http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Battle_of_Brooklyn.gif (Map) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Battleoflongisland.jpg (Battle Scene)
Once King George III, received the Delcaration of Independence he was very angry. The King sent instructions by letter to General William Howe of the army and Admiral Richard Howe of the navy who were already in the Colonies to gather forces (Approximate number of British & Hessian-22,000 men) and 400 battle ships to take control of the lower part of New York Colony. The area was called Long Island and King George III knew that if this strategic area and New York city were under British control, the Northern and Southern Colonies would not be able to communicate with each other and the fight for independence would fail.
Once General George Washington learned about the British plans, he knew how important it was to fight them and keep control of New York City and Long Island. On August 27, 1776, troops( Approximate number-19, 000) were sent to Long Island and were positioned on a series of hills.
General William Howe landed his British troops and German Hessians on Long Island and cannons from the battle ships smashed the American camps on the hills(one hill was named Battle Hill) with cannonball fire. He was able to divide the American Army in two and captured one part of it.
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