On this day in 1776, General George Washington gives friend and comrade-in-arms Brigadier General Nathanael Greene command of Long Island. General Greene is to set up defensive positions against a British attack on New York City.

Greene arranged his troops to defend against a frontal attack. However, in late August the British surprised them with an attack from their left flank. Thus, the British took most of Long Island, but allowed American survivors to flee to Manhattan. Had they not, the American Revolution may well have been over.

God’s Hand

Washington and Greene shared a belief in a great God who governs our world, as evidenced by their quotes below:

“Permit me, then, to recommend from the sincerity of my heart, ready at all times to bleed in my country’s cause, a Declaration of Independence; and call upon the world, and the great God who governs it, to witness the necessity, propriety and rectitude thereof. … Let us, therefore, act like men inspired with a resolution that nothing but the frowns of Heaven shall conquer us.”
– excerpt of a letter from Nathanael Greene to Samuel Ward of the Continental Congress, January 4, 1776

Washington’s quote of similar sentiment inspired one of Our t-shirts:

“No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the People of the United States.”

Find yours HERE.