 Proudly, we hail from New York City where the American stage begins. Here is another program with a cast of outstanding players Public service time has been made available by this station for your army and your Air Force to bring you this story as Proudly, we hail the brave men of the Continental Army Our story is entitled line of defense the dramatic story of the defense of New York and the saving of an army That was destined to win America's independence Our first act curtain will rise in just a moment, but first today you're rapidly expanding United States Army needs intelligent young men with ability and ambition Men intelligent enough to recognize the vital need for a strong armed force Men with ability enough to be trained in a necessary job Men with ambition enough to secure the future for themselves and their loved ones Does this description fit you? Can you qualify? For full information on how you can fit in with the finest Check with your nearest United States Army and United States Air Force recruiting station now And now your army and your Air Force present the proudly we hail production line of defense The winter of 1776 had solidified the American revolutionary movement The streams of discontent that had their beginnings in the first rumblings of George 3rd's oppression had now frozen into solid lines of resistance Americans were aware of the cold facts that British sovereignty could no longer be reconciled with colonial liberty a War had begun and the action was only to be decided by a victory of arms For the campaign to come both sides made extensive preparations The British decided to shift their field of action by early spring from Boston to New York City From there they plan to hold the line formed by the Hudson River in Cooperation with a force that was to move down from Canada and thus effectively isolate New England Across the East River from New York Town lay Long Island and a sparsely populated area called Brookland To get into Brookland. You had to first take a ferry from the foot of Fulton Street What what over here over here? I Tell you general it's inspiring that man Tom Paine has this town in an uproar my word Come come and catch your breath. We plenty of time the ferry's not to leave until Putnam comes I'm sorry sir. I was a bit overcome for the moment Well, I hope this weather isn't getting the best of you Colonel Hello, sir It was just someone had posted a copy of common sense on the corner of Wall Street Which a crowd had gathered to read and cheer a crowd gathered and in this weather too I couldn't push through the narrow street for the life of me. Yeah, it's a different world We're living in Ward. We've come a long way from Lexington. I general when a people aroused Hey, listen to that. Oh, I think your crowd is catching up with you again. I'm not mistaken, sir That's general Putnam working his way through some enthusiastic admirers. Why I believe you're right Nathaniel Colonel Ward I had no idea I would have so distinguished a reception committee your message spoke of things a virgin moment general I thought it best the right Nathaniel. Let's be a board and done with them Corporal see that the horses are fed and well-bedded. We're back to Philadelphia in the morning The outgoing tide carried the ferry bearing the three men away from the Fulton Street slip and pushed it silently across the river to Brookland Fresh mounds were waiting on the Long Island shore as the three brave the cold winds that blew down wall about Bay from the north They headed up along the waters of the Gowanus to Fort Putnam a bastion of the newly formed army of the Continental Congress a Driving snow began to fall and the three were hailed into the fort and about their business Shake the weather from your boots general come warm yourself by the fire. That I will Nathaniel. You would hang a cape here It'll dry quickly. Thank you, sir Well, it's no wonder our British friends sit out the winter in Boston and Halifax These winter winds are more destructive of armies than bullets and bayonets. You're right Ward But your men here look well cared for Nathaniel. Hi, sir, but they champ at the bit for action Well, they'll have it sooner than they wished for And you have a map of the northeast quarter Nathaniel. Yes, sir There you are for you Our agent says that how and Burgoyne have reasoned that the seat of rebellion lies within the limits of This quarter from New York town Roughly north and east to Quebec They feel that if they can quash rebellion here the rest of the colonies will submit with a minimum of resistance Does the general know our situation here the disbursement of trained troops is woefully thin Washington knows it can only be a delaying action. Yeah, let's see that map again Nathaniel. Oh, hi, sir Now the only place that how could put his men ashore would be off Gravesend or New Utrecht here Right, sir. Any further up the narrows will put them in range of our cannon Then he'd probably follow the road to Flatbush across Here and storm the heights across country to Brookland making the crossing into New York town Hi, and our line of defense should lies somewhere about Here on the heights and we hold them there and you see the way go on this creek lies in here Hmm and the wall about Bay lies here We can guard approximately three miles of the East River by a short defense line Where I've indicated that good and that's the ways to be done Make your plans accordingly. Oh one thing more Nathaniel The householder who owns the property on the heights Make sure of his loyalty It could be troublesome were he not friendly You Come down from behind I break every dish in the house over your head my kid, please No, you lazy there will be no reading of these foolish papers when there is jobs to do the ground is hard Matilda cannot be worked. We do not work the ground We fix door on new barns or cows can go in and out I am richest farmer in all Brooklyn Matilda. Why cannot hired man fix the door on my barn? Isaac we will fix the barn now You want to be poor hollander like your father? No, Matilda, but there are important happenings in Boston in Philadelphia The colonies will no longer pay allegiance to British Kings. That is good. Yeah, there are important things in Brooklyn, too Barn door is broken cows go in and out in the cold and freeze no more milk. It's no use This house even some milk would sour turn I go now fix My lense Isaac, I'm not for company who you tell to come I tell no one We must answer the door who is there girl ward. I go change my dress you answer the door Isaac I will be in the a Colonel ward come in come in out to the cold So long since I've been honored with your company. I have come with good reason Isaac Can I speak of course couldn't speak my tutor has gone to change her place Well, I won't take more than just a moment Isaac it appears now as if we'll see some action by spring Yes, the British are mounting an army of nearly 30,000 men at Halifax, and they'll probably attack New York by summer Yes, the first battle will probably be fought right here in Long Island in Brookland We have not enough troops to meet an army's that size We must build the line of defense here that will hold house army long enough for us to be able to evacuate our Small army to New York Colonel whatever help I can give What can I do? The line of defense is to be here on your property here. Yes We plan to build battlements along the whole north ridge of your farm along the Heights a Defense line of a little more than a mile at that point Can guard over three miles of the East River? Yeah. Yeah, you're right There's no other place in all of Brookland. I'm glad Colonel you come by me first Why you do not tell me we have come to do you have never met colonel war from the fourth colonel my wife Matilda is an honor madam. Did you not offer the colonel a cup of coffee Isaac? Well, I can always a colonel came about some clothes for some new army Matilda Armies clothes. What silly business is this madam? We fight for our freedom. It should be the concern of everyone the war does not come to our farm I cannot if it is British King or American King who sits on throne if the yoke of oppression is worn by one man It's worn by all this is nonsense. I think colonel. We had better talk at another time Yes, yes, I'd best be getting back to the fall here. Let me help you with your court. Thank you Isaac About that other matter we discussed yes matter What other matter? Well, there's offense offense colonel Ward is to send some men to build offense Where do we need offense on the heights Matilda are you crazy Isaac? It is our property on both sides of the heights why you need offense Matilda I'm surprised with you. We have talked about fence many times for windbreak to to build garden to make pond We need fence Matilda. Well, I don't want has kindly offered to send over some of his men We have nothing to do to help build the fence for nothing. It will be beautiful fence material You're sure is for nothing. Oh, absolutely. Mrs. Van Fleet. Yeah, since it's for nothing I cannot see where it will do harm. Good day colonel. I must now go about my work Strange. I do not remember about the fence Isaac do not belong. We still have the barn door to fit. Yeah, I'm a killer. I'm coming Thank You Isaac start your fence soon colonel like an army when you have won a victory never gives the enemy time to recover Isaac it is over a month that the soldiers are still working out on the heights They're making a big fence. It's a big win the sweeps in from the North Matilda Right, but do not leave the work interfere with your plowing second will be broken The seeds will be planted the crops will go Isaac the fence still goes on when are these men through when will this fence be finished and done with it takes time Matilda one stone does not build the wall I think this fence is no good is all we talk now fence fence fence You go to the fort and tell colonel that we do not need any more fence the work is true But Matilda Isaac the work is true Isaac come in come in. It's good to see you again my friend. I'm glad to see you colonel ward, but I come with bad news Well, maybe I can offset it with some good news Isaac our line of defense is finished. Ah good Matilda could not much longer be fooled. Oh under one more thing Isaac. Yeah, I may impose on you further We're expecting a visitor from Philadelphia next week to inspect the fortifications. Oh Well Matilda has very nice sister in Yonkers town. She has not seen in two years Well, isn't it strange that we happen to have a coach going that way with some important dispatches which Just happens to have room for one more passenger I think her sister gets very sick and has no one to take care of a fine three children Isaac my friend. How is it possible to measure your kindness? Well, here's a toast then say To your visitor to Yonkers and to your visitor from Philadelphia You are listening to the proudly we hail production line of defense our story will continue in just a moment after this important message Young man, let's talk about your future and America's future. They're important to each other, you know Today your United States Army is charged with a vital responsibility You need only to glance at your local newspaper to realize how vital And to meet this responsibility the army is rapidly expanding its forces They have a job for you a job that must be done by men of courage You can get full details of how you may best serve your future and your country's future By a visit to your nearest United States Army and United States Air Force recruiting station today And now your army and your Air Force bring you the second act of the proudly we hail production line of defense in the early spring of 1776 Colonel Ward with a regiment numbering 519 men all under the direction of General Nathaniel Green as engineer was engaged in forming a line of defense Which extended from the present Brooklyn Navy yard gate then on the wall about to Fort Green Then call Fort Putnam and then to the waters of the Gowanus at the present junction of Nevins and Baltic streets in The borough of Brooklyn in the city of New York On April 13 1776 General George Washington arrived in New York town from Philadelphia newly appointed by the Continental Congress as general of all the armies he had faith in a cause that he knew was just and Incidentally, he had a wall to inspect a line of defense It's fine Israel just fine We'll serve our purpose to the letter and glad you pleased general, but come along Israel We must be getting back to the fort. Oh one moment more sir That house down the hill man. Yes, Israel. He belongs to an old friend of Colonel wards. His name is Van Vleet This is his property on which we've built our fortifications. If I might suggest sir I think it would not be out of order were you to pay your respects. You're absolutely right Israel I only wish it were possible in such instances to reward these noble deeds with more than words The day will come general the day will come When I was a boy in Holland general Washington my father would take me on long walks Each time to a new place Yet also places was the same. I do not understand Isaac. Oh, thank you pardon, gentlemen It's so difficult for me to express myself go ahead. Don't leave Well, we went to one place where farmer had died for the right to grow what he wanted Another where William Pitt had preached when he came to Holland Another where a religious man had been hanged for believing what he wanted to believe You see my father was a simple farmer Yet he knew in his heart that things could be better and he wanted me to know that life was not the most precious thing But living was yes It's very obvious to us all that you believe in our principles very strongly And you must believe in something and so I always tell us is to Matilda Matilda Oh, she's my wife general a good help me those these years in America. Yeah But they're very hard woman by the way Van Vleet is that she coming where coming up over the crest of the hill there Yeah That is her Isn't it rather unusual for a woman to be traveling alone through the countryside not my Matilda? Oh She was to have been in yonkers with her sister Jenny. She should not be here. I think we'd best be going Isaac No, no, no, please stay if only for a moment and just remember she knows nothing of the fence line What's that? She thinks we have built fence for win-break Matilda knows nothing of war and soldiers and I think you've complicated things unduly for yourself and with your permission general I do not think you know my Matilda Sometimes it is wise of the plant a new corpse and to let the land lie fallow I do not believe in telling on tools, but Matilda has a busy mind and it needs something to work Isaac Van Vleet Who are these men gentlemen? This is my wife Matilda's is a general George Washington and a general button How do you do? How do you do? Isaac I would like to speak with you Matilda. Can you not offer company something Isaac? I would like to speak with you. I'm afraid Van Vleet that we must be on our way must you general Washington has a meeting in New York this evening. Oh Goodbye Van Vleet. I don't think anything further need be said. God be with you Goodbye, Mrs. Van Vleet. It's been a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Goodbye Isaac and Mrs. Van Vleet. Goodbye Goodbye Isaac Yeah, Matilda. Where are you going? I go out cows to milk. It can wait Why you tell me Jenny is sick and cannot take care of the children. I see Jenny by the Fulton Street Fairy she's come to visit me Why you tell me this why It is very peaceful ward for two months now my Matilda says nothing to me. I Think it best we have big arguments. She forgets about friends. Well, I'm afraid Isaac It's going to be a very rude awakening for her. Why is this Colonel? The word is that the British fleet sailed from Halifax Harbor early this month They'll be landing off graves and sometime around the middle of August time goes so fast turn like cannot tell what happened to the springs this year Corn is almost waist high. Well, that's why I'm here Isaac fortifications are to be occupied. Yes We're moving in sometime early next week. We can't wait any longer. You're right I cannot wait any longer either Matilda must know and She must know today. I think perhaps in my eyes. No, no, it is my responsibility The cart has pulled the horse for too long I see Isaac I have meant to ask you for some time now Have you made any plans for your own evacuation when the British come? Vacuation you mean leave here Fooling no no Isaac. I'm afraid I'm not Your farm is going to be untenable territory in red coat hands, but Colonel of my life's blood feeds on these fields I'm sorry Isaac. I guess I shouldn't have asked besides What was the British want with a simple innocent Hollander? No, Colonel. I think I stay right here in Brooklyn. I Know you will come back Isaac are you crazy? I do not wish to see the fence now come Matilda. You'll never get from the house out The first flowers are beginning to go along the fence. You should see I have little time for flowers But I'm making wheels of cheese in the kitchen I look there now Is this not something? Yeah, all right is something Now I go back to cheese. You know Matilda It's like Holland Are you crazy? Yeah, it's like Holland Look down to Sokove. It's like can I such nonsense and look flowers is yellow and red if you close your eyes A little bit like this. It's all tulips Like Holland Isaac. I must go back to the cheese and cows below could be Dutch cows I think maybe next year. I built windmill right here on the height so it will be Holland here in Brooklyn This would be nice Isaac Holland Here in Brooklyn, you remember Matilda I remember Isaac, but things are good here too Matilda These past 20 years have been good to us Isaac the cheese will curl so we make a new batch I wish it were easy to make new country like new batch cheese What do you mean Isaac? We work hard Matilda almost all our lives. Yeah, whichever way you look is our land yours mine America has been good to us. We don't need Holland now Matilda even so we still love what we remember This is true Isaac, but why are you telling me this? Matilda we cannot leave some to take it away Crazy man. What are you talking about? The British Matilda? They will take it all the canals of tulips of windmill It's impossible. No Matilda, it's real Colonel Ward has told me the British land of graves and the new it right before next month. They cannot do this Can they Isaac they will take it all they will land about 30,000 minute new earth right marching to flatbush and height up this hill to our house But we cannot let them Isaac. No Matilda. No. We cannot let them. What can we do Isaac? What can we do? What can we do? Oh? Wait Wait, I have an idea our fence will stop some our fence Isaac have you gone mad? No. No, I will go to the fort and talk with Colonel Ward This wall will be perfect line of defense to stop the British if they try to cross the Heights to New York Town and it must be done For once Isaac, you're right. Absolutely right. It must be done All right easy there easy Those are cannon not roast pig easy easy Rest you men don't stand there move lively We ain't here that's it I'd like to see your general house face when he looks into that one It'll blast him the kingdom car The ships have been sighted sir. There are five men of war They've recognized the Phoenix and the Greyhound among them. So I take it this is to be the action. We've waited for And if I may say so sir, we're ready for them What's that woman doing in the line? She shouldn't be there. Yes, sir. Oh, hey sergeant that woman in the line See that she gets evacuated to a rear position. Yes, sir immediately Holy Sergeant General General I can't believe my eyes No, no, no, it can't be. What is it colonel? Speak up man With your permission, sir I'd like to let that woman remain as long as she wishes. Well, yes colonel of course, but why one moment sir Sergeant let that woman proceed as before Sir never know my born days that I think I'd see this hour That woman is Matilde Van Fleet pouring coffee for the men in the line They're coming sir, but they don't know is to be an empty victory for them Sergeant let's make that first salvo a furious one They won't dare to mount these heights again Easy man hold your fire Easy man easy Look at them march up the hill That's the way those that can will march down Now men up your muskets. That's the word down the line sergeant ready Let them have it As the victorious army of general howe approached the line of defense on the afternoon of August 27 1776 The imposing appearance of a well-planned fortifications serve to check the order of his troops and The commanding general halted his assault and decided that only by slow approaches and counter fortifications could he reduce the works The progress of the British army having been stopped by the fortifications Sufficient time elapsed to enable Washington to retreat successfully across the east river with the entire forces under his command The loss of this portion of the Continental Army in the early days of the revolution Would have been disastrous to the cause of the Americans a loss that could not have been made good Historians all agree that the line of defense was the main factor in saving the American army from capture after the battle of Long Island Here's a special message for the young men of our country The United States Army the senior service of our armed forces is expanding rapidly and needs your help By enlisting in the United States Army You'll not only get the finest training in the world, but you'll have the special pride that goes with wearing a United States Army uniform Why not get full details today? Visit your local United States Army and United States Air Force recruiting station and list now This has been another program on proudly we hail presented transcribed in cooperation with this station Proudly we hail is produced by the recruiting publicity center for the United States Army and United States Air Force recruiting service This is Kenneth Banghart speaking and inviting you to tune in the same station next week for another interesting story on proudly we hail