At sunrise we were
ordered to march easterly from near Flatbush a few miles, when we discovered
the enemy coming against us with 5000 foot and 500 horse. We numbered just 400.
We at first thought it prudent to retire to a neighboring thicket, where we
formed and gave battle. Here my right hand man fell, shot thro' the head. We
were attacked by the enemy's left wing, while their right endeavoured to
surround us. Their superior numbers forced us to retire for a short distance,
when we again formed and fought with fortitude until we were nearly surrounded.
Having by this time lost a great number of men, we were again forced to
retreat, when we found that the enemy had got between us and the fort. Then
despairing of making good our retreat we resolved to die rather than be taken
prisoners, and thus we were drove from place to place 'till 3 o'clock P. M.,
when we agreed to attempt crossing the mill-pond, that being the only way left
for our escape. Here numbers were drowned, but it was the will of Providence
that I should escape, and at half past three, we reached the lines, being much
fatigued. The enemy advanced rapidly and endeavoured to force our lines, but
were repulsed with considerable loss. They afterwards marched towards the
Narrows, where they found our First Battalion and the Delaware Blues under
command of Col. Hazlet. These battalions were chiefly cut off, we were ordered
to cover their retreat, which exposed us in open field to a heavy fire from the
enemy 'till evening—the remainder of our troops brought us 23 prisoners. At
dark we were relieved and ordered to St. George's ferry to take refreshments.
Thus happened the memorable action on Long Island, where the enemy attacked and
defeated Lord Stirling's brigade, consisting of the following regiments:
Colonels Miles, Atlee, Smallwood and Hazlet. Major General Sullivan, Brig. Gen.
Lord Stirling were taken prisoners, also Col. Miles and Atlee; Lieut. Col.
Piper—all of our regiment also, 19 commissioned officers, 23 sergeants, and 310
rank and file. My preservation I only attribute to the indulgent Providence of
God, for tho' the bullets went around me in every direction, yet I received not
a wound.
SOURCE: “Diary of
Lieutenant James McMichael,” William H. Egle, Editor, Pennsylvania
Archives, Second Series, Vol. XV: Journals and Diaries of the War of the Revolution
with Lists of Officers and Soldiers, 1775-1783, pp. 198-9
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