Washington watched the disaster from Brooklyn, but was unable to detach any regiments to bring aid to Sullivan, as it now became clear to him that his whole army on Long Island might easily be cut off.

He decided to retreat from the island.

This he did on August 29th, having commandeered every boat that he could find.

He ferried his entire force across to the New York side with such secrecy and silence that the British did not notice that they were gone.

A heavy fog, which settled over the water during the night, greatly aided the adventure.