August 27 in American History

August 27, 1776 — the Battle of Brooklyn

The largest battle of the entire Revolution: Washington's army was flanked and beaten badly on Long Island, with the Maryland 400 making a suicidal stand so the rest could escape. Two nights later, in fog and silence, Washington ferried 9,000 men across the East River without losing one. Losing the battle, saving the army — and the cause.