In Memory

From "The Spirit of Seventy-Six: The Story of the American Revolution as Told by Participants"

Letter of an unknown Patriot soldier.

New York, September 1, 1776

... Most of our generals, on a high hill in the lines, viewed us with glasses as we were retreating, and saw the enemy we had to pass through, though we could not. Many thought we would surrender in a body without fighting. When we began the attack, Gen. Washington wrung his hands and cried out, "Good God! what brave fellows I must this day lose!"

Onderdonk, Revolutionary Incidents, pp. 147-148.

We shall aways remember the brave men and women who have fought and died for us, that we may live in freedom from tyranny. The general was viewing the most stirring action of the one-day Battle of Long Island, Aug. 27, 1776. For heroism, nothing matched the actions of a band of close to 400 gallant men from Maryland led by American Brig. Gen. William Alexander, better known as Lord Stirling. When the effort finally collapsed, 259 American men lay dead, and another 100 or so were wounded.

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