<P> The British were stunned to find that Washington and the army had escaped . Later in the day, August 30, the British troops occupied the American fortifications . When news of the battle reached London, it caused many festivities to take place . Bells were rung across the city, candles were lit in windows and King George III gave Howe the Order of the Bath . </P> <P> Washington's defeat revealed his deficiencies as a strategist who split his forces, his inexperienced generals who misunderstood the situation, and his raw troops that fled in disorder at the first shots . However, his daring nighttime retreat has been seen by some historians as one of his greatest military feats . Other historians concentrate on the failure of British naval forces to prevent the withdrawal . </P> <P> Howe remained inactive for the next half month, not attacking until September 15 when he landed a force at Kip's Bay . The British quickly occupied the city . On September 21, a fire of uncertain origin destroyed a quarter of New York City . In the immediate aftermath of the fire Nathan Hale was executed for spying . Although American troops delivered an unexpected check to the British at Harlem Heights in mid-September, Howe defeated Washington in battle again at White Plains and then again at Fort Washington . Because of these defeats, Washington and the army retreated across New Jersey and into Pennsylvania . </P> <P> At the time, it was by far the largest battle ever fought in North America . If the Royal Navy is included, over 40,000 men took part in the battle . Howe reported his losses as 59 killed, 268 wounded and 31 missing . The Hessian casualties were 5 killed and 26 wounded . The Americans suffered much heavier losses . About 300 had been killed and over 1,000 captured . As few as half of the prisoners survived . Kept on prison ships, then transferred to locations such as the Middle Dutch Church, they were starved and denied medical attention . In their weakened condition, many succumbed to smallpox . </P>

When did the battle of long island start