A Critical Time Retreat From New York mid-1776 heavy fighting 4om New England Middle Colonies worst times during war 4 Continental Army Attack and Retreat June 1776 large Brit fleet arrived New York ? Sir William Howe gathered forces on Staten Island on south harbor Washington anticipated & had forces 4om Boston 2 Brooklyn on Long Island but lost cuz of not well trained soldiers Howe: 34,000 soldiers & 10,000 sailors Washington: 20,000 poorly trained troops British beat Washington?s troops out o? Brooklyn August 1776 Washington had 2 abandon NYC September 1776 Nathan Hale during fight 4 NY he was Connecticut Officer volunteered 4 spy duty 2 collect info about Brit battle plans Long Island caught & executed ? ?I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.?