We would now turn back your attention to the era of the great struggle for American Independence. As the battle of Long-Island, which was the first contest in which the two great armies met, occurred in and about Flatbush, and as from that period it was the scene of more or less interest during the revolutionary war, it is proper that we should devote a separate space to this part of the history of the town.

After the commencement of hostilities in the year 1776, the city of New-York in consideration of the advantages which from its location it would afford, was selected by the British as the first grand point to be obtained. The city was then iii the possession of the Americans, under the command of General Washington, in person. In the latter part of June, 1776, the first division of the British army landed on Staten-Island, and was followed about the middle of July, by the grand armament under Lord Howe, consisting of six ships of the line, thirty frigates with smaller vessels, and a great number of transports, victuallers and ships with stores of ordnance. Lord Howe at that time, first attempted by what he conceived to be conciliatory measures, to bring back the American Colonies to their allegiance to King George. We need not detail these, as they are not immediately connected with our subject. We cannot, however, omit to notice, that on the 14th of July, he sent a flag to New-York, with a letter under the superscription of "George Washington, Esq.," Indignant that Lord Howe had not recognised his rank and title and his connection with the American Congress, Washington, very properly, refused to receive the letter, for which he was applauded by Congress as an act of becoming dignity. On the 20th of July, Lord Howe attempted a second time to open a correspondence with General Washington. He sent another letter by the hands of Adjutant General Patterson, addressed to George Washington, &c. &c. &c. "The General treated the Adjutant with all politeness, but notwithstanding all he could say, Washington refused to receive the letter, telling him, "it is true the et ceteras imply every thing, but it is no less true, they imply any thing." A noble answer to this repeated insult to himself and his country, and a clear presage of the practical wisdom, courage and firmness of him to whom America, under God, had committed her cause.

Not knowing at what point the British might make their first attack, Washington sought to fortify the city and obstruct the passage into the harbor of New-York. He also threw up certain fortifications in Brooklyn and Flatbush, to guard the approach to the city, by Long-Island. His army at this time, amounted to whom only 10,514, were lit for duty. These too, he says in one of his letters, were little other than raw troops, and much scattered, some being fifteen miles apart. It soon became evident that the British meditated a landing on Long-Island. Troops were accordingly thrown over from