On August 27, 1776 the Battle of Long Island was fought in Long Island, New York. George Washington lead his army to New York after the British retreated from Boston. Washington knew the British would attack New York City first, because of its strategic location, and he was right. A large British fleet, lead by General William Howe, arrived in New York in July. The Continental Army was already completely outnumbered by the British. The British offered Washington a pardon from the king if he would surrender, but Washington refused. The British first attacked early in the morning on August 27. They surrounded the American army, and Washington was forced to order his troops to retreat. Hundreds of men from Maryland held off the British in order
