northern Manhattan, Southern Westchester (today's Bronx) and New Jersey. Washington has approx. 12,000 men in the city.

2 July-7 July- Crown forces continue to land and consolidate on Staten Island.

7 July – From Iconography of Manhattan Island “Washington writes from New York to Governor Trumbull: “The situation of our Affairs calls aloud for the most Vigorous Exertions and nothing else will be sufficient to avert an Impending blow…Genl How has already about ten Thousand men”.

9 July- Declaration of Independence is read to Continental forces in New York area in their camps and on the City Commons (now City Hall Park). After the reading on the Commons the crowds, accompanied by soldiers march south to Bowling Green where they topple the statue of King George III. Part of the statue (4,000 lbs) is then melted down and molded into musket balls.

9 July – A British Officer writes from Staten Island “Our Army consisted of six thousand one hundred and fifty-five effectives, on our embarkation from Halifax; they are now safe landed here…”

12 July – HMS Phoenix (40 guns) and HMS Rose sail past Continental batteries in New York City and Paulus Hook New Jersey. Continental artillery open fire on them inflicting minor damage on the ships and seriously wounding one sailor. Both ships return fire causing much panic in the city. Six Rebel gunners are killed when their cannon explodes on them. Lt. Isaac Bangs stated in his journal that the artillerymen were intoxicated and ill trained. Both the Phoenix and Rose sail up the Hudson and anchor at Tarrytown.

12 July – Admiral Lord Richard Howe arrives aboard his flagship HMS Eagle.

July 14-20 - Admiral Howe, acting in his additional role with his brother as a peace commissioner sends a letter to Washington three times stating a desire for a peaceful resolution of the current conflict. Washington's aides refuse the letter the first two times since it is addressed to George Washington, Esquire and not by his rank. on the third attempt Washington's military rank is used and Washington agrees to meet with General Howe's adjutant, Lt. Col. James Patterson.

At the meeting held on 20 July, Washington informs Patterson that the colonists had no need to be pardoned for defending their rights and that any negotiations had to be conducted with Congress, not the commander of the Army.

Benjamin Franklin had received a private copy of Admiral Howe's letter. He replies that atreatyis feasible only if Great Britain recognizes the existence of the United States as a seperate nation.

27 July - General Howe is still not ready to attack. He has requested additional troops, realizing that the Continental forces have erected strong fortifications. Howe had been at Bunker Hill the year before and knew how deadly the rebels could be when defending strong positions.

29 July - From the New York Mercury "Wanted immediately in the General Hospital, a number of women, who can be recommended for their honesty, to act in the capacity of nurses; and a number of men for the same purpose.." the hospital was located in King's College (now Columbia University) then located opposite the Commons.

30 July - Peter Elting to Captain Richard Varick "You would be surprised to see what number of empty houses there are in this place, Very few of the inhabitants Remain in town that are not ingaged in the Service..."

1 August - Colonel John Glover and his Marblehead Regiment arrive in the city.

11 August -14 August - More Crown forces arrive and land on Staten Island. They include Hessians under General von Heister as well as the British Guards.

13 August - The remnants of Lord Dunmores "Ethiopian Regiment" arrive on Staten island. These are former slaves from Virginia who have joined the Crown Forces in exchange for their freedom.

16 August - Rebels attempt to use fireships to destroy the HMS Phoenix and HMS Rose anchored in the Hudson River. The attempt fails.

Mid-August 1776 - One quarter of Washington's troops are unavailable for duty due to sickness.

18 August - Crown Forces begin to board transports prior to in preparation for landing on Long Island.

22 August - Crown Forces begin to land on Long Island at Gravesend Bay. The Advance Corps of 4,000 men is commanded by Generals Clinton and Cornwallis. By 12 noon 12,700 troops have landed facing very little opposition. The Advance Corps moves to Flatbush. The Light Infantry and 71st Regiment proceed to Flatlands, with the main body of the army encamped between Gravesend and New Utrecht.