June 28
Jefferson presents his draft of the Declaration of Independence to Congress.
American defenders repulse British attack at Fort Sullivan (Fort Moultrie), Charleston, South Carolina.
June - July
British armada arrives in New York carrying over 30,000 British and Hessian troops intending to crush the rebellion.
July 2
Continental Congress votes in favor of Lee’s resolution for independence.
July 4;
Congress formally adopts the Declaration of Independence.
August 2
Delegates sign Declaration of Independence. Demonstrating the new nation’s potential for religious tolerance, the list of signers includes one Catholic, Charles Carroll of Maryland.
August 27 - 29
British commanded by William Howe defeat Washington’s outnumbered army at the Battle of Long Island, New York. Americans evacuate to Manhattan.
September
Congress appoints Arthur Lee and Benjamin Franklin to assist Deane in diplomatic mission to France.
September 12
Washington evacuates New York City.
September 16
Americans hold off British at the Battle of Harlem Heights, New York.
September 22
British hang patriot Nathan Hale for spying.
October 11 - 12
British overpower Benedict Arnold’s small fleet at the Battle of Valcour Island on Lake Champlain, New York, but this valiant action halts British lake-route invasion of New York.
October 13
British occupy Crown Point, New York.
October 28
Howe’s army achieves a costly victory over Washington at the Battle of White Plains, New York.
November 16
British capture Fort Washington, New York, on the east side of the Hudson River.
November 20
Americans forced to abandon Fort Lee, New Jersey, on the west side of the Hudson River. New York City is now in British hands.
December 19
Thomas Paine publishes The Crisis, which helps rekindle the fires of liberty during the darkest hour of the Revolution.
