A failed Continental Army raid on Staten Island in 1777 that cost Washington 180–300 troops needed for his Philadelphia campaign.
Key Facts
- Date
- August 22, 1777
- American losses (men)
- 180–300 dead, wounded, or captured
- American vs British casualties ratio
- American losses double or more those of British
- Raid outcome
- Failed; Sullivan exonerated by court martial
- Continental commander
- Major General John Sullivan
- British commander (theater)
- Lieutenant General William Howe
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
After British General Howe sailed from New York City with most of his army in July 1777, Major General John Sullivan judged the remaining British garrison on Staten Island to be vulnerable. Despite General Washington's urgent request that Sullivan reinforce the main army for an assault on Philadelphia, Sullivan proceeded with plans for a raid.
On August 22, 1777, Sullivan led Continental Army troops in a raid on the British position on Staten Island. The operation was hampered by a shortage of boats needed for retreat and a detachment was misdirected to the front rather than the rear of the British position, exposing the raiders to greater resistance and losses.
American casualties in dead, wounded, and captured were each double or more those of the British, depriving Washington of 180–300 men for his Philadelphia campaign. Sullivan faced accusations of mismanagement but was exonerated by a court martial later in 1777.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Major General John Sullivan.
Side B
1 belligerent
Lieutenant General William Howe.