Middlebrook
Enigma of the British Army
During the 1777 encampment, Washington’s heavily entrenched stronghold defied the massed British Army of 18,000 under Howe and prevented the British movement against Philadelphia by land (June 14 to 30). This delay caused Howe to move by sea, with great loss of time. The last defenses of the American Capitol were not overcome until late November 1777. It was too late to assist Burgoyne, who in turn was forced to surrender at Saratoga, Oct. 17, 1777.
Clinton, during the second encampment (1778-79), determined Middlebrook too strong and Washington’s troops too numerous (8,000) to be “rashly attempted”, with his force of 22,000 in the New York-Rhode Island area.
Marker is on Middlebrook Road, on the left when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
