Battle of White Plains

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The Battle of White Plains was an inconclusive meeting on October 28, 1776 in the American Revolutionary War.

Description

General William Howe's British army, with Hessian support was completing their occupation of New York and its environs. After leaving three thousand troops to garrison Fort Lee, George Washington had withdrawn to the high ground near the village of White Plains.

The British, after some success in a skirmish at Harlem Heights, slowly pursued the retreating army and overtook them at White Plains. On October 28 the battle killed hundreds on both sides. Neither side could clearly claim victory. Washington's troops held their position, while the British did not immediately advance. When Washington learned that British reinforcements had arrived shortly after the battle, Washington retreated five miles to North Castle.

Result

The battle is recorded as a British victory because the Füsilier-Regiment von Knyphausen, a German unit, outflanked the American position. However, Howe missed the chance to force a larger engagement that could destroy Washington's army. After taking the high ground, he paused to set up camp and artillery batteries. After spending a few miserable nights on swampy ground, under the British guns, the Americans slipped away to the north on the night of November 1, escaping with their wounded and supplies.

Considering the numbers involved, casualties were light on both sides. The Continental Army lost 300 killed and wounded, while British losses came to about 313. However, Johann Ewald, a Hessian officer who was present at the battle, claimed that Howe underestimated both side's losses, and that there were over 1,000 killed and wounded, implying that both sides may have lost around 500 each.

Legacy

Each year on or near the anniversary date, the White Plains Historical Society hosts a commemoration of the event at the Jacob Purdy House in White Plains, New York.

USS White Plains

Two USS White Plains (CVE-66 and AFS-4) were named for the Battle of White Plains.

External links

• The Battle of White Plains
• White Plains Historical Society

References

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Last updated on Monday March 03, 2008 at 12:13:13 PST (GMT -0800)
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