2. Washington had a regiment of mariners with his army
The Continental Army’s 14th Regiment was comprised mainly of seamen and fishermen from the environs of Marblehead, Massachusetts. Commanded by Colonel John Glover, a merchant and shipowner, the regiment proved to be among the most valued in Washington’s army during 1776. The men were more disciplined than many of his regiments, accustomed to the need for discipline demanded at sea. They wore leather vests, weathered sea boots, and seamen’s caps. After the defeat on Long Island Washington’s troops were trapped on the eastern tip of the island, entrenched, but too weak in numbers and equipment to withstand a British siege. His defeat had been total, and it appeared there was no escape. The British Navy controlled the waters around Long Island, their Army blocked all land routes. Washington turned to the Marbleheaders. They responded with what has been described as a military miracle.
On the night of August 29-30, 1776, the Marblehead Regiment carried the entire Continental Army from beneath the guns of the British to the relative safety of Manhattan. They carried the men, horses, cannon, wagons, supplies, baggage and all the other detritus across the East River, through a dense fog which hampered visibility. They accomplished the feat without the loss of a man or a gun. Having demonstrated their seamanship, the Marblehead Regiment then served with distinction during the actions on Manhattan, often standing as a rear guard to cover the Americans’ retreats. Washington pondered the unique capabilities of the unit as his battered army limped across New Jersey to the Delaware River. As he neared the river he dispatched the Marblehead regiment to gather all boats for miles along its banks. The boats went to the Pennsylvania side with his army.