The Battle of Brooklyn: A Critical Moment for America
On August 27, 1776, the very existence of the United States seemed uncertain. With Washington’s forces nearly captured and his army encircled, the outcome of the young nation hung by a thread during the brutal fighting at the Battle of Brooklyn. It all started the night before in a watermelon patch.
Late on August 26, near the Red Lion Inn in Brooklyn, a group of British scouts noticed something unusual in the darkness—bulging watermelons nestled among the green vines. Hungry and eager, they descended upon the fruit.
But American riflemen, stationed nearby as lookouts, were also keeping an eye on the situation. Seeing the British scouts, they fired their Pennsylvania Long Rifles, alerting American forces to the enemy’s movements and sparking this pivotal battle of the Revolution.
Just a month after declaring independence, America found itself at a critical juncture. General George Washington had moved his troops to New York, following a successful campaign to drive the British out of Boston. Unfortunately, British General William Howe had brought more than 20,000 troops to Long Island, aiming to quash the American rebellion. Using a strategic maneuver, he sent part of his forces to confront Washington’s defenses, while a larger contingent of 10,000 men prepared to attack from the rear, cutting off any chance of retreat.
The significance of the American riflemen in the Battle of Brooklyn is explored in greater detail in an upcoming book that unveils the story of snipers who were early predecessors to today’s special operations forces.
The British executed their plan to flank Washington earlier that evening. At around 9:00 p.m. on August 26, they moved stealthily, leaving behind tents and fires, while a portion of their troops kept Washington’s men occupied on the Heights of Gowanus.
Even with the warning shots from the American snipers, the British soon cornered Washington’s army, pushing it toward devastation. As they retreated from Gowanus Heights, American forces found their only escape route lay across Gowanus Creek through a narrow gap held by a brave group of Marylanders, known later as the “Immortals” or “Maryland 400,” a nod to the legendary Spartan warriors of old. Tragically, few would survive this fight.
A lone stone house, fortified by thousands of British troops led by Lord Cornwallis, stood between the American right flank and the safety of Brooklyn Heights. The Marylanders made a desperate charge aimed at freeing their fellow soldiers.
Under fire from the stone house, the Marylanders, commanded by Major Mordecai Gist, charged forward, facing a hail of cannon and musket fire. They pressed on, undeterred, even as many fell victim to the onslaught. The calls of “Close up! Close up!” echoed as officers urged the men to regroup.
With one another’s lives at stake, Gist’s companies regrouped and advanced into the thick of battle, confronting a relentless enemy pouring fire from the stone structure. The fight became fierce and brutal, symbolizing the fierce resilience of these Americans. Even as the bodies of their comrades lay scattered around them, they aimed their sights on the enemy.
This harrowing scenario repeated itself as the Marylanders fought valiantly to allow their compatriots to retreat. Their efforts extended over a considerable duration, marked by successive rallies and renewed attacks, amidst overwhelming numbers of British and Hessian troops encircling them.
Ultimately, their sacrifice was not in vain. The Marylanders delayed the British advance long enough to safeguard a key portion of Washington’s forces, which was crucial for the survival of America’s military strength. Their courage bought Washington valuable time, preventing British forces from unifying and launching a full-scale assault during daylight. With a little more time, a decisive British victory could have spelled disaster for the American cause—perhaps even leading to the capture of Washington himself.
The bravery of these Maryland soldiers generated a critical moment in history, described by an American historian as “an hour more precious to American liberty than any other in its history” so soon after independence was declared.
The final resting place of these brave men, believed to be near the Michael A. Rawley Jr. American Legion Post, remains one of American history’s enduring mysteries.
