The Battle of Brooklyn was the largest battle of the Revolutionary War and the first major engagement after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. With American forces numbering nearly 20,000, Washington attempted to defend New York City. Estimates indicated that 1,100 Americans were captured and 300 killed. The British dug in for a siege, but Washington evacuated his army to Manhattan overnight without the loss of a single additional life. Washington and his army continued their retreat from New York in the weeks that followed after further defeats.
The 1951 stamp (shown here) commemorates the 175th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn, depicting the evacuation of General Washington's troops from Brooklyn at the Fulton Ferry house. Washington directs his troops while mounted on his white charger. In the distance, American troops can be seen already crossing the East River.
