General Clinton encounters the first major problem…
June 1776 CE
An attempt to wade the channel between the two islands establishes that part of the channel is at least shoulder-deep, too deep for troops to cross even without the prospect of enemy opposition.
He considers using boats to ferry the troops across, but the Americans, with timely advice from General Lee, adopts a strong defensive position that is virtually impossible to bombard from ships or the Long Island position.
As a result, the British and American forces face each other across the channel, engaging in occasional and largely inconsequential cannon fire at long range.
Clinton reports that this means that Admiral Parker will have "the glory of being defeated alone."
The attack is originally planned for June 24, but bad weather and contrary wind conditions prompt Parker to call it off for several days.
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