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Mapping The Battle of White Plains and An Early Test of General George Washington's Command 

Fine original hand-color example of William Faden's Revolutionary War Plan of the Battle of New York, published in London in 1777.

The map illustrates Howe's New York campaign, with the landing on Long Island, the victory in the battle of Long Island, and pursuit of the American forces north to Fort Washington. The American forces are meticulously shown in blue, with both troop movements and fixed positions noted.  Similarly the British troops and positions are tracked in red.  The present example include additional place names and the addition of 5 ships off Enoch Point and Sarak Island (including the Tartar, Phenix, and Roebuck).

Nebenzhal describes the map as:

the most accurate published delineation of the movements of the armies of Washington and Howe in Westchester, from the time of the British landing through November 28, particularly focusing on the Battle of White Plains.

Faden's map illustrates an important early battle during the American Revolution, when the American success and resolve were far from certain. The map was drawn from the work of a British military engineer, Claude Joseph Sauthier, who participated in the campaigns. Nebenzahl calls the map one of the "most informative" of all the early Revolutionary War battle plans. It was printed in London, a remarkably short period of time after the events depicted on it transpired-a matter of just a few months.

The plan shows the period when the American army, still hurting from its defeat on Manhattan Island in September of 1776, was retreating to Westchester. The vastly superior British forces were in pursuit, looking for the opportunity to crush the American army and end the war. The campaign involved complex amphibious landings by the British in the Bronx and Westchester, reprising the type of maneuvers that led to the overwhelming success of the British in the Battle of Brooklyn.

Faden's map depicts the various campaigns of October and November 1776, in northern Manhattan, lower Westchester, and New Jersey. "It is the most accurate published delineation of the movements of the armies of Washington and Howe in Westchester, from the time of the British landing through November 28, particularly focusing on the Battle of White Plains." (Nebenzahl, Atlas). Clearly delineated are British and Hessian troop landings in the area of Mamaroneck, Larchmont, New Rochelle, Pelham Manor, and the Bronx. Also shown is Cornwallis' capture of Fort Lee, and the beginning of his pursuit of Washington's army through New Jersey, which would end in Washington's storied crossing of the Delaware River.

George Washington & The Battle of White Plains

The Battle of White Plains was a key military engagement during the American Revolutionary War, unfolding on the foggy morning of October 28, 1776, in the town of White Plains, New York. The engagement evolved into a bitter face-off between the British and American forces, ultimately culminating in a strategic retreat by the American troops.

Leading up to the battle, General George Washington, commanding the American forces, had made the decision to abandon Manhattan to the British forces under General William Howe after losing the Battle of Brooklyn. He moved his troops north, aiming to prevent the British from enveloping him and cutting off his escape routes. Meanwhile, General Howe, aiming to capitalize on his victory in Manhattan, pursued Washington's forces.

The British forces marched northward from New Rochelle, reaching White Plains on October 28, 1776. The American forces had taken a position on the high ground near the village, establishing a main line of resistance along a ridge running roughly east-west, just south of the village of White Plains. Chatterton Hill, a strategically significant elevation, stood to the west of this line.

Upon reaching White Plains, General Howe, understanding the strategic importance of Chatterton Hill, decided to seize it. On the morning of October 28, the British troops launched an assault, their line bolstered by Hessian troops, German auxiliaries hired by the British. The British and Hessian forces managed to overwhelm the Americans positioned on Chatterton Hill after heavy fighting, forcing them to retreat.

Despite this, the Battle of White Plains was not a clear victory for the British. General Washington had skillfully used the battle as a delaying tactic, inflicting casualties on the British and Hessians while preserving the core of his army. Following the clash, Washington and his army withdrew northward, keeping the bulk of his forces intact. This allowed them to continue the fight, eventually leading to the successful conclusion of the revolutionary war for the American side.

In essence, the Battle of White Plains, while seemingly a British tactical victory, proved to be a strategic success for the American forces. The event showcased Washington's leadership and the resilience of his troops, emphasizing their ability to adapt and survive in the face of superior British military power. Ultimately, it provided a glimmer of hope and a testament to endurance during the crucible of the American Revolution.