You're listening to an Airwave Media Podcast. Hello and thank you for joining the American Revolution.

Today, episode 105, the Staten Island Peace Conference.

After General Howe conquered Brooklyn and Long Island, which I discussed back in

episode 103, he decided to take a couple of weeks before invading Manhattan Island, at this time often called York City.

Hal did not want to crush the colonists.

His invasion of Long Island had proven to the

colonists that they could not stand up to his forces. Rather than shed blood,

General Howe and his brother Admiral Howe looked for a way to get the rebels to surrender and put an end to all of this.

Howe, of course, intended to take Manhattan.

It was only a question of whether the Continental Army would surrender before

or after the British moved into the city. How's pause was an attempt to end things without a further demonstration of the destructive

power of his army.

During this pause, General Howe sent a report of the defeat of the Americans on Long Island.

He didn't really go out of his way to emphasize Washington's amazing escape, so London

celebrated the victory as a vindication of the plan to use overwhelming force.

The king made General Howe a night of the bath and promised the conquering hero other rewards when he returned home victorious.

So, congratulations to William Howell becoming Sir William.

Of course, Howe would not learn of this honor for months, but it shows just how ready

officials in London were to receive some good news and name him a hero.

But as I said, General Howe seemed less interested in military victories than being a diplomat who could heal the political differences between Britain and the colonies.

Remember, both of the Howe brothers between Britain and the colonies.

Remember, both of the Howe brothers were wig members of Parliament who generally supported a policy of accommodation with the colonies.

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