Harlem, Battle of
HARLEM, BATTLE OF
HARLEM, BATTLE OF (16 September 1776). After the Battle of Long Island, George Washington withdrew his demoralized troops to Manhattan Island and established a line from the mouth of the Harlem River across the island to Harlem (now Morningside) Heights. On the morning of 16 September 1776, about one thousand British appeared on the Harlem Plains. Washington ordered a company of Connecticut Rangers and three Virginia companies to strike at the enemy's rear. Although the leaders of both companies were killed, reinforcements sent down from the heights drove the British back. This small victory greatly heartened the American troops, and Washington held his position for another month.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bliven, Bruce, Jr. Battle for Manhattan. New York: Holt, 1956.
Alvin F.Harlow/a. r.
See alsoHarlem ; White Plains, Battle of .