The colonies are at war with Great Britain but have yet to appoint a leader of their forces. Discussion of the appropriate general begins. John Hancock expects to be nominated but instead a day later George Washington is appointed to the position. He appoints four generals below him. The first is Artemas Ward a veteran of one campaign in the French and Indian war. Second comes Charles Lee. Lee is considered by most as the most experienced and brilliant general representing the colonies. The only reason he is not given Washington's rank is due to his eccentricity. The remaining two generals are given their rank merely for geographical convenience. Philip Schuyler of New York and Israel Putnam of Connecticut are given the positions. Washington, desperate for more leadership, goes to Congress and inquires about Horatio Gates, a dejected yet worthy major who could not climb any higher in the British military hierarchy because of his lowly roots. Although the Congress has not heard of Gates before, they listen to Washington and gave Gates the rank of Brigadier General. .
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Washington's continental forces are cored on the forces from several colonies gathered in Boston and Cambridge. Two days after being named General of the American forces the battle of Bunker Hill occurs. The American forces drive back the British forces twice and suffer fewer, casualties marking the first victory by George Washington in the Revolutionary War. .
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After Bunker Hill Washington go to Long Island to attempt to defend New York from General William Howe but is soundly defeated. He regroups at Harlem (or Dorchester depending on point of reference) Heights and is again defeated at the Battle of White Plains on October 28th. .
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After the harsh winter of 1776 at Valley Forge the decimated Patriot forces rallied first at the battle of Trenton, then Princeton and eventually at Saratoga, winning the much-needed alliance to the French.