George Washington to Congress on the Battle of Harlem Heights, 1776
The Battle of Harlem Heights, September 16, 1776. (The New York Public Library Digital Collections)
After the Battle of Long Island in August, American forces escaped to Manhattan and moved quickly north. On September 18, 1776, George Washington reported on the Battle of Harlem Heights and its effect on the troops.
A Letter from George Washington to John Hancock, September 18, 1776
Head Quarters Colo. Roger Morris’s House, Septr 18th 1776
Sir
As my Letter of the 16th contained Intelligence of an important nature, and such as might lead Congress to expect, that the Evacuation of New York and retreat to the Heights of Harlem in the manner they were made, would be succeeded by some other interesting event, I beg leave to inform them, that as yet nothing has been attempted upon a large and general plan of Attack.
About the time of the posts Departure with my Letter, the Enemy appeared in several large Bodies upon the plains, about two and a half miles from hence; I rode down to our advanced posts to put matters in a proper situation, if they should attempt to come on: When I arrived there, I heard a firing which I was informed was between a party of our Rangers under the Command of Lieutenant Colonel Knowlton and an advanced party of the Enemy. Our Men came in and informed me, that the Body of the Enemy, who kept themselves concealed, consisted of about three hundred men as near as they could guess; I immediately ordered three Companies of Colonel Weedon’s Regiment from Virginia, under the command of Major Leitch and Colonel Knolton with his Rangers, composed of Volunteers from different New England Regiments, to try to get in their Rear, while a Disposition was making as if to attack them in front and thereby draw their whole attention that way. This took effect as I wished on the part of the Enemy, on the appearance of our party in front they immediately ran down the Hill, took possession of some fences and Bushes and a smart firing began, but at too great a distance to do much execution on either side. The Parties under Colonel Knolton and Major Leitch unluckily began their attack too soon, it was rather in flank than in Rear. In a little time Major Leitch was brought off wounded, having received three Balls thro his side, and in a short time after Colo: Knowlton got a wound, which proved mortal.
Their Men however persevered & continued the Engagement with the greatest Resolution. Finding that they wanted a support, I advanced part of Colo: Griffith;s and Colo: Richardson’s Maryland Regiments, with some Detachments from the Eastern Regiments, who were nearest the place of Action. Those Troops charged the Enemy with great Intrepidity and drove them from the Wood into the plain, and were pushing them from thence, (having silenced their fire in a great measure), when I judged it prudent to order a retreat, fearing the Enemy (as I have since found was really the case) were sending a large Body to support their party. Major Leitch, I am in hopes, will recover But Col: Knowlton’s fall is much to be regretted, as that of a brave & good officer. We had about Forty wounded, the Number of Slain is not yet ascertained, but It is very inconsiderable.
By a Serjeant who deserted from the Enemy and came in this Morning, I find that their party was greater than I immagined. It consisted of the 2d Batallion of Light Infantry, a Batallion of the Royal Highlanders and Three Companies of the Hessian Rifle Men, under the command of Brigadier General Leslie. The Deserter reports that their loss in wounded & missing was 89, and 8 killed. In the latter, his Account is too small as our people discovered and buried double that Number. This Affair I am in hopes will be attended with many salutary consequences, as it seems to have greatly inspirited the whole of our Troops. The Serjeant further adds, that a considerable body of men are now encamped from the East to the North River, between the 7 and 8 mile Stones, under the command of General Clinton. General Howe he beleives has his Quarters at Mr Apthorps House. I have the Honor to be with Sentiments of the highest regard and esteem
Your most obedient servant
G Washington
P.S. I should have wrote Congress by Express before now, had I not expected the post every Minute, which I flatter myself will be a sufficient Apology for my delaying It. The late losses we have sustained in our Baggage and Camp necessaries have added much to our distress which was very great before, I must therefore take the liberty of requesting Congress to have forwarded, as soon as possible, such a supply of Tents, Blankets, camp Kettles and Other Articles as can be collected. We cannot be overstocked.
G.Washington
Source: George Washington to John Hancock, September 18, 1776, Library of Congress
A Letter from George Washington to John Hancock, September 18, 1776
Head Quarters Colo. Roger Morris’s House, Septr 18th 1776
Sir
As my Letter of the 16th contained Intelligence of an important nature, and such as might lead Congress to expect, that the Evacuation of New York and retreat to the Heights of Harlem in the manner they were made, would be succeeded by some other interesting event, I beg leave to inform them, that as yet nothing has been attempted upon a large and general plan of Attack.
About the time of the posts Departure with my Letter, the Enemy appeared in several large Bodies upon the plains, about two and a half miles from hence; I rode down to our advanced posts to put matters in a proper situation . . . When I arrived there, I heard a firing . . . Our Men came in and informed me, that the Body of the Enemy, who kept themselves concealed, consisted of about three hundred men as near as they could guess; I immediately ordered three Companies . . . to try to get in their Rear, while a Disposition was making as if to attack them in front and thereby draw their whole attention that way . . . a smart firing began, but at too great a distance to do much execution on either side . . .
Their Men however persevered & continued the Engagement with the greatest Resolution. Finding that they wanted a support . . . Those Troops charged the Enemy with great Intrepidity and drove them from the Wood . . . when I judged it prudent to order a retreat, fearing the Enemy (as I have since found was really the case) were sending a large Body to support their party . . .
By a Serjeant who deserted from the Enemy and came in this Morning, I find that their party was greater than I immagined . . . The Deserter reports that their loss in wounded & missing was 89, and 8 killed. In the latter, his Account is too small as our people discovered and buried double that Number . . .
Your most obedient servant
G Washington
P.S. I should have wrote Congress . . . I must therefore take the liberty of requesting Congress to have forwarded, as soon as possible, such a supply of Tents, Blankets, camp Kettles and Other Articles as can be collected. We cannot be overstocked.
G.Washington
Source: George Washington to John Hancock, September 18, 1776, Library of Congress
smart - quick, prompt
intrepidity - fearlessness
prudent - wise
Background
After the Battle of Long Island in August, American forces escaped to Manhattan and moved quickly north. On September 18, 1776, George Washington reported on the Battle of Harlem Heights and its effect on the troops.
Transcript
A Letter from George Washington to John Hancock, September 18, 1776
Head Quarters Colo. Roger Morris’s House, Septr 18th 1776
Sir
As my Letter of the 16th contained Intelligence of an important nature, and such as might lead Congress to expect, that the Evacuation of New York and retreat to the Heights of Harlem in the manner they were made, would be succeeded by some other interesting event, I beg leave to inform them, that as yet nothing has been attempted upon a large and general plan of Attack.
About the time of the posts Departure with my Letter, the Enemy appeared in several large Bodies upon the plains, about two and a half miles from hence; I rode down to our advanced posts to put matters in a proper situation, if they should attempt to come on: When I arrived there, I heard a firing which I was informed was between a party of our Rangers under the Command of Lieutenant Colonel Knowlton and an advanced party of the Enemy. Our Men came in and informed me, that the Body of the Enemy, who kept themselves concealed, consisted of about three hundred men as near as they could guess; I immediately ordered three Companies of Colonel Weedon’s Regiment from Virginia, under the command of Major Leitch and Colonel Knolton with his Rangers, composed of Volunteers from different New England Regiments, to try to get in their Rear, while a Disposition was making as if to attack them in front and thereby draw their whole attention that way. This took effect as I wished on the part of the Enemy, on the appearance of our party in front they immediately ran down the Hill, took possession of some fences and Bushes and a smart firing began, but at too great a distance to do much execution on either side. The Parties under Colonel Knolton and Major Leitch unluckily began their attack too soon, it was rather in flank than in Rear. In a little time Major Leitch was brought off wounded, having received three Balls thro his side, and in a short time after Colo: Knowlton got a wound, which proved mortal.
Their Men however persevered & continued the Engagement with the greatest Resolution. Finding that they wanted a support, I advanced part of Colo: Griffith;s and Colo: Richardson’s Maryland Regiments, with some Detachments from the Eastern Regiments, who were nearest the place of Action. Those Troops charged the Enemy with great Intrepidity and drove them from the Wood into the plain, and were pushing them from thence, (having silenced their fire in a great measure), when I judged it prudent to order a retreat, fearing the Enemy (as I have since found was really the case) were sending a large Body to support their party. Major Leitch, I am in hopes, will recover But Col: Knowlton’s fall is much to be regretted, as that of a brave & good officer. We had about Forty wounded, the Number of Slain is not yet ascertained, but It is very inconsiderable.
By a Serjeant who deserted from the Enemy and came in this Morning, I find that their party was greater than I immagined. It consisted of the 2d Batallion of Light Infantry, a Batallion of the Royal Highlanders and Three Companies of the Hessian Rifle Men, under the command of Brigadier General Leslie. The Deserter reports that their loss in wounded & missing was 89, and 8 killed. In the latter, his Account is too small as our people discovered and buried double that Number. This Affair I am in hopes will be attended with many salutary consequences, as it seems to have greatly inspirited the whole of our Troops. The Serjeant further adds, that a considerable body of men are now encamped from the East to the North River, between the 7 and 8 mile Stones, under the command of General Clinton. General Howe he beleives has his Quarters at Mr Apthorps House. I have the Honor to be with Sentiments of the highest regard and esteem
Your most obedient servant
G Washington
P.S. I should have wrote Congress by Express before now, had I not expected the post every Minute, which I flatter myself will be a sufficient Apology for my delaying It. The late losses we have sustained in our Baggage and Camp necessaries have added much to our distress which was very great before, I must therefore take the liberty of requesting Congress to have forwarded, as soon as possible, such a supply of Tents, Blankets, camp Kettles and Other Articles as can be collected. We cannot be overstocked.
G.Washington
Source: George Washington to John Hancock, September 18, 1776, Library of Congress
Excerpt
A Letter from George Washington to John Hancock, September 18, 1776
Head Quarters Colo. Roger Morris’s House, Septr 18th 1776
Sir
As my Letter of the 16th contained Intelligence of an important nature, and such as might lead Congress to expect, that the Evacuation of New York and retreat to the Heights of Harlem in the manner they were made, would be succeeded by some other interesting event, I beg leave to inform them, that as yet nothing has been attempted upon a large and general plan of Attack.
About the time of the posts Departure with my Letter, the Enemy appeared in several large Bodies upon the plains, about two and a half miles from hence; I rode down to our advanced posts to put matters in a proper situation . . . When I arrived there, I heard a firing . . . Our Men came in and informed me, that the Body of the Enemy, who kept themselves concealed, consisted of about three hundred men as near as they could guess; I immediately ordered three Companies . . . to try to get in their Rear, while a Disposition was making as if to attack them in front and thereby draw their whole attention that way . . . a smart firing began, but at too great a distance to do much execution on either side . . .
Their Men however persevered & continued the Engagement with the greatest Resolution. Finding that they wanted a support . . . Those Troops charged the Enemy with great Intrepidity and drove them from the Wood . . . when I judged it prudent to order a retreat, fearing the Enemy (as I have since found was really the case) were sending a large Body to support their party . . .
By a Serjeant who deserted from the Enemy and came in this Morning, I find that their party was greater than I immagined . . . The Deserter reports that their loss in wounded & missing was 89, and 8 killed. In the latter, his Account is too small as our people discovered and buried double that Number . . .
Your most obedient servant
G Washington
P.S. I should have wrote Congress . . . I must therefore take the liberty of requesting Congress to have forwarded, as soon as possible, such a supply of Tents, Blankets, camp Kettles and Other Articles as can be collected. We cannot be overstocked.
G.Washington
Source: George Washington to John Hancock, September 18, 1776, Library of Congress
smart - quick, prompt
intrepidity - fearlessness
prudent - wise
