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British Account of Stony Point

From Diary of the American Revolution, Vol II. Compiled by Frank Moore and published in 1859.

We are informed that a large detachment of the rebel army, commanded by Mr. Wayne, last Friday morning, about one o’clock, attacked the fort at Stony Point, on the Hudson River, garrisoned by the 17th regiment, two companies of grenadiers of the 71st, one company of Colonel Beverly Robinson’s regiment, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson of the 17th regiment. The enemy were repulsed several times, and lost a considerable number killed on the spot, but being supported by Mr. Washington with the main body of the rebel army, the garrison gave way to a vast superiority of numbers. The loss of the enemy, though considerable, is not yet known.

Of the British troops, thirty were killed, including Colonel Few of the 17th regiment, forty-eight wounded, and two hundred and six prisoners. On Sunday some rebel provision vessels attempting to pass down the river by Verplank’s to Stony Point, were prevented by a severe cannonade from Lieutenant-Colonel Webster, who commands at, and has very effectually defended that post, which is now become perfectly secure, as the rebels, baffled in their attempts upon Verplank’s Point, on Monday evacuated Stony Point, and it was that evening again taken possession of by the British forces. Amongst the enemy’s wounded, was Mr. Wayne, who commanded the attack.1

1 Rivington’s Royal Gazette, July 21.