The American Dunkirk: Washington’s Daring Escape from Long Island

By

Daniel Tobias Flint

Logo By CECILIA MARIE TATTOOS

The American Revolution is often remembered for its iconic battles and declarations, but few moments capture the fragile hope of a young republic quite like General George Washington’s audacious retreat from Long Island in August 1776. Often referred to as the “American Dunkirk,” this daring nighttime evacuation preserved the Continental Army from near-certain annihilation and allowed the Revolutionary cause to survive what could have been an early and crushing defeat.

The Strategic Crisis After Long Island

In the summer of 1776, the fledgling Continental Army faced its first major trial against the seasoned and numerically superior British military. The British, under General William Howe, had launched a massive campaign to seize control of New York City—a campaign that culminated in the Battle of Long Island (also known as the Battle of Brooklyn) on August 27. Howe’s army, nearly 32,000 strong, executed a brilliant flanking maneuver that caught Washington’s forces off guard.

This was the largest battle of the entire Revolutionary War in terms of troop numbers, and it marked the first significant engagement after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Washington had established his defenses along Brooklyn Heights, mistakenly believing the British would attack head-on. Instead, Howe led a stealthy night march through Jamaica Pass, outflanking the American lines and launching a devastating attack at dawn.

Washington, commanding roughly 10,000 to 11,000 mostly inexperienced and poorly supplied soldiers, suddenly found his troops trapped with their backs to the East River. With British forces encircling them and the Royal Navy controlling the waterways, the Continental Army appeared to be on the brink of destruction.

“We are hemmed in on every side. It is a crisis that tries men’s souls.” — Attributed to an officer under Washington, August 1776

The defeat on Long Island could have ended the war within its first year. Morale was low, and confidence in the Continental Army’s ability to resist the British Empire was wavering.

The Retreat Across the East River

Rather than surrender or engage in a suicidal stand, Washington planned a daring escape. On the night of August 29–30, under the cover of darkness and aided by an unexpected thick fog, he ordered a full-scale evacuation of his army across the mile-wide East River to Manhattan.

It was a logistical nightmare. The operation required coordinating the movement of thousands of men, horses, cannons, and supplies across water, all without alerting the British. Washington insisted on absolute secrecy; very few officers were even told of the plan in advance. Boats were gathered from across the region, and men began loading at nightfall.

The retreat was orchestrated with remarkable secrecy and precision. Soldiers moved quietly, cannon wheels were muffled with rags, and fires were kept burning in the empty camps to deceive the British into thinking the Americans were still entrenched. As morning neared and time ran out, a heavy fog rolled in, concealing the last of Washington’s troops as they boarded boats.

Miraculously, the British failed to detect the movement. Many historians believe General Howe’s cautious nature and belief that he had already won led him to delay a final assault. By dawn, the entire Continental Army had escaped.

“Providence seemed to have smiled upon this daring undertaking. The fog hung upon the river till the retreat was safely effected.” — Major Benjamin Tallmadge, Continental Army

Tallmadge’s remark reflects the awe many felt at the apparent divine intervention. The weather conditions, the British inaction, and the precise coordination all contributed to what many saw as a miraculous deliverance.

The Marblehead Mariners: Unsung Heroes

A critical component of the evacuation’s success was the role played by John Glover and his regiment of Marblehead fishermen from Massachusetts. Known for their seamanship, these men ferried thousands of soldiers and tons of equipment across the river in silence and under extreme pressure.

Glover’s 14th Continental Regiment, drawn largely from the seafaring town of Marblehead, was composed of men who had spent their lives on the water. They were adept not only at rowing but also at maneuvering boats under cover of darkness and poor visibility—skills that proved essential during the retreat. Some of the boats used included large flat-bottomed barges known as “bateaux,” capable of carrying both men and artillery.

Their courage and discipline under fire became legendary. The operation required multiple trips through the night and early morning. In total silence, Glover’s men rowed back and forth across the East River, even as enemy ships lurked nearby.

“Without them, we would all have been lost. They rowed with silence and courage, knowing that capture meant death.” — Colonel Israel Putnam, Continental Army

The Marblehead Mariners would go on to serve in other key amphibious operations, but their role in the Long Island retreat remains one of their most vital contributions to the Revolution.

A Revolutionary Parallel to Dunkirk

While the term “American Dunkirk” is a modern comparison, it is apt. Like the 1940 evacuation of over 300,000 Allied soldiers from France during World War II, the Long Island retreat was a turning point born of desperation, resourcefulness, and bravery. In both cases, the successful removal of a surrounded army prevented a catastrophic defeat and allowed the broader war effort to continue.

At Dunkirk, civilian vessels played a critical role in the evacuation, much as the civilian sailors of Glover’s regiment did during the American Revolution. Both events highlighted the importance of sea power, quick decision-making, and the willingness to risk everything to preserve an army—and, with it, a nation's hope.

The Significance of the Retreat

Though the British would eventually capture New York City, the Continental Army’s survival was the true victory. Washington’s ability to preserve his force allowed the revolution to proceed, giving the colonies time to regroup, strategize, and ultimately gain vital foreign support.

Following the retreat, the Continental Army engaged in a long, grueling campaign across New Jersey, culminating in surprise victories at Trenton and Princeton. These successes revived morale and demonstrated that Washington’s army, though often outnumbered and outgunned, could still achieve decisive results.

The retreat also marked the emergence of George Washington’s leadership under fire. His calm under pressure, decisiveness, and understanding of the value of his army—more than any single city—demonstrated the strategic wisdom that would characterize his command throughout the war.

“We must preserve the army at all costs. Therein lies the hope of liberty.” — General George Washington, September 1776

Washington’s quote shows a critical shift in revolutionary thinking—from winning territory to preserving capability. It was a lesson he would apply time and again throughout the war.

Legacy

Today, Washington’s escape from Long Island is often overshadowed by the Declaration of Independence or the triumph at Yorktown. Yet, had the retreat failed, there may never have been a United States to declare independence or win the war.

It was the first major crisis in Washington’s command and could easily have been his last. Instead, it became a defining moment of leadership and tactical brilliance. The retreat bought the Revolution time—time to build alliances, train soldiers, and learn from early mistakes.

The “American Dunkirk” reminds us that in war, survival can be as important as victory. It is a story of resilience, strategy, and the quiet heroism of ordinary men like the Marblehead Mariners—who, by rowing across a fog-covered river, helped change the course of history.