Battle Description

The Battle of Paulus Hook was a daring nighttime raid by Continental forces against a British fortification on the west bank of the Hudson River. On August 19, 1779, Major Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee led approximately 300 men in a surprise attack on the British outpost at Paulus Hook, a key position guarding the approach to New York City.

Lee’s men crossed marshes and creeks under cover of darkness and launched a swift assault just before dawn. They captured over 150 British soldiers with minimal American casualties. Due to the proximity of British reinforcements, Lee quickly withdrew with his prisoners before the garrison could recover.

Outcome

• Outcome: American victory; British garrison partially captured.
• Casualties:
  • American: ~2 killed, ~3 wounded
  • British: ~50 killed or wounded, ~158 captured

Significance on the Revolution

The raid on Paulus Hook was a morale-boosting success for the Continental Army and demonstrated the effectiveness of well-planned, small-scale operations. Congress awarded Lee a gold medal for his leadership—the only such honor given to a lower-ranking officer during the war. The battle disrupted British operations near New York and showcased American ingenuity and boldness in the face of superior numbers and fortifications.