George Washington’s Council of War finally got to meet on this day in 1776, to figure out what happens next.

The Battle of Long Island was a rout for several reasons. In addition to the Continental Army being outnumbered by roughly two-to-one, there was poor communication and a couple of tactical errors. And the only reason more soldiers weren’t captured or killed was because poor weather prevented the British from figuring out that they were escaping across the East River until it was far too late.

So, as any good soldier would, Washington took a moment out to seek advice from his Council of War. Nathanael Greene recommended just getting out of town and regrouping elsewhere, but he also suggested burning the city down to keep it out of British hands. Washington already knew that Congress didn’t like the burning thing.

Most of Washington’s council recommended leaving the city, but Washington still wanted to ensure that some portions of the city were fortified and made appropriate plans. Unfortunately those plans fell apart rather quickly, as we’ll soon learn.

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