The Battle of Long Island was the first display of British military power. After American defeats at the Battles of Long Island and Harlem Heights, George Washington moved his army northwards into New York State. The battle began on August 27, 1776 and ended on August 29th. The Battle of Long Island was fought between British and American troops during the American Revolution. The British pursued him doggedly by land and river. The Battle of Long Island was a major battle in the American war of independence. British Forces was commanded by Lt. Gen. William Howe and consisted of 22,000 Soldiers. On August 22, the British began landing troops on Long Island. In the battle of Long Island , the British lost about 388 casualties (64 killed, 293 wounded, 31 missing). In the 76-hour Battle of Tarawa, U.S. Marines suffered almost as many killed-in-action casualties as U.S. troops suffered in the six-month campaign at Guadalcanal Island. Although they were embarrassed in Boston, General William Howe knew that the key to the Americas was New York. On August 27, 1776, British forces under a far more experienced military professional, General Sir William Howe, had soundly drubbed the American army in the Battle of Long Island and were now poised to finish it off. The Americans listed about 1,400 casualties from the Battle of Long Island. General George Washington knew he had badly miscalculated. Learn More After the British evacuated Boston on March 17, 1776, General George Washington guessed correctly that their next target would be … Author: History.com Editors. The British toll numbered fewer than 400. During the battle of Long Island, American army scrambled into the fortifications at Brooklyn Heights. General George Washington knew he had badly miscalculated. General George Washington knew he had badly miscalculated. Did you know? Advancing west from Kip's Bay, Howe occupied the high ground near Murray Hill but then halted until 9,000 additional troops landed. On August 22, British transports landed 10,000 infantrymen at Gravesend Bay on Long Island.