The Battle of Brooklyn, 1776

by John J. Gallagher

This popular 1995 work is now available in trade paperback for all those who have still not read a vivid, exciting account of the largest battle of the American Revolution (albeit a crushing American defeat) and for all those who continue to refer to the clash as “The Battle of Long Island.” At Brooklyn, George Washington commanded the largest army that he would handle throughout the Revolution, and though he did not at first succeed, the fighting that day set the stage for victories to come. “In his shot-by-shot account of the largest and bloodiest battle of the American Revolution, Gallagher recreates the fierce encounter of 27 August 1776 in which twenty thousand British, Hessian and Loyalist troops defeated ten thousand patriot soldiers. . . . the book offers many perceptive observations and the author succinctly summarizes the lessons derived . . . this book is recommended reading for those who cherish the heritage of the gallant ‘rabble in arms’ that risked all for American independence.” —Long Island Historical Journal“Long neglected . . . the Battle of Brooklyn is given comprehensive coverage . . . using a lively writing style Gallagher makes it easy to visualize the actual skirmishes by providing interesting details.” —Flintlock and Powderhorn

Genres: American Revolution, History, Military History, Nonfiction, American, American Revolutionary War

248 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 1995

Reviews

[Mark Blane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished John J. Gallagher’s The Battle of Brooklyn, and here are my impressions. It is not a deep scholarly study, which is perfectly acceptable because sometimes a concise, straightforward account is exactly what you want. At just under 200 pages, the book moves quickly and provides a clear, approachable overview of the Battle of Long Island.

The footnotes are functional rather than narrative; Gallagher primarily lists sources without supplying additional commentary. That, too, is fine if the goal is a light, digestible read rather than an academic deep dive. For a general introduction, the book serves its purpose well. Those seeking more extensive analysis or richer documentation will likely need to look elsewhere.

That said, I still give the book 4 out of 5 stars because it accomplishes what it sets out to do: provide a brief, coherent entry point into the history surrounding the battle. I also appreciated that Gallagher keeps the focus squarely on the Battle of Brooklyn itself, while still touching—albeit briefly—on the evacuation and the subsequent actions in Manhattan leading into the New Jersey campaign.

The book highlights the Maryland “Immortals,” and I came away with greater respect for George Washington’s leadership. Contrary to the simplified versions I learned in school, Washington executed a skillful tactical withdrawal and managed his army far better than I had previously understood. In that regard, the book succeeds in offering valuable perspective, even within its concise framework.

[Rahobeth Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston, King George and Parliament opt for a stronger response to the rebels. 32,000 troops land on Staten Island and make ready to punish the American forces stationed on Long Island. The British amphibious landing and deployment was something that few other nations, if any, could hope to successfully complete.
The Americans were not a force of professional soldiers, but there was a new line of thought emerging in the world. Liberty, and democratic rule. The British ultimately claimed the field and won a sound tactical victory. But the Americans, through tenacity and bravery, managed to stun British forces long enough to allow most of the American forces to retreat behind fortified lines. The incredible Maryland Immortals proved that citizen soldiers could hold their own, even against the world's best army.
A great book. Well written and easy to read and follow.

[Anthony Bracciante · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well written account of the events that led up to the Battle of Brooklyn and it's aftermath during the American Revolutionary war with Great Britain. The book is well illustrated with maps that clearly explain the British movements and the strategy they used in outmaneuvering and overcoming the American defenses leading to the British victory over the outer defenses of the American forces on August 27th, 1776. Fortunately for the American cause the British were slow in following up this victory and 2 nights later General George Washington was able to evacuate the remainder of his army across the East River to Manhattan and fight on to eventual victory.

[Richard Federici · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a wonderfully compelling recounting of a battle - on my home turf - that nearly cost America its future. Washington thought retreat was the better part of valor and the fledgling Continental Army lived to fight another day. Great read.

[Sean Meriwether · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a recent Brooklyn resident and was interested in our part of the Revolutionary War; one of the first major skirmishes took place blocks from my home. John Gallagher does a good job of introducing me to the political and social climate of the summer of 1776 as America rebelled against King George III in a fight for our independence. He relates the history in an easy to digest format, dropping in interesting tidbits of trivia along the way to keep it interesting. What I enjoyed most about the book was in allowing the reader to follow the progression of the battle by giving the reader geographic locations and street crossings of current Brooklyn, with lots of maps and pictures. This gives me a history to hold in my head as I walk around my borough, and have already visited some of the locations noted in the text, including the Old Stone House, which I used as a location for my own short story about that battle.

[Greg Kepler · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting enough, but a little hard to follow. If I had some more knowledge of the revolutionary war, it might be more interesting. It's good to read about a different part of NYC history that you rarely hear about. I didn't even know that this battle took place until my brother lent me this book.

[Steven]

Really enjoy anything on this particular battle in the Revolutionary War. Great detail on how the battle was fought.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the accounts to be exciting and quite riveting. This, the first battle of the war, was quite extraordinary. Washington's escape to Manhattan was miraculous.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very readable account, interesting information about the way the armies operated, and less about movements of individual leaders, which is the way I like it.