Well know strategy - "war of post"
A strategy that was well known from Washington was “A War of Posts”. In the outcome of the Battle of Long Island, Washington and his fellow officers had to think about a strategic situation, but it had to be thought fast. Washington wrote a letter explaining about his developing strategy. This letter was written to the Continental Congress.
“Since I had the Honor of addressing you on the 6th. Instant, I have called a Council of the General Officers, in order to take a full and comprehensive view of our Situation and thereupon form such a plan of future defense...Having therefore their System unfolded to us, it became an important consideration how it could be most successfully opposed. On every side there is a Choice of difficulties and every Measure on our part (however painful the reflection is from experience) to be formed with some Apprehension that all our Troops will not do their duty. In deliberating on this Question it was impossible to forget, that History, our own experience, the advice of our ablest Friends in Europe, the fears of the Enemy, and even the Declarations of Congress demonstrate, that on our Side the War should be defensive. It has even been called a War of Posts. That we should on all Occasions avoid a general Action, or put anything to the Risque, unless compelled by a necessity, into which we ought never to be drawn.”
-George Washington September 6, 1776
What Washington is trying to conclude is to arrange the Army under three Divisions 5000 to remain for the defense of the City. 9000 to be removed to Kingsbridge. Also to Possess to secure those Posts, and to be ready to attack the enemy. They are moving eastward on Long Island. To occupy the intermediate space and support each other, the sick should be immediately removed to Orange Town. Barracks should prepared at Kingsbridge with all expedition, so this will help cover the Troops.
“Since I had the Honor of addressing you on the 6th. Instant, I have called a Council of the General Officers, in order to take a full and comprehensive view of our Situation and thereupon form such a plan of future defense...Having therefore their System unfolded to us, it became an important consideration how it could be most successfully opposed. On every side there is a Choice of difficulties and every Measure on our part (however painful the reflection is from experience) to be formed with some Apprehension that all our Troops will not do their duty. In deliberating on this Question it was impossible to forget, that History, our own experience, the advice of our ablest Friends in Europe, the fears of the Enemy, and even the Declarations of Congress demonstrate, that on our Side the War should be defensive. It has even been called a War of Posts. That we should on all Occasions avoid a general Action, or put anything to the Risque, unless compelled by a necessity, into which we ought never to be drawn.”
-George Washington September 6, 1776
What Washington is trying to conclude is to arrange the Army under three Divisions 5000 to remain for the defense of the City. 9000 to be removed to Kingsbridge. Also to Possess to secure those Posts, and to be ready to attack the enemy. They are moving eastward on Long Island. To occupy the intermediate space and support each other, the sick should be immediately removed to Orange Town. Barracks should prepared at Kingsbridge with all expedition, so this will help cover the Troops.
Click to see some the famous paintings during the time Washington was leading the Continental Army!