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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02540 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1776 |
| Title | Thomas Nelson to John Page about the American defeat at Long Island and future policy towards defending coastal positions |
| Date | 3 September 1776 |
| Author | Nelson, Thomas (1738-1789) |
| Recipient | Page, John |
| Document Type | Correspondence; Military document |
| Content Description | Discusses the American defeat at the Battle of Long Island and their retreat. Thinks the British will quit New York City very shortly. Reports that Brigadier General Lord Sterling and General Sullivan have been taken prisoner along with other valuable field officers. Adds that the Americans' 2400 troops bravely and successfully forced their way through enemy lines and kept the enemy's 10,000 soldiers at bay. Feels that the Americans must give up their islands until they build a marine power strong enough to defend them. |
| Subjects | Battle of Long Island (Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights) Revolutionary War Battle Global History and Civics Military History Revolutionary War General Continental Army Prisoner of War Navy Maritime American Statesmen Congress Continental Congress |
| People | Nelson, Thomas (1738-1789) Page, John (1744-1808) |
| Place written | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Theme | The American Revolution; Naval & Maritime |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | Nelson was a member of the Continental Congress from 1775-1777 and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was appointed commander of Virginia state forces in 1777, and served in that capacity until 1781. He later became governor of Virginia. Page served in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |
| Transcript | Show/hide |