Lecture Series: Tom Dempsey’s Washington at Dey Mansion – July 1780: Making Attack

Local historian Tom Dempsey returns to Dey Mansion to share the history of daily events at the headquarters in July 1780. In his presentation, Tom will discuss how events were shaped by the anticipated arrival of the French forces. The General Orders and correspondence from that time reflect a growing resolve by Washington to launch an attack on New York, despite troubling reports of British naval superiority. As the month progressed, Washington learned that the British had their own menacing plans, ultimately forcing the Continental Army to leave Preakness.