The Retreat Summary and Analysis

After their defeat in New York, George Washington moved the troops to New Jersey. He considered it a "shift in fronts" rather than a retreat. The war intelligence improved and Washington had it on good authority that the British intended to make camp there. He wanted to do everything in his power to be sure the British did not make it to New Jersey and would protect it at all cost. Unfortunately, General Nathanael Greene who had the responsibility of guarding the Palisades did not do well as this is exactly where the British came over and settled. The Americans that were camped in Fort Lee had no idea the British were only a few short miles away.

Upon learning that the Americans were close, General Cornwallis instructed his troops to follow them clear across the state. The intention...