THE BATTLE OF BROOKLYN 1776. by Gallagher, John J. Foreword by James Dingeman - 1995

New York: Sarpedon, 1995. 206 pp, large 8vo (9 1/4" H). B&w photographs, reproductions, maps/battle plans. "It is not often realized that in Brooklyn, New York, for a few tense hours in 1776, the fate of the entire United States hung by a thread. An American defeat, the Battle of Brooklyn has been all but neglected in our collective memory for what it earned with the blood of its participants - honored status as one of history's great battles. Besides being the largest clash of the Revolution, in terms of both troops and casualties, the action at Brooklyn (sometimes called 'The Battle of Long Island') brought the fledgling American republic to the brink of disaster. At the height of the fighting, only the valiant sacrifice of one regiment - the Marylanders - staved off a catastrophe. The British army, meanwhile, executed a three-pronged surprise assault with admirable professionalism. The wilds of Brooklyn became a killing ground for the British and Hessian troops who were able to begin the war convinced the colonials would not be able to stand against their onslaught of bullets and steel. While a drama of rare instensity on its surface, the Battle of Brooklyn also holds a larger significance: the King's men did not invade Brooklyn to face other kings' men; they were sent to fight a population. Rules of engagement were uncertain and passions for and against the rebellion ran high. When the smoke cleared at Brooklyn, in 1776, the modern age of 'democratic warfare' had begun. The Battle of Brooklyn was a victory for the British Empire. But contained within the triumph was a demonstration of the type of American resolve and courage that would eventually result in independence for the United States." Faint cigarette odour. Dust jacket has minor rubbing, tiny tear at top of spine, crease at top edge of rear flap, barcode label on inside of rear panel.. Hard Cover. Very Good+/Very Good.