LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 235th Anniversary of the Battle
of White Plains

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commemorate signif-
icant events which represent turning points in our unique history and
which are indelibly etched in the saga of our great Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 235th Anniversary of the Battle of White Plains; and
WHEREAS, The Battle of White Plains was a battle in the New York and
New Jersey campaign of the American Revolutionary War fought on October
28, 1776, near White Plains, New York; and
WHEREAS, Following the retreat of George Washington's Continental Army
northward from New York City, British General William Howe landed troops
in Westchester County, intending to cut off Washington's escape route;
and
WHEREAS, Alerted to this move, Washington retreated further, estab-
lishing a position in the village of White Plains but failing to estab-
lish firm control over local high ground; and
WHEREAS, Howe's troops drove Washington's troops from a hill near the
village; following this loss, Washington ordered the Americans to
retreat further north; and
WHEREAS, Later, British movements chased Washington across New Jersey
and into Pennsylvania; Washington then crossed the Delaware and
surprised a brigade of Hessian troops on December 26, in the Battle of
Trenton; and
WHEREAS, Each year on or near the anniversary date, the White Plains
Historical Society hosts a commemoration of the event at the Jacob Purdy
House in White Plains, New York; and
WHEREAS, Two ships in the United States Navy were named for the Battle
of White Plains; the CVE-66 was an escort carrier in World War II; the
AFS-4 was a combat stores ship that was decommissioned in 1995; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when events of
such historical importance are brought to our attention, they should be
celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of the great State of New
York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 235th Anniversary of the Battle of White Plains; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the White Plains Historical Society.