Howe, with the main body of the fleet
and the new army, together with Sir Peter Parker with his squadron, and
General Clinton with his troops. These parties, however, were still far
away, and he therefore landed at Staten Island, where he was joined by
Mr. Tryon, the expelled governor of New York, and a body of loyalists
who had taken refuge with him in an armed vessel. Shortly after he was
joined by his brother, Admiral Lord Howe, and subsequently by Sir Peter
Parker and his squadron, when their united forces amounted to nearly
30,000 men, British and foreign.

Anterior to this, and as early as the month of April, General Washington
had left Boston for New York, and at this moment his army were throwing
up strong entrenchments at that city and on Long Island, to close the
river Hudson against the English fleet. The main body of his forces were
with Washington at New York; General Sullivan, with a strong force, was
at the western extremity of Long Island, just opposite the city; while
the rest of the forces mainly occupied different posts on York Island.
The total number of Washington's army appears to have exceeded 30,000;
but sickness prevailed in his camp to such an extent that at one time
nearly a fourth part of his forces were unfit for action. Added to this
embarrassment, many of the inhabitants were disaffected to the American
cause, and even a part of his own guards entered into a conspiracy
to seize his person, and deliver him to the enemy. This conspiracy,
however, was discovered, and several engaged in it were executed, and
Washington, thus relieved from danger, earnestly pressed forward the
defences of the city. He had with him a large train of artillery and an
abundant supply of military stores.

Before proceeding to extremities, Lord Howe sent ashore by a flag,
circular letters, acquainting the Americans with his powers, both civil
and military, and enclosing a declaration granting pardons to all such
as were willing to return to their duty; promising that any colony,
town, post, or place that submitted instantly should be exempted from
the provisions of the acts of parliament prohibiting their trade, etc.;
and giving assurances that the meritorious services of all persons who
should aid and assist in restoring tranquillity would be duly rewarded.
Washington forwarded these papers to congress, by whom they were
published in the newspapers, with a comment calculated to destroy their
effects. At the same ti