Existing comment:
Civilians to Soldiers:
With the British poised to attack Long Island and Manhattan in 1776, thousands of men flocked to New York to join the Continental army.
The men who joined Washington's army were young and mostly poor farmers, fishermen, and artisans; some were Africans. All were volunteers and many joined for the cash bounty. Some were veterans of the French and Indian War, but most had no idea what they were getting into. Many deserted; others died in disease-ravaged camps.
When the British attacked Long Island in August, Washington's troops faced heavy volleys of musket fire, fusillades of artillery, and charges with fixed bayonets. Many were killed; others retreated before superior British forces. But gradually they were learning to be soldiers. |