New York & New Jersey Campaign > Staten Island Peace Conference

Staten Island Peace Conference

Background

The Staten Island Peace Conference, also known as the Staten Island Peace Talks, took place on September 11, 1776. This attempt at negotiating a peaceful resolution to the burgeoning conflict between Great Britain and the American colonies occurred during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. Despite its high hopes, the conference ended in failure, illustrating the deep divisions between the British government and the American revolutionaries.

Background:

1. Strategic Context:

   • By mid-1776, the conflict between Great Britain and the American colonies had escalated into a full-scale war. The British had recently captured New York City after the Battle of Long Island.
   • The Continental Congress had declared independence on July 4, 1776, solidifying the colonies' commitment to breaking away from British rule. Despite the ongoing war, there were still hopes on both sides for a negotiated settlement.

2. British Initiative:

   • The British government, led by King George III and Lord North, recognized the difficulties in subduing the colonies and authorized peace commissioners to explore the possibility of a negotiated peace.
   • Admiral Richard Howe and his brother, General Sir William Howe, were appointed as peace commissioners with the authority to grant pardons and negotiate terms.

The Conference:

1. Participants:

   • The British delegation was led by Admiral Richard Howe, who had hoped his favorable reputation in America and his previous friendly relations with prominent colonists might facilitate a peaceful resolution.
   • The American delegation consisted of three prominent members of the Continental Congress: Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge. These delegates were chosen for their diplomatic skills and political influence.

2. Location and Setting:

   • The conference took place on Staten Island, New York, at the home of Christopher Billop, a Loyalist. The location was chosen for its neutrality and proximity to the British forces stationed in New York.

3. Discussion and Proposals:

   • The discussions during the conference were cordial but ultimately unproductive. Admiral Howe opened the meeting by expressing his desire for a peaceful resolution and his authority to offer pardons to those who would submit to British rule.
   • The American delegates, however, made it clear that they were not interested in negotiating a return to British governance. They emphasized their commitment to independence and demanded recognition of their newly declared status.

4. Points of Contention:

   • The primary point of contention was the issue of American independence. While the British were willing to offer concessions and pardons, they were not authorized to recognize American independence.
   • The American delegates insisted that any negotiations must start with British recognition of their independence, a stance the British could not accept.

Aftermath and Impact:

1. Failure to Reach Agreement:

   • The Staten Island Peace Conference ended without any agreement. The American delegates left with the understanding that reconciliation with Britain was impossible without full recognition of independence.
   • Admiral Howe reported the failure of the talks to the British government, which continued its military efforts to subdue the rebellion.

2. Continued Hostilities:

   • The failure of the conference meant that the war would continue unabated. The British intensified their military campaigns, while the Americans prepared for further resistance.
   • The Battle of Harlem Heights occurred just days after the conference, as both sides resumed their military engagements.

3. Symbolic Significance:

   • The Staten Island Peace Conference is significant for illustrating the deep ideological divide between the British government and the American revolutionaries. It highlighted the irreconcilable differences regarding independence and governance.
   • The conference also underscored the resolve of the American leadership to pursue complete independence, reinforcing their commitment to the cause.

Significance:

• Diplomatic Effort: The Staten Island Peace Conference represented one of the few formal attempts to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict, emphasizing the complexities and challenges of diplomacy during the Revolutionary War.
• Reaffirmation of Independence: The failure of the talks reaffirmed the American commitment to independence and demonstrated the futility of British efforts to negotiate a return to colonial status without recognizing the new political realities.
• Prelude to Continued Conflict: The conference's outcome set the stage for continued and intensified military conflict, with both sides recognizing that the war would likely be long and hard-fought.

The Staten Island Peace Conference remains a notable episode in the American Revolutionary War, symbolizing the intractable differences between the American quest for independence and the British desire to maintain their empire.

New York & New Jersey Campaign Battles

• Ambush of Geary
• Battle of Fort Lee
• Fort Washington
• Battle of Harlem Heights
• Battle of Iron Works Hill
• Battle of Long Island
• Battle of Millstone
• Battle of Pell's Point
• Battle of Princeton
• Battle of the Assunpink Creek
• Battle of Trenton
• Battle of White Plains
• Crossing the Delaware River
• Forage War
• Great Fire of New York
• Landing at Kips Bay
• Staten Island Peace Conference

Sources

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