George Washington realized that driving the British out of New York City would be the only way to end the Revolutionary War. This rough draft, in his own handwriting, is addressed to General Henry Knox, his artillery commander, and dates from June or July, 1781. The plan was “to surprise the Enemy’s Post at the North end of York Island”, the northern end of Manhattan, and fight his way down to the city, routing the British army. The plan was never realized and the British stayed in New York City until peace was declared in 1783.
