Defeated, unconquered...and remembered

Yesterday was the 232nd anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn. Memorial events have been held at some other sites associated with this first major battle of the American Revolution, but this year, nothing in Prospect Park, where some of the bloodiest fighting occurred right here in Battle Pass (now the East Drive).

The scene was one of summer-blessed peace and, for the heart of a city, astonishing quiet. Where Hessian troops had slaughtered the outnumbered rebel troops at bayonet-point, a kitten I named Putnam (after the battle's American general, Israel Putnam) performed evasive maneuvers in the undergrowth.

No bouquets were laid by any of the three Battle Pass memorials to honor the Americans (some 2,000 at the combined battle sites throughout Brooklyn) who lay dead by noon of that hot day in 1776, their red damask "Liberty" flag captured by King George's troops after fierce resistance. (Both sides fought like wolves, with none of the "gentlemanly" surrender customary of the era; the Hessian mercenaries had been told that the rebels might cannibalize their prisoners, and the Americans feared they would be shot as traitors even if they gave themselves up.) But the woods offered jewelweed, asters, and this lovely shrub whose white porcelain-like berries appear alongside its flowers.

            

A few citizens strolled by; it's safe to say that most were blissfully unaware of the gruesome down payment that had been paid here for their liberty. 

After spending so much time, so mindfully, in the park this year, I had built up this anniversary in my heart and planned to observe it somehow. It seemed I would have to do so alone. But as I stopped to read the memorial plaque on the big boulder in Battle Pass, a dad and his two little kids looked over my shoulder.

"It's today, you know," I said, pointing to the date.

Why, so it is! Dad said, and his little daughter valiantly started reading the text of the plaque.

"At this point, the Old Porte Road or Valley Grove Road...Dad?"

"In-ter-sected. Came between."

"Intrasected the line of hills sep--"

"Separating..."

"Separating Flat..."

"That's two words you know." (I covered first "-bush" and then "Flat" with my hand.)

Next, her older brother took over confidently.

"Separating Flatbush from Brooklyn and Gow-...Gowanus in the Battle of Long Island, August 27, 1776. This pass was barricaded in front by the Dongan Oak..."

Now another celebrant joined us, a streetwise young skateboarder, adding his voice in a canon: "Here the American forces stood their ground..."

When we finally finished, the corny tour guide in me could not resist telling the young folks that, thanks in large part to those men, we are Americans, who need not kneel to any king. (We sons and daughters of liberty kneel only for snapshots!) The family I met was named O'Brian (which would have pleased General Sullivan, the son of Irish immigrants, who was captured in the battle just yards away). Thanks for stopping, guys!

“We have had many stories concerning…our troops returning to New York…But if we should be defeated, I think we shall not be conquered. A people fired, like the Romans, with love of their country and of liberty, a zeal for the public good, and a noble emulation of glory, will not be disheartened or dispirited by a succession of unfortunate events. But like them, may we learn by defeat the power of becoming invincible!”  —Letter, Abigail Adams to John Adams, September 9, 1776

Historical background from: The Battle of Brooklyn 1776 by John Gallagher

Comments

[Laura]

This is a lovely post.

I've been enjoying your blog for a few months -- a long time before I finally moved here (just last week) and have been enjoying my own days in the park. I'm a dog-owner (look for us at the Greenmarket; we live to be dog of the week!), so I'm there at least once or twice a day and, despite my short time as a resident, I'm already fiercely in love with the place.

[Brenda from Flatbush]

Thanks, Laura! and welcome to the most fascinating place on earth. Or, to quote my own Personal Motto for Living in Brooklyn: "Never easy--never dull."

[amarilla]

What we take for granted boggles the mind. But of course, what with all the endless things there are to pitch a bitch about. I should know, really. A good idea, the flowers, I hadn't thought of that.

[Parker]

Awesome post! I thought is was especially fun to be able to read about Battle Pass here at your blog after checking out the Battle of Brooklyn Festivities over at Brooklynometry.

Thanks for the comment over at GL. As I said there - As I start my beat in the park, I shall think of you as my better-schooled elder, leading the way. Truly. While I am not new to blogging Brooklyn, I certainly am new to blogging the park. I'd love to add you to my links, if you don't mind appearing beside all the snark.

Anyhow. Best wishes always!