Benjamin L. Carp explains how the British specifically targeted three rebel captains—Amos Fellows, Abraham Patton, and Abraham Van Dyk—suspecting them of arson. Patton, a member of Washington's spy network, allegedly confessed on the gallows, stating he d

Benjamin L. Carp explains how the British specifically targeted three rebel captains—Amos Fellows, Abraham Patton, and Abraham Van Dyk—suspecting them of arson. Patton, a member of Washington's spy network, allegedly confessed on the gallows, stating he died for liberty and had accomplices in the burning of New York. Washingtonnotably supported these men and their families, acknowledging their service. He famously remarked that "Providence" or an "honest fellow" had achieved the strategic goal of destroying the city, a task the Continental Army could not officially undertake due to orders from the civilian government in Congress. (7)
1776