Battle of Paulus Hook facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Paulus Hook
Part of the American Revolutionary War
Date August 19, 1779 Location Paulus Hook, New Jersey Result American victory
Belligerents
United States	Great Britain
Commanders and leaders
Henry Lee III	William Sutherland
Strength
300	250
Casualties and losses
2 killed 3 wounded 7 captured	50 killed and wounded 158 captured (including 7 to 9 officers)

The Battle of Paulus Hook was an important fight during the American Revolutionary War. It happened on August 19, 1779. American soldiers, called the Continental Army, fought against British forces.

Major Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee led the American attack. They launched a surprise night raid on a British fort. This fort was located in what is now downtown Jersey City. The Americans captured 158 British prisoners. They then quickly left before daylight.

Even though the British kept their fort, they lost a lot of control in New Jersey. Major Lee was honored for his bravery. The Second Continental Congress gave him a special gold medal. He was the only non-general to get such an award during the war.

The Paulus Hook Raid: A Surprise Attack

On August 8, 1779, Major Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee began his mission. He set out with 400 foot soldiers and some dismounted cavalry. Their journey started from New Bridge (now River Edge, New Jersey).

Marching to Paulus Hook

The plan was to march about 14 miles (22.5 km) through the woods. Their target was the British fort at Paulus Hook. Lee sent out small groups of soldiers to watch the roads. This was to make sure no British troops saw them.

During the night, their guide got lost or was afraid. This made their march much longer. Luckily, a British group of 130 men, led by Colonel Van Boskirk, also left Paulus Hook that night. They were going on a raid, but the two groups did not meet.

Surprise at the Fort

Major Lee and his men reached Prior's Mill at 3 AM on August 19, 1779. About 30 minutes later, they arrived at a ditch. This ditch is now near Newark Avenue and Warren Street. The water was rising, but Lieutenant Rudolph found a spot they could cross.

Lieutenants McCallister and Rudolph led the soldiers through the water. Soon, they took control of the outer part of the fort. Major Sutherland, the British commander, quickly retreated. He went into a small redoubt (a small fort) with a few officers and 40 German soldiers (Hessians).

A Quick Retreat

It was almost daylight, so Major Lee knew he had to leave. He didn't have time to capture Major Sutherland's group. Lee had planned to burn the barracks (soldiers' living quarters). But he found sick soldiers, women, and children inside. Because of this, he decided not to burn them.

Lee's troops retreated, taking 159 prisoners with them. The Americans lost only two men killed and three wounded.

The Journey Back

Captain Forsyth was sent ahead to Prior's Mill. His job was to gather fit soldiers. They would then take a position on Bergen Heights to protect the retreat. This spot was in the woods near what is now Journal Square.

Lee had arranged for boats to meet them at Dow's Ferry. He planned to cross the Hackensack River and return to New Bridge. However, the boats had been moved to Newark. This meant Lee and his tired men, with wet ammunition and prisoners, had to walk back. They risked meeting British troops from New York City.

Despite the danger, the American soldiers bravely started their 14-mile (22.5 km) return march. Near "Weehock" (now Weehawken), Captain Catlett arrived with 50 fresh men and good ammunition. Later, near the Fort Lee road, Colonel Ball met them with 200 more fresh men. Major Lee and his soldiers safely reached New Bridge around 1 PM.

The British were very upset about this attack. The Americans, however, were very happy and proud of their success.

Praise for the Victory

George Washington, the leader of the Continental Army, praised Major Lee. He wrote a letter to Congress about the battle.

Washington said that Major Lee showed great wisdom, skill, and bravery. He believed Lee's actions honored himself and all his soldiers. Washington also noted that the fort's location made the attack very risky, but the success was brilliant.

Congress Honors the Heroes

On September 24, Congress passed several resolutions. They wanted to thank everyone involved in the Paulus Hook attack.

Thanks from Congress

• They thanked General Washington for planning the attack so wisely.
• They thanked Major General Lord Stirling for helping the mission and making sure the soldiers could retreat safely.
• They gave special thanks to Major Lee for his amazing wisdom, skill, and bravery. Congress also approved his kindness in not harming the sick, women, and children. They said this showed the noble principles of the United States.
• Congress praised the discipline, strength, and spirit of Major Lee's officers and soldiers. They were proud of these brave men who performed their duties well, even when it was difficult.
• They also recognized Lieutenants McCollister and Rudolph. They praised their careful planning combined with daring action in leading the first charge.

Special Awards

Congress decided to award Major Lee a special gold medal. This medal would represent the battle. They also gave Lieutenants McCallister and Rudolph promotions and extra pay.

Congress also gave Major Lee $15,000. This money was to be shared among all the soldiers who took part in the attack.

The Gold Medal

The medal given to Major Lee had special designs and words.

Medal Description

• On one side, there was a picture of Major Lee's head. Around it were Latin words that meant: "The American Congress to Henry Lee, Colonel of Cavalry."
• On the other side, there were more Latin words. They meant: "Despite rivers and trenches, he with a small band conquered the foe by warlike skill and prowess and firmly bound by his humanity those who had been conquered by his arms. In memory of the conflict at Paulus Hook, nineteenth of August, 1779."

This medal was a great honor for Major Lee and a symbol of the American victory.