Washington’s valiant but unkempt men were ordered to march toward New York. Even in inclement weather, they trudged on. This call was Washington’s, and his alone. The Continental Congress agreed that New York was vital to the whole continent and should be protected. New York was not as welcoming a place as Boston, however, as it was filled with loyalists, many of whom had financial interests in the city.

New York proved a much different town than Boston in other ways too. Although there were numerous churches and one synagogue that the men attended, there was also licentious behavior that the officers had to contend with. Drinking and visiting prostitutes spread syphilis among the troops, and small pox broke out as well. The penalty for such behavior was being shot, but it was difficult to distinguish soldiers from civilians since the New Englanders still had no uniforms.

Washington established another fine home for himself and Martha, once again the “courtesy” of a wealthy loyalist who had fled. Number 1 Broadway was his main post, however. Washington’s first order of business was to inspect the fortifications of General Lee and Lord Stirling.

Washington and his officers decided that Long Island and Brooklyn in particular were key to New York and must be defended at all costs.