The Heroes of the American Revolution and Their Descendants; Battle of Long Island

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1897 edition. Excerpt: ... PREFACE. EVERAL histories have been written and papers prepared on the Battle of Long Island during the past half century by our ablest historians, the object of most of whom has been to demonstrate the causes of a defeat which was inevitable from the beginning. This opinion is shared by the best military critics who have given the subject any attention. As one has truly said: "The American forces might have retreated in good order with comparatively small loss, but they must have retreated. Five thousand raw recruits--few of whom had ever been in battle and most of whom must have fought without cover--could not long have resisted twenty thousand well-appointed veterans." The compiler of the present work has no hope or expectation of being able to present any new facts pertaining to the subject in controversy. His aim, first, is to give the reader a clear and comprehensive view of the facts, compiled from the most authentic sources, by locating and illustrating the several points of interest; second, to collect and preserve in permanent form the names and personal record of those who participated in this important event. Says a well known writer on this subject: "It is due to the brave combatants of that day, that their names and deeds should be remembered and commemorated, in common with many others more distinguished only because they were more fortunate.' Every man, from the commander-in-chief down to the humblest private, was a Herd on that day, and deserves to l1e remembered by his descendants, many of whom are represented in the various societies of the Revolution at the present day, and who will no doubt gladly avail themselves of this opportunity to preserve the record and thus perpetuate the memory of their dist