Thursday, August 18, 2011

This Day in History: August 18

On August 18, a Patriot spy from Bergen Town named Daniel Van Reypen was sent to the fort posing as a Loyalist seeking news. Returning that afternoon, he reported all was quiet, not having heard that Van Buskirk and 130 troops planned to march out that evening to intercept rebels reported in the area. Also unknown to Major Lee, Clinton had sent more than 40 Hessians to bolster the force. The garrison at Paulus Hook could summon more help from New York by prearranged signal, firing two cannons or hanging three lanterns on a signal pole. [More]

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