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83-731: The first chain was destroyed by British forces in the aftermath of the Battle of Forts Clinton and Montgomery in October 1777. The more significant and successful was the Great Chain, constructed in 1778 and used through war's end in 1782. Two other barriers across the river, referred to as chevaux-de-frise , were undertaken by the Colonials; the first, between Fort Washington on the island of Manhattan , and Fort Lee in New Jersey ,

166-439: A feint to draw Putnam's troops from Peekskill. These troops marched about and then reboarded the ships, which continued north. He then made a similar feinting maneuver at Verplanck's Point, just three miles (4.8 km) south of Peekskill on October 5, where he dislodged a poorly manned American outpost. These feinting maneuvers completely fooled Putnam, who drew his troops back into the eastern highlands and sent messages across

249-439: A feint to draw Putnam's troops from Peekskill. These troops marched about and then reboarded the ships, which continued north. He then made a similar feinting maneuver at Verplanck's Point, just three miles (4.8 km) south of Peekskill on October 5, where he dislodged a poorly manned American outpost. These feinting maneuvers completely fooled Putnam, who drew his troops back into the eastern highlands and sent messages across

332-687: A 1905 drawing. Thirteen links are displayed at Trophy Point , one for each of the Thirteen Colonies . Also included are a swivel and clevis. The exhibit is maintained and preserved by the West Point Museum. A section of boom recovered from the river in 1855 is displayed at Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh, New York . Two links of the original chain are also at Raynham Hall in Oyster Bay, New York ,

415-575: A chain and boom were stretched across the river from Fort Montgomery on the west bank, at the lower entrance to the Highlands just north of the modern-day Bear Mountain Bridge, to Anthony's Nose on the east bank. Captain Thomas Machin headed the chain effort. In November 1776, a faulty link broke under stress induced by the river current, highlighting some of the difficulties of trying to chain

498-449: A promise that reinforcements would arrive (but without any promised time) and that Clinton should consider making a move "in favor of General Burgoyne's approaching Albany, with security to Kingsbridge " if the opportunity presented itself. A letter from Howe reached Burgoyne on August 3 informing him of his move to Philadelphia and of Clinton's instructions. Clinton wrote a letter on September 12 (received by Burgoyne on September 21, after

581-449: A promise that reinforcements would arrive (but without any promised time) and that Clinton should consider making a move "in favor of General Burgoyne's approaching Albany, with security to Kingsbridge " if the opportunity presented itself. A letter from Howe reached Burgoyne on August 3 informing him of his move to Philadelphia and of Clinton's instructions. Clinton wrote a letter on September 12 (received by Burgoyne on September 21, after

664-658: A resident of Goshen, New York , and one of New York's representatives to the Continental Congress , along with Gilbert Livingston , sounded the Hudson River and, as part of a Secret Committee of the " Committee of Safety ," recommended the placement of chains in strategic locations along the Hudson. Colonial forces eventually constructed three obstacles across the river: a chevaux-de-frise at northern Manhattan between Forts Washington and Lee in 1776; at

747-525: A small artillery piece commanded by Captain John Lamb . Setting up a defensive position about one mile (1.6 km) from the fort, they engaged Campbell's tired forces with spirit. While they were eventually forced to retreat, they were able to spike the field piece before abandoning it to the British. After another stand closer to the fort, supported by 12-pound piece, they again retreated (again spiking

830-414: A small artillery piece commanded by Captain John Lamb . Setting up a defensive position about one mile (1.6 km) from the fort, they engaged Campbell's tired forces with spirit. While they were eventually forced to retreat, they were able to spike the field piece before abandoning it to the British. After another stand closer to the fort, supported by 12-pound piece, they again retreated (again spiking

913-414: A small lake and the river. In addition to being covered by the fort's cannons, Governor Clinton had protected the approach by placing abatis to impede the British advance. Sir Henry sent the 63rd Foot around the lake to attack the fort from the northwest. At the same time he first sent the light companies of the 7th and 26th regiments and a company of Anspach grenadiers against the main works, followed by

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996-414: A small lake and the river. In addition to being covered by the fort's cannons, Governor Clinton had protected the approach by placing abatis to impede the British advance. Sir Henry sent the 63rd Foot around the lake to attack the fort from the northwest. At the same time he first sent the light companies of the 7th and 26th regiments and a company of Anspach grenadiers against the main works, followed by

1079-416: A small outpost opposite West Point, and demanded its surrender. The lightly-manned garrison at first refused, but it retreated on October 8 in the face of a larger attack force. Governor Clinton and General Putnam strategized on their next move. Clinton opted to move north with troops on the western shore, as a defense against attacks further upriver, while Putnam would take steps to defend against attacks to

1162-416: A small outpost opposite West Point, and demanded its surrender. The lightly-manned garrison at first refused, but it retreated on October 8 in the face of a larger attack force. Governor Clinton and General Putnam strategized on their next move. Clinton opted to move north with troops on the western shore, as a defense against attacks further upriver, while Putnam would take steps to defend against attacks to

1245-455: A swivel, and a clevis) were attached across each raft then joined to create a continuous boom of chains and rafts once afloat. Captain Thomas Machin, the artillery officer and engineer who had installed the chain at Fort Montgomery, directed installation across the river on 30 April 1778. Both ends were anchored to log cribs filled with rocks, the southern at a small cove on the west bank and the northern at Constitution Island. The West Point side

1328-456: Is also sometimes called the "battle of the Clintons" because of the number of participants with that name. The brothers were probably not related to Sir Henry.) Using a series of feints , Henry Clinton fooled Putnam into withdrawing most of his troops to the east, and then he landed over 2,000 troops on the west side of the Hudson to assault the two forts. After several hours of hiking through

1411-400: Is also sometimes called the "battle of the Clintons" because of the number of participants with that name. The brothers were probably not related to Sir Henry.) Using a series of feints , Henry Clinton fooled Putnam into withdrawing most of his troops to the east, and then he landed over 2,000 troops on the west side of the Hudson to assault the two forts. After several hours of hiking through

1494-452: The Battle of Freeman's Farm ) that he would "make a push at [Fort] Montgomery in about ten days" if "you think 2000 men can assist you effectually". Forces involved in the battle were: The highland region of the Hudson River valley (near West Point ) was defended by Continental Army troops and state militia under the command of Major General Israel Putnam , who was based at Peekskill . Several miles upriver from Peekskill, just above

1577-452: The Battle of Freeman's Farm ) that he would "make a push at [Fort] Montgomery in about ten days" if "you think 2000 men can assist you effectually". Forces involved in the battle were: The highland region of the Hudson River valley (near West Point ) was defended by Continental Army troops and state militia under the command of Major General Israel Putnam , who was based at Peekskill . Several miles upriver from Peekskill, just above

1660-616: The Popolopen Gorge where Popolopen Creek enters the Hudson, the Americans had placed a chain across the Hudson to prevent British naval vessels from sailing further upriver. The chain's western end was guarded by Fort Montgomery (named for the late General Richard Montgomery ), which also overlooked the gorge to the south. Also on the west side of the river, south of the gorge, they had established Fort Clinton (probably named for General James Clinton ). Fort Montgomery, which

1743-495: The Popolopen Gorge where Popolopen Creek enters the Hudson, the Americans had placed a chain across the Hudson to prevent British naval vessels from sailing further upriver. The chain's western end was guarded by Fort Montgomery (named for the late General Richard Montgomery ), which also overlooked the gorge to the south. Also on the west side of the river, south of the gorge, they had established Fort Clinton (probably named for General James Clinton ). Fort Montgomery, which

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1826-680: The ghost town of Doodletown. Now within Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, Fort Montgomery is a National Historic Landmark , a designation it received in 1972, when it was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places . Battle of Forts Clinton and Montgomery [REDACTED] George Clinton [REDACTED] James Clinton [REDACTED] Sir Henry Clinton [REDACTED] John Vaughan [REDACTED] James Wallace The Battle of Forts Clinton and Montgomery

1909-429: The 26th Foot and a detachment from the 17th Light Dragoons, and then the remaining British and German companies. As at Fort Montgomery, the defenders were eventually overwhelmed. Those who surrendered, however, were not subjected to the savagery that took place to the north. A number of the garrison, including General Clinton, escaped by scrambling down the embankment to the river, where gunboats took them to safety across

1992-429: The 26th Foot and a detachment from the 17th Light Dragoons, and then the remaining British and German companies. As at Fort Montgomery, the defenders were eventually overwhelmed. Those who surrendered, however, were not subjected to the savagery that took place to the north. A number of the garrison, including General Clinton, escaped by scrambling down the embankment to the river, where gunboats took them to safety across

2075-593: The 600-yard (550 m) chain contained iron links two feet (0.6 m) in length, weighing 140 to 180 pounds (64 to 82 kg). The links were carted to New Windsor , where they were put together and floated down the river to West Point on logs late in April. Including swivels , clevises , and anchors, the chain weighed 65 tons. For buoyancy, logs were cut into 16-foot (5 m) lengths, waterproofed, and joined by fours into rafts fastened to one another with 12-foot (3.7 m) timbers. Short sections of chain (10 links,

2158-430: The British forces broke into the fort, where they engaged in a near massacre to avenge the loss of Campbell and other officers. James Clinton narrowly escaped being killed by bayonet when his orderly book deflected the weapon's point. He and a portion of the fort's garrison escaped into the woods north of the fort. The main approach to Fort Clinton was via a narrow strip of land about 400 yards (370 m) wide between

2241-430: The British forces broke into the fort, where they engaged in a near massacre to avenge the loss of Campbell and other officers. James Clinton narrowly escaped being killed by bayonet when his orderly book deflected the weapon's point. He and a portion of the fort's garrison escaped into the woods north of the fort. The main approach to Fort Clinton was via a narrow strip of land about 400 yards (370 m) wide between

2324-541: The Continental Army constructed an array of logs sunk underwater between Fort Washington on the island of Manhattan and Fort Lee across the river in New Jersey. Built to a design of Scottish engineer turned Colonial sympathizer Robert Erskine , the logs were intended to pierce and sink any British ships that passed over them. An opening was left for the passage of American ships. After the British learned of

2407-443: The Hudson for reinforcements. Shortly before this last movement, Sir Henry received a dispatch from Burgoyne. In it, Burgoyne explicitly appeals to Clinton for instruction on whether he should attempt to advance or retreat, based on the likelihood of Clinton's arrival at Albany for support. He indicated that if he did not receive a response by October 12, he would be forced to retreat. (Clinton's response, not written until October 7,

2490-443: The Hudson for reinforcements. Shortly before this last movement, Sir Henry received a dispatch from Burgoyne. In it, Burgoyne explicitly appeals to Clinton for instruction on whether he should attempt to advance or retreat, based on the likelihood of Clinton's arrival at Albany for support. He indicated that if he did not receive a response by October 12, he would be forced to retreat. (Clinton's response, not written until October 7,

2573-445: The Hudson from West Point to Constitution Island to impede the movement of British ships north of West Point. A second log boom (resembling a ladder in construction) spanned the river about 100 yards (90 m) downstream to absorb the impact of any ship attempting to breach the barrier. The Hudson River's changing tides, strong current, and frequently unfavorable winds created adverse sailing conditions at West Point. Compounding this,

Hudson River Chains - Misplaced Pages Continue

2656-442: The Hudson. It was repaired and reset. After the British captured forts Montgomery and Clinton , a second fortress built opposite it at the mouth of Popolopen's Kill (today's Popolopen Creek) on its south bank, on 6 October 6 1777, they dismantled the chain. Free to do so, they raided upriver as far as Kingston , then the capitol of New York State, putting the torch to it and burning all but several of its hundreds of buildings to

2739-590: The action were the casualties suffered and the British destruction of the two forts on their departure. The Hudson River valley was a strategically critical area throughout the American Revolutionary War . Through this area moved supplies, men and materiel between the New England states and those further south, something that became vitally important when the British largely abandoned New England as an objective of military control later in

2822-452: The action were the casualties suffered and the British destruction of the two forts on their departure. The Hudson River valley was a strategically critical area throughout the American Revolutionary War . Through this area moved supplies, men and materiel between the New England states and those further south, something that became vitally important when the British largely abandoned New England as an objective of military control later in

2905-418: The army of General Horatio Gates , whose army was opposing British General John Burgoyne 's attempt to gain control of the Hudson . The forts were garrisoned by about 600 Continental Army troops under the command of two brothers, General (and Governor of New York ) George Clinton and General James Clinton , while General Israel Putnam led additional troops at nearby Peekskill, New York . (This battle

2988-418: The army of General Horatio Gates , whose army was opposing British General John Burgoyne 's attempt to gain control of the Hudson . The forts were garrisoned by about 600 Continental Army troops under the command of two brothers, General (and Governor of New York ) George Clinton and General James Clinton , while General Israel Putnam led additional troops at nearby Peekskill, New York . (This battle

3071-530: The cannon). Because of this dogged defense, Campbell was not in position until about one hour before sunset (having left Doodletown at around 10 am). Offered the chance to surrender, Governor Clinton refused, and the battle was joined. Campbell arrayed the Loyalists on the left, the German chasseurs in the center, and the British regiments on the right. Despite vigorous defense and the death of Colonel Campbell,

3154-420: The cannon). Because of this dogged defense, Campbell was not in position until about one hour before sunset (having left Doodletown at around 10 am). Offered the chance to surrender, Governor Clinton refused, and the battle was joined. Campbell arrayed the Loyalists on the left, the German chasseurs in the center, and the British regiments on the right. Despite vigorous defense and the death of Colonel Campbell,

3237-548: The chain." Polish engineer and Patriot volunteer Thaddeus Kościuszko contributed to the system of fortifications at West Point. After the war, part of the Great Chain was saved for posterity and the rest relegated to the West Point Foundry furnaces near Cold Spring, New York , to be melted down. A saved portion was first displayed at the West Point ordnance compound, along with a captured mortar, as shown in

3320-783: The command of General William Howe and that the forces would meet at Albany , about 40 miles (64 km) south of Saratoga. Apparently as a result of poor communications with Lord Germain , Britain's Secretary of State for the Colonies and the political official in charge of the conflict, General Howe decided instead to attempt the capture of Philadelphia and sailed south with much of his army in July, leaving Sir Henry Clinton in command at New York. Howe's instructions to General Clinton were primarily to hold New York City and to only engage in offensive operations that were consistent with that goal. His instructions to Clinton on July 30 included

3403-676: The command of General William Howe and that the forces would meet at Albany , about 40 miles (64 km) south of Saratoga. Apparently as a result of poor communications with Lord Germain , Britain's Secretary of State for the Colonies and the political official in charge of the conflict, General Howe decided instead to attempt the capture of Philadelphia and sailed south with much of his army in July, leaving Sir Henry Clinton in command at New York. Howe's instructions to General Clinton were primarily to hold New York City and to only engage in offensive operations that were consistent with that goal. His instructions to Clinton on July 30 included

Hudson River Chains - Misplaced Pages Continue

3486-734: The east. Captain James Wallace had begun clearing the river of American-laid obstacles following the battle. By October 13 he was able to report that the river was clear as far north as Esopus . Sir Henry had by then returned to New York due to illness, leaving General John Vaughan in charge at the forts. Because of delays in sending transports with reinforcements north, a flotilla carrying Vaughan and 1,700 men did not depart until October 15, with orders from Clinton to "proceed up Hudson's river, to feel for General Burgoyne, to assist his operations". They anchored that evening near Esopus. (It has been speculated that this movement had an effect on

3569-672: The east. Captain James Wallace had begun clearing the river of American-laid obstacles following the battle. By October 13 he was able to report that the river was clear as far north as Esopus . Sir Henry had by then returned to New York due to illness, leaving General John Vaughan in charge at the forts. Because of delays in sending transports with reinforcements north, a flotilla carrying Vaughan and 1,700 men did not depart until October 15, with orders from Clinton to "proceed up Hudson's river, to feel for General Burgoyne, to assist his operations". They anchored that evening near Esopus. (It has been speculated that this movement had an effect on

3652-469: The eastern shore. Putnam's forces, which had grown considerably with the arrival of militia companies from Connecticut, posed a significant enough threat to Vaughan that he then withdrew to the boats. On October 17, Sir Henry received a request for 3,000 men from General Howe (probably sent after Washington's failed attack on Germantown ) to support the occupation of Philadelphia. As the New York garrison

3735-413: The eastern shore. Putnam's forces, which had grown considerably with the arrival of militia companies from Connecticut, posed a significant enough threat to Vaughan that he then withdrew to the boats. On October 17, Sir Henry received a request for 3,000 men from General Howe (probably sent after Washington's failed attack on Germantown ) to support the occupation of Philadelphia. As the New York garrison

3818-463: The forts. In mid-September (around the time he wrote the letter to Burgoyne), Sir Henry Clinton had around 7,000 men, including around 3,000 poorly trained Loyalists , to defend New York City. His letter to Burgoyne had been predicated on the expectation that reinforcements would arrive in time for him to make a move up the Hudson within ten days. On September 29, he received a letter from Burgoyne (written after Freeman's Farm) in response to his that

3901-463: The forts. In mid-September (around the time he wrote the letter to Burgoyne), Sir Henry Clinton had around 7,000 men, including around 3,000 poorly trained Loyalists , to defend New York City. His letter to Burgoyne had been predicated on the expectation that reinforcements would arrive in time for him to make a move up the Hudson within ten days. On September 29, he received a letter from Burgoyne (written after Freeman's Farm) in response to his that

3984-435: The forts. A force of about 900 men under Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, composed of the 52nd and 57th regiments, a detachment of Hessian chasseurs , and about 400 Loyalists led by Beverley Robinson , began the 7 miles (11 km) trek around the gorge toward Fort Montgomery. Meanwhile, Sir Henry waited with the remaining 1,200 men at Doodletown before starting on the trail to Fort Clinton in order to give Campbell time to make

4067-435: The forts. A force of about 900 men under Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, composed of the 52nd and 57th regiments, a detachment of Hessian chasseurs , and about 400 Loyalists led by Beverley Robinson , began the 7 miles (11 km) trek around the gorge toward Fort Montgomery. Meanwhile, Sir Henry waited with the remaining 1,200 men at Doodletown before starting on the trail to Fort Clinton in order to give Campbell time to make

4150-558: The ground. Governor George Clinton , a member of the committee assigned by the New York Convention to devise a means of defending the Hudson, was heartened as the British had never attempted to run ships through the chain. He concluded that the basic idea of obstructing the river seemed sound. After Captain Machin recovered from wounds from battle with the British, he began work on the stronger Great Chain at West Point, which

4233-615: The hilly terrain, Clinton divided his troops to stage simultaneous assaults on the two forts. Although the approach to Fort Montgomery was contested by a company armed with a small field piece , they attacked the two forts at nearly the same time and captured them after a relatively short battle. More than half the defenders were killed, wounded, or captured. The British followed up this success with raids as far north as Kingston before being recalled to New York City . The action came too late to be of any assistance to Burgoyne, who surrendered his army on October 17. The only notable consequences of

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4316-615: The hilly terrain, Clinton divided his troops to stage simultaneous assaults on the two forts. Although the approach to Fort Montgomery was contested by a company armed with a small field piece , they attacked the two forts at nearly the same time and captured them after a relatively short battle. More than half the defenders were killed, wounded, or captured. The British followed up this success with raids as far north as Kingston before being recalled to New York City . The action came too late to be of any assistance to Burgoyne, who surrendered his army on October 17. The only notable consequences of

4399-782: The home of Robert Townsend , a cousin of iron works owner Peter Townsend, and (as "Culper Jr") a member of George Washington ’s Culper spy ring . Bilking the gullible, John C. Abbey, and later Pollepel Island owner Francis Bannerman , sold counterfeit chain links to collectors and museums. Two links of the original chain are also displayed under a portrait of George Washington in the New York State Capitol Battle of Forts Clinton and Montgomery [REDACTED] George Clinton [REDACTED] James Clinton [REDACTED] Sir Henry Clinton [REDACTED] John Vaughan [REDACTED] James Wallace The Battle of Forts Clinton and Montgomery

4482-593: The longer journey before beginning simultaneous attacks on the two forts. Governor Clinton, when alerted to the first skirmish, had immediately sent to Putnam for reinforcements. Shortly after sending that message he learned from scouts that Sir Henry's forces were divided. While waiting for reinforcements (that never came because of Sir Henry's successful feints) his brother James sent 100 men from Fort Clinton toward Doodletown, while he sent another company from Fort Montgomery to oppose Campbell's force. The detachment from Fort Montgomery numbered about 100 men and included

4565-593: The longer journey before beginning simultaneous attacks on the two forts. Governor Clinton, when alerted to the first skirmish, had immediately sent to Putnam for reinforcements. Shortly after sending that message he learned from scouts that Sir Henry's forces were divided. While waiting for reinforcements (that never came because of Sir Henry's successful feints) his brother James sent 100 men from Fort Clinton toward Doodletown, while he sent another company from Fort Montgomery to oppose Campbell's force. The detachment from Fort Montgomery numbered about 100 men and included

4648-502: The lower entrance to the Hudson Highlands , from newly constructed Fort Montgomery on the west bank at Popolopen Creek just north of the modern-day Bear Mountain Bridge to Anthony's Nose on the east bank in 1776–1777; and between West Point and Constitution Island in 1778, known as the Great Chain. A fourth, a cheval-de-frise started in 1776 between Plum Point on the east bank and Pollepel Island north of West Point,

4731-481: The ongoing surrender negotiations at Saratoga. Because of the slow pace of horse-based communications, it seems unlikely that General Gates was aware of this movement until after the surrender terms were agreed on October 17.) Vaughan's troops burned Esopus the next day and then sailed further north, where they raided the Livingston estate , the seat of the noted Patriot family . The fleet was pursued by Putnam on

4814-423: The ongoing surrender negotiations at Saratoga. Because of the slow pace of horse-based communications, it seems unlikely that General Gates was aware of this movement until after the surrender terms were agreed on October 17.) Vaughan's troops burned Esopus the next day and then sailed further north, where they raided the Livingston estate , the seat of the noted Patriot family . The fleet was pursued by Putnam on

4897-481: The opening from a local resident, they successfully passed through the barrier several times. The British successfully captured both forts in the Battle of Fort Washington on November 16, 1776, and Battle of Fort Lee on November 20, putting the defensive barrier in their hands. This change had little impact, as the nascent Continental Navy lacked ships of the size and power of the British, leaving it to resort to small and more maneuverable vessels regardless. In 1776

4980-528: The remainder were short-term New York militia. Putnam's forces had originally been larger, but General George Washington had ordered some of Putnam's troops to assist either his (Washington's) defense against Howe or Gates' defense against Burgoyne, and a number of local militia companies had been dismissed when Howe's movements became known. Putnam received word of the arrival of transports in New York on September 29 and wrote Governor Clinton for assistance, who immediately came south from Kingston to take charge of

5063-528: The remainder were short-term New York militia. Putnam's forces had originally been larger, but General George Washington had ordered some of Putnam's troops to assist either his (Washington's) defense against Howe or Gates' defense against Burgoyne, and a number of local militia companies had been dismissed when Howe's movements became known. Putnam received word of the arrival of transports in New York on September 29 and wrote Governor Clinton for assistance, who immediately came south from Kingston to take charge of

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5146-692: The river's narrow width and sharp "S-Curve" there forced any large ship to tack in order to navigate it. Cannon were placed in forts and artillery batteries on both sides of the river to attack ships when they were slowed to a halt by the Patriot barrier placed there. The chain was constructed over six weeks at the Sterling Iron Works in Warwick , Orange County , of chain links from Long Pond Iron Works in Ringwood, New Jersey . When completed,

5229-438: The river. The British casualties were 41 killed and 142 wounded. The Americans had 26 officers and 237 enlisted men captured and about 75 killed and wounded apart from wounded prisoners; most of them from the garrison of Fort Clinton. The Americans were also forced to destroy several boats in the area, as unfavorable winds prevented them from escaping upriver. The next day Sir Henry sent a small detachment to Fort Constitution,

5312-438: The river. The British casualties were 41 killed and 142 wounded. The Americans had 26 officers and 237 enlisted men captured and about 75 killed and wounded apart from wounded prisoners; most of them from the garrison of Fort Clinton. The Americans were also forced to destroy several boats in the area, as unfavorable winds prevented them from escaping upriver. The next day Sir Henry sent a small detachment to Fort Constitution,

5395-487: The war. In June 1777, General John Burgoyne began an attempt to gain control of this key area by moving south from the British province of Quebec . After his early success at Ticonderoga , his campaign become bogged down in logistical difficulties, not reaching Saratoga, New York , until mid-September. Burgoyne held expectations that his campaign would be supported by military forces based in New York City under

5478-425: The war. In June 1777, General John Burgoyne began an attempt to gain control of this key area by moving south from the British province of Quebec . After his early success at Ticonderoga , his campaign become bogged down in logistical difficulties, not reaching Saratoga, New York , until mid-September. Burgoyne held expectations that his campaign would be supported by military forces based in New York City under

5561-411: The west side of the Hudson and, with the assistance of a Loyalist guide, marched them up onto a local rise called the "Timp". After descending the other side to a place called Doodletown , they encountered a scouting party that Governor Clinton had sent out for reconnaissance, which retreated toward Fort Clinton after a brief exchange of fire. Sir Henry then divided his force into two attack groups to take

5644-411: The west side of the Hudson and, with the assistance of a Loyalist guide, marched them up onto a local rise called the "Timp". After descending the other side to a place called Doodletown , they encountered a scouting party that Governor Clinton had sent out for reconnaissance, which retreated toward Fort Clinton after a brief exchange of fire. Sir Henry then divided his force into two attack groups to take

5727-450: Was a direct plea for action. ... an attack or even menace of an attack on Fort Montgomery must be of great use ... Burgoyne to Sir Henry Clinton, September 23, 1777 By the end of September, 1,700 additional troops were landed from the fleet arriving at New York. On October 3, Sir Henry started up the Hudson River with 3,000 men in three frigates and a number of smaller vessels. The next day, he landed some troops near Tarrytown as

5810-450: Was a direct plea for action. ... an attack or even menace of an attack on Fort Montgomery must be of great use ... Burgoyne to Sir Henry Clinton, September 23, 1777 By the end of September, 1,700 additional troops were landed from the fleet arriving at New York. On October 3, Sir Henry started up the Hudson River with 3,000 men in three frigates and a number of smaller vessels. The next day, he landed some troops near Tarrytown as

5893-473: Was a markedly formal response, indicating that he was providing the requested diversion and had no expectation of reaching Albany, adding that "Sir Henry Clinton cannot presume to give any Orders to General Burgoyne", as Burgoyne outranked him. Fortunately for Clinton none of the three copies of this letter reached Burgoyne; all of the messengers carrying them were captured.) On the foggy morning of October 6, Sir Henry Clinton landed 2,100 men at Stony Point on

5976-473: Was a markedly formal response, indicating that he was providing the requested diversion and had no expectation of reaching Albany, adding that "Sir Henry Clinton cannot presume to give any Orders to General Burgoyne", as Burgoyne outranked him. Fortunately for Clinton none of the three copies of this letter reached Burgoyne; all of the messengers carrying them were captured.) On the foggy morning of October 6, Sir Henry Clinton landed 2,100 men at Stony Point on

6059-554: Was already thinned by the operation on the Hudson, Clinton recalled Vaughan and the garrison holding the two forts. The forts were destroyed, and the troops evacuated on October 26. The site of Fort Clinton was largely demolished to make way for U.S. Route 9W and the Bear Mountain Bridge , which was completed in 1924. What remains is preserved within the bounds of Bear Mountain State Park , which also includes

6142-424: Was already thinned by the operation on the Hudson, Clinton recalled Vaughan and the garrison holding the two forts. The forts were destroyed, and the troops evacuated on October 26. The site of Fort Clinton was largely demolished to make way for U.S. Route 9W and the Bear Mountain Bridge , which was completed in 1924. What remains is preserved within the bounds of Bear Mountain State Park , which also includes

6225-543: Was an American Revolutionary War battle fought in the Hudson Highlands of the Hudson River valley, not far from West Point , on October 6, 1777. British forces under the command of General Sir Henry Clinton captured Fort Clinton and Fort Montgomery and then dismantled the first iteration of the Hudson River Chains . The purpose of the attack was to create a diversion to draw American troops from

6308-413: Was an American Revolutionary War battle fought in the Hudson Highlands of the Hudson River valley, not far from West Point , on October 6, 1777. British forces under the command of General Sir Henry Clinton captured Fort Clinton and Fort Montgomery and then dismantled the first iteration of the Hudson River Chains . The purpose of the attack was to create a diversion to draw American troops from

6391-415: Was begun but abandoned. The first two were promptly captured by the British, while the Great Chain, the largest and most important of the projects, was reset each spring until the end of the war. Attention was concentrated on the West Point area because the river narrowed and curved so sharply there that ships slowed in navigating the passage by shifting winds, tides, and current made optimal targets. In 1776

6474-467: Was completed in 1776 and shortly seized by the British; another was started in 1776 between Plum Point on the east bank and Pollepel Island north of West Point but abandoned in 1777 in favor of completion of the Great Chain nearby the following year. Even before the April 1775 Battles of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts, both the Americans and British knew that passage on the Hudson River

6557-406: Was constructed and installed in 1778. Another cheval-de-frise was undertaken across the Hudson between Plum Point on the east bank and Pollepel Island north of West Point. The defenses were never fully completed, and its importance was overshadowed by completion of the Great Chain at West Point the following year. In the spring of 1778, a heavy chain supported by huge log rafts was stretched across

6640-703: Was protected by the Chain Battery and the Constitution Island side by the Marine Battery. A system of pulleys, rollers, ropes, and mid-stream anchors were used to adjust the chain's tension to overcome the effects of river current and changing tide. Until 1783, the chain was removed each winter and reinstalled each spring to avoid destruction by ice. The British never attempted to run the chain, in spite of Benedict Arnold claiming in correspondence with them that "a well-loaded ship could break

6723-404: Was still undergoing construction, was under the command of General (and Governor of New York) George Clinton , while Fort Clinton was under the command of his older brother James. Their combined forces numbered about 600. The primary camp at Peekskill, which any British naval movements would need to pass, had roughly 600 men. Of the men at the three sites, about 1,000 were regular troops , while

6806-404: Was still undergoing construction, was under the command of General (and Governor of New York) George Clinton , while Fort Clinton was under the command of his older brother James. Their combined forces numbered about 600. The primary camp at Peekskill, which any British naval movements would need to pass, had roughly 600 men. Of the men at the three sites, about 1,000 were regular troops , while

6889-425: Was strategically important to each sides’ war effort. The Americans were desperate to control the river, lest New England be divided from the rest of the colonies. The immediate American plan was to slow or block ship traffic on the river by attacking British vessels with cannon and mortars from both shores. This anticipated batteries at both existing and planned defensive fortifications. In late 1776 Henry Wisner ,

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