The Battle of Brooklyn is more generally known as the Battle of Long Island, contested August 27, 1776. British and Hessian troops, under Gens. Clinton, Howe, Cornwallis, and DeHesiter, attacked the American fortifications in what now is Prospect Park in Brooklyn. The attacking forces overpowered the desperately fighting Americans under Gen. John Sullivan. Gen. Washington arrived late in the day with additional troops, saw the futility of making a stand, and withdrew the remaining American forces in a skillful night retreat.