Monday, October 28, 2019

Element of Drama Essay Example for Free

Element of Drama Essay Accordingly, elements of drama consist of literary, technical and performance elements. In Hamlet, it can be said that the elements of drama for each category are quite obvious. The first element to consider is the characters. It can be said that most dramas composes of the major and minor characters and in line with Hamlet, The major characters include Hamlet and Claudius and the minor include Marcellus which serves a specific purpose of informing the lead character of the appearance of the his father’s ghost. There is also protagonist antagonist and in the case of Hamlet, the protagonist is Hamlet and the antagonist. Another type of character is the stereotype and the role of Hamlet also shows how such s stereotype has been modified. The theme of Hamlet is commonly stated as the failure’s of the youth of poetic temperament to adjust with different situations which demand action. The plot lies on the struggles of Hamlet and how she cope or not cope with the situation that challenges her. It can be said that Hamlet has been able to achieve artistic maturity through the opposing struggles of the people in the drama the moral integrity that it implies with the audiences. In terms of technical side, it can be said that drama plays have been able to produce a sense of hatred and revenge to the audience with how they perform the drama. For instance, the settings show a heavy feeling in the part of Hamlet because of the death of his father. The musical scores alike provide revengeful music as they try to make the people feel the tension among characters. The actors and actresses of the play has been very effective in making the audience feels the wrath of Hamlet because of what happened to his father (Bradley, 51). It can be said that Hamlet was written with poetic diction that uses eloquent words as well as phrases and the performance have shown in their actions how this drama has been able to create and keep tensions and suspense throughout the play. All in all, it can be said that this drama has been able to use different elements integrated to establish a tragedy. Reference Bradley, A. C. Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear Macbeth. New York: Penguin, 1991.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Traditional African Music Essays -- Musical Traditions Essays Papers

Traditional African Music An attempt to pin down a single meaning for the word 'traditional,' presents a problem in many ways. The implications of the word are many, and are tied to various connotations. Some people, Westerners in particular, may actually shun the 'traditional,' as they feel that it implies a resistance to modernity. This view is incorrect, and there exists an ethnocentric double standard when Westerners consider their tradition versus African tradition. Others focus on 'tradition' as that which has always been done, for whatever reason, and that it must be continued to maintain the community, a universal balance, a relationship with the gods, or some other goal. Africa and its people have experienced many hardships over the course of history, from colonization to current attempts at development. Oppression, forced enslavement or other forms of brutality have been constant threats. These dangers have helped create a stronger African identity in many senses. Difficult times bring out in human s a desire to cling to that which is known and familiar, as everything else seems to spiral out of control. As many slaves journeyed across the Middle Passage, for example, they disregarded language and ethnic barriers, and collaborated to make music as an escape from the horrors of their circumstances, in order to create a tie to the homeland. Groups such as the Tumbuka and Dagbamba have also done this. They have managed to retain a strong identity, partially due to the continued use of musical practices; paradoxically, this has tied them to ancestral practices, but also made the transition to modernity easier. In dealing with societies where that which is modern is completely foreign and different from customary, holdin... ... Instead, it is multifaceted and complex. Contrary to what many believe, the retention of traditional practices and a transition to a modern state are not mutually exclusive. The role that tradition and customary behavior and practice play in society depends heavily on the situation and the individual reckoning of the importance of maintaining traditional musical practices, the value placed on time and its rationing, and the possible symbiotic relationship between the modern and the traditional. The analysis of how these three seemingly unrelated concepts interact with each other forms a basis for understanding the extent to which ?traditional? musical elements will be accepted or rejected by a particular society. ?Tradition? does not entail backwardness or inability to react to changes, but rather a continued respect for those who came before and their way of life.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Police Corruption Essay

Corruption is a complex problem having its roots and ramifications in society as a whole. Corruption is defined as â€Å"improper or selfish exercise of power and influence attached to a public office or to a special position one occupies in public life† Definition of corruption is sufficiently broad to include a range of such activities: â€Å"A public official is corrupt if he accepts money or money’s worth for doing something he is under a duty to do anyway, that he is under a duty not to do, or to exercise a legitimate discretion for improper reasons.† [McMullan (1961: 183-4)]    Punch (1985) broadens this definition in two ways. He defines corruption as occurring: â€Å"When an official receives or is promised significant advantage or reward (personal, group or organizational) for doing something that he is under a duty to do anyway, that he is under a duty not to do, for exercising a legitimate discretion for improper reasons, and for employing illegal means to achieve approved goals.† Punch has broaden the definition in the way that corruption is not always individual it can be in group or organizational and sometimes it also involves illegal means to achieve the goals.   Corruption in one form or other has always existed in the country. The Bofors, HDW Submarine deal, Airbus deal, ABB Loco deal, Jain Hawala Racket, Sugar scam, Security scam, Urea scam, Fodder scam, etc., are a few example of corruption in various departments. The tentacles of corruption have spread to the system of governance –from civil-political-military. Thus no institution can claim itself to be free from corruption. It has now become the part of life and is a problem that has and will continue to affect us all, whether we are civilians or law enforcement officers.   Unlike the other executive wings of the government, the police,  Ã‚  Ã‚   which have maximum visibility in the society, are a pet theme for such corruption. In police, corruption is usually viewed as the misuse of authority by a police officer while in duty to fulfil personal needs or wants. Few facts about police corruption: It is: Pervasive – corrupt practices are found in some form in a great many police agencies in all societies; A continuing problem – there is evidence of corrupt practices from all stages of police history; Not simply a problem of the lower ranks – corruption has been found at all levels of the police organization; Not simply financial: activities (including ‘process’ activities) extending beyond bribery and extortion have been found. For a corrupt act to occur, three distinct elements of police corruption must be present simultaneously:   1) Misuse of authority,   2) Misuse of official capacity   3) Misuse of personal attainment. (Dantzker, 1995: p 157) It can be said that power inevitably tends to corrupt, and it is yet to be recognized that, while there is no reason to suppose that policemen as individuals are any less fallible than other members of society, people are often shocked and outraged when policemen are exposed violating the law. General police deviance can include brutality, discrimination, sexual harassment, intimidation, and illicit use of weapons. Police corruption is a universal problem that has its regime in many countries and is a recurring issue that cannot simply be away by repressive measures. Police officers are the state made flesh and plays a role of law enforcers, problem solvers and the most direct representatives of the state. They give their visible, uniformed, 24-hour presence on the streets and their crucial involvement in social intervention and law enforcement. If they are corrupt, then the citizens will lose their confidence in them. Police corruption is not an individual aberration it can takes place from patrol to chief and can be generated by the organization itself. Corruption within police departments falls into 2 basic categories, which are external corruption and internal corruption. External corruption: It involves the relation of police with the public and can involve one or more of the following activities: Payoffs to police: By essentially non-criminal elements who fail to comply with stringent statutes or city ordinances; (for example, individuals who repeatedly violate traffic laws). By individuals who continually violate the law as a method of making money (for example, prostitutes, narcotics addicts and pushers, & professional burglars). 2) â€Å"Clean Graft† where money or courtesy discounts or gratitude is paid to police for services. Internal corruption: It is the relationship between various officers within the police department. Police corruption comes in various shapes and sizes from the major drug trafficking and money laundering to looking the other way on minor everyday violations of the law. The typology of police corruption given by Roebuck and Barker (1974) has eight categories, to which Punch (1985) has added a ninth one (Table I). TABLE I Types and dimensions of police corruption. Types      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dimensions 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Corruption of authority  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚              2.   ‘Kickbacks’  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   3. Opportunistic theft      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   4. ‘Shakedowns’         Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   5. Protection of illegal activities      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   6. ‘The fix’      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   7. Direct criminal activities         Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   8. Internal payoffs      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   9. ‘Flaking’ or ‘padding’  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When officers receive some form of material gain by virtue of their position without violating the law per se (e.g. free drinks, meals, services)    Receipt of goods, services or money for referring business to particular individuals or companies    Stealing from arrestees (‘rolling’), from traffic accident victims, crime victims and the bodies or property of dead citizens    Acceptance of a bribe for not following through a criminal violation – not making an arrest, filing a complaint or impounding property    Police protection of those engaged in illegal activities (prostitution, drugs, pornography) enabling the business to continue to operate    Undermining of criminal investigations or proceedings, or the ‘losing’ of traffic tickets    A police officer commits a crime against person or property for personal gain ‘in clear violation’ of both departmental norms and criminal law    Prerogatives available to police officers (holidays, shift allocations, promotion) are bought, bartered and sold Planting of or adding to evidence (particularly but not exclusively in drugs cases; Punch 1985)       Causes of the police corruption: To find out the causes of police corruption one has to focus on the nature and the kind of police work. One of the old explanation suggests that corruption is the product of â€Å"Bad Apple† i.e. corruption is due to few number of police officers who are quite unrepresentative of the wider standards exhibited by the organization. Factors of police corruption: Constant factors Variable factors Constant factors include the following: Discretion: The exercise of discretion is argued to have both legitimate and illegitimate bases. Low managerial visibility A police officer’s actions are often low in visibility as far as line management is concerned. Low public visibility Much of what police officers do is not witnessed by members of the public. Peer group secrecy ‘Police culture’ is characterized by a high degree of internal solidarity and secrecy. Managerial secrecy Police managers have generally worked themselves up from the ‘beat’ and share many of the values held by those they manage. Status problems Police officers are sometimes said to be poorly paid relative to their powers. Association with lawbreakers: Police officers inevitably come into contact with a wide variety of people who have an interest in police not doing what they have a duty to do. Variable factors Community structure: Refers to the degree of ‘anomie’, the political ‘ethos’, and the extent of culture conflict. Organizational characteristics: Levels of bureaucracy, integrity of leadership, solidarity of work subcultures, moral career stages of police officers, and the perception of legitimate opportunities. Legal opportunities for corruption: Moral: so-called ‘victimless crimes’ (Schur, 1965) associated with the policing of ‘vice’. Regulative: the exploitation of minor or trivial regulations such as those associated with construction, traffic and licensing. Corruption controls: How the guardians are themselves ‘guarded’. Social organization of corruption: Two basic forms: ‘arrangements’ and ‘events’. ‘Moral cynicism’: Association with lawbreakers and contact with temptation is inevitable in police work, inclining officers towards moral cynicism. Corruption control and Prevention: Basically controlling corruption is the only way that we can really limit corruption, because corruption is the by-product of the individual police officer, societal views, and, police environmental factors. Therefore control must come from not only the police department, but also must require the assistance and support of the community members. Controlling corruption from the departmental level requires a strong leadership organization, because corruption can take place anywhere from the patrol officer to the chief. Various strategies can be followed to control corruption viz., : Human resource management: It includes amendment of the existing system, training and implementation of new procedures.   Anti-corruption policies: Includes policies that would codify the standards of behavior of staff and outline the general parameters of the organization’s response to the problem. Internal controls: Emphasizes on detection and punishment of the wrong doings. External environment and external controls: Involves the attempt to encourage the public to be more vigilant and more willing to report suspicions of corruption. Although the police department have to solve the problem of corruption on their own still some support and assistance from local community is required. Public should be given knowledge regarding the negative effects of corruption on their police agency. They should be taught even ‘gratitude’ i.e. the most basic and common form of police corruption acts as a catalyst for more and future corruption. Earlier we use to think that corruption is a temporary, exceptional ‘problem’ which can be removed by ‘surgical’ treatment, as if it was a malignant cancer, to restore an otherwise healthy agency (the ‘bad apple’ metaphor), but now things have shifted to see corruption as   universal and as forming a permanent concern. All measures to control corruption have to take place in presence of sound leadership, sufficient resources and a battery of measures that should all be reinforcing the same mission and message. Thus it is the healthy leadership which is important and a focus on front-line supervision over the essential primary processes at the base of the organization is required. The police organization deals with people in trouble and people who cause trouble thus its cutting-edge is formed by uniformed officers and detectives in situations of low visibility. There has to be a persistent, patient emphasis on integrity and professional standards and on pushing the message that a corrupt policeman is a criminal, that he or she lets down colleagues and the profession, and that ‘noble-cause’ corruption is self-defeating. This is because, when it is exposed, it makes it more difficult to secure convictions and makes police methods suspect (Rose 1996). Vigilance and realism must be the watchwords of the police administrator seeking to control corruption. The emphasis, then, is on pride, professionalism, standards of competence and performance, legitimacy and of gaining and retaining confidence. Conclusion: To curb the widespread social evil, called corruption the efforts will have to come from both the police and the civil society. Society members should be educated about the negative effects of corruption within the police force and its long term disadvantages. For controlling corruption the police department requires an organization lead by people of strong character and who have good leadership qualities. The departmental goal should be well defined and should be pursued earnestly. According to today’s situation there is more urgent need to address basic issues like improving the working conditions of the police persons, inhumanly long working hours, the inadequate police-population ratio, a pay structure which is not proportional to the work allocated and, the disproportionately low budget for meeting the day to day expenses. All these are some major factors which are responsible for contributing to the image of the Police Force as insensitive and a corrupt organization. As long as citizens are willing to go along with corrupt police officers, just for the reason to obtain favors, there is no way in which corruption can be curbed . Some effective steps should be taken to make the picture cleaner and corruption free for the future generation. Thus one should not perceive corruption and other forms of police misconducts as individual aberrations of an incidental character that can be effectively banished by temporary, repressive measures. Reform of the police is the part of the reform of the society. It is important to focus on corruption control and to open our eyes to other insidious forms of police misconduct and even serious police crime. References: Punch Maurice (2000), Police Corruption And Its Prevention: European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research 8: 301–324. Newburn Tim, Understanding and Preventing Police Corruption:Lessons from the Literature; Research, Development and Statistics Directorate 50 Queen Anne’s Gate London SW1H 9AT. Bracey, D. H. (1992) ‘Police corruption and community relations: Community policing’ in Police Studis Vol 15 No 4, 179-183. Sayed, T. and Bruce, D. (1998a) ‘Police corruption: Towards a working definition’ in African Security Review Vol 7 No 1, 3-14. Thomas KV (2004), Corruption in Indian Police. Holloway Brandon(2002),Police Corruption (2002, November).   Police brutality, the copcrimes homepage for law enforcement and government corruption. Available: http://www.copcrimes.com/homepage.html   

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

A Good Man Is Hard to Find – Summary

A Good Man Is Hard to Find- my Initial reaction to this story was Intrigue. I was hooked from the first paragraph because I could foresee some sort of disaster or problem arising. I thought the story did not fail to entertain me. I really enjoyed reading the story and am interested in reading more stories from this author. Good Country People- I found Good Country People a little harder to follow and I kept losing interest in this story. I liked the previous story A Good Man is Hard to Find because it as intriguing.I think there may have been too much about religion In this story so It lost my Interest. (2) Is the story primarily escape or interpretive? Good Man is Hard to Find-this story is both escape and interpretive. I loved how the story took me to this era and I felt as if I were there to witness the family's run in with the misfit. On the other hand, it is interpretive because there was foreshadowing and symbolism in the story. Good Country People-this story Is more Interpreti ve because as a reader, I was spending ore time Interpreting what was going on as opposed to getting lost In the story and enjoying it. 3) What does the title mean? Are there any double meanings? A Good Man is Hard to Find- This title was tricky for me because before I read the story, I thought it was going to be about a woman who was down on her luck and unlucky with love. I thought I would be able to relate to the story but found the story to be a lot different than I thought. I still am unsure of what the title means and look forward to reading the responses of my classmates to see what their interpretation of the title means. 4) Summarize the plot in 4 or 5 sentences hitting on the following points: a.What happened in the beginning? A grandmother, her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren go on a trip even though most of the family members are reluctant to go on the trip. B. What was the rolling action? A cat causes the family to get In an accident In their vehicle while on th eir trip. C. Climax? They run Into a misfit and his friend who are escapees. The misfit talks to the grandmother while her family members are being shot to death. D. Falling action? The grandmother tries to talk the sift out of killing her and calls him her son. . Conclusion? The misfit kills the grandmother at the end of the story. (5) When/Where Is the story set? What clues led you to that conclusion? The story Is set in the South during the early 1 sass. I think this is the setting of the story because of the way the story is written and the way the grandmother talks about the plantations. 6) What Is the nature of the conflict? The conflict occurs from the beginning when the family heads off for their trip. Antagonists at one point or another. (8) How would you classify these characters? Mound or flat) (developing or static) The grandchildren seem to be flat but the grandmother is static. (9) Are symbols used in the story? Symbols used in the story are the misfit, the detour the grandmother wants to take, the grandmothers hat, and the cat that causes the accident. (10) What is the theme? How do you know? I am not religious but I would assume the theme has to deal with religion and God. Now for the story specific questions: â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† (1) What is the significance of the misfit? The misfit represents a good man gone bad.He was once a good man but something happened in his life to make him a hardened criminal. (2) What does the grandmother consider a â€Å"good man†? Does she think Bailey is a good man? The grandmother thinks a man is a good man if his values are the same as hers. I think she believes he is a good man because when she talks to him, he seems like his values are the same and then he shoots her and proves her wrong. (3) Why is the ending of this story significant? The ending is significant because it gives the reader insight into what the title of the short story means

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Enzymes1 essays

Enzymes1 essays An enzyme is a catalyst, which is a chemical agent that changes the rate of a reaction without being consumed by the reaction. The reactant that an enzyme acts on is called its substrate. While the enzyme is bound to the substrate, the catalytic action converts the substrate to the product. Because of its shape, each enzyme catalyzes a specific reaction (molecular recognition). Only a certain region of the enzyme molecule actually binds to the substrate. This area is called the active site and is usually a groove on the surface of the enzyme. The shape of the active site and the shape of the substrate fits accordantly. When the substrate enters the active site, it induces the enzyme -in a process called induced fit- to change its shape to fit tightly around the substrate. The induced fit is very important during the catalytic cycle when the substrate enters the active site to form an enzyme-substrate complex. The enzymes emerge from the reaction, however, in their original f orm and are ready to function over and over again. When a reaction rearranges the atoms of molecules, the bonds in the reactants must be broken and the new bonds in the products must be formed. This requires energy. The energy required to break the bonds in the reactant molecules is known as the activation energy. The bonds only break when the molecule has absorbed enough energy (usually in the form of heat) to become unstable. Heat speeds up a reaction, but the high temperature kills cells; therefore, organisms must instead use a catalyst. Enzymes (mostly proteins) are biological catalysts. Enzymes speed up reactions by lowering the barrier of activation energy, so that the transition state is within reach at regular temperatures. A transition state occurs when reactants are in an unstable condition and are ready for the reaction to take place. An enzyme cannot changes the free energy of the reaction or the spontantinuity of the reaction. It can ...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Reaction Paper on Global Warming Essay Example

Reaction Paper on Global Warming Essay Example Reaction Paper on Global Warming Paper Reaction Paper on Global Warming Paper It makes one wonder though how many of these canvass-toting individuals know how many years does Our planet has left before it reaches an environmental tipping point or in what year was the hottest earth temperature recorded. Admit that I am one of those individuals who proclaimed and believed that I am a friend of the earth. After all, I try to conserve water as much as can and segregate garbage whenever I have the chance. But like many individuals out there, I was ignorant about the real issue concerning our environment, that is until have seen the documentary An Inconvenient Truth. Directed by Davis Guggenheim and featuring former United States vice president AY Gore, the documentary zeros in on the subject of global warming and how it is affecting and will affect the planet Earth. The Effectiveness of AY Gore Technical and cinematic achievements aside, I believe the best contribution of this film is that it has made the issue of global warming accessible to ordinary individuals. Gore plays the role of environmental spokesperson well. He provides a believable and authoritative personality to the documentary and to the issues it is trying to expose. Much of the popularity that the film has enjoyed it owes to Gores ability to act as an expert and a fellow observer at the same time. When this film was released, not a few have surmised that it is nothing but a gimmick to catapult AY Gore back into the White House. After watching the film though, many of Gores detractors have been transformed into followers. The fact that there is now a different person in the Palace is a vindication for Gore and a proof of his sincerity and lack of political agenda. The strongest point of Gore lies in his ability to convey urgency while at the same time maintaining a hopeful attitude and optimistic outlook which is not an easy feat to achieve when you are talking about the current State Of the environment. The Message of the Film The message of this film is very clear: that global warming is real and we must do something about it or we will suffer the scones ounces. According to Gore, the planet has about ten more years before it reaches a tipping point at which instance there would be little that we can do already. The best part about Gores message is that they are presented not without scientific evidence and proofs. The following scientific phenomena and materials are seed to support the films main thesis: ; before and after photographs of melting ice glaciers; ; temperature records from the sass that show that the ten hottest years have occurred in the last three decades; ; the Keeling curve which measures the rising level of CO; a study that shows that carbon dioxide concentrations are higher now than at any point in history. The presentation of these pieces of evidence are essential to lending veracity to the films core message. Without them, AY Gore would simply appear as a preacher pointing to some distant doomsday. Visually Engaging One of the first things that you will realize while watching An Inconvenient Truth is how engaging and enjoyable the experience is and this is largely because of the visuals that were used in the film. From the opening scene, when we were shown the now famous photograph of the earth taken by the first Americans who went to space , the audience were being foretold that the film is going to be one visual treat. Throughout the film, beautiful and terrible images were precisely interwoven to help achieve the films goal of sending out the dual message of making people realize how beautiful our planet is ND making us see the extent Of the destruction that has already been done. Not a few individuals were turned off when they learned that this film is a documentary. But if only these individuals gave the film a chance then they would have been amazed at the fact that it is one such visual achievement. Documentaries especially those that deal with subjects relating to the environment have a reputation of being boring and uninteresting. The An Inconvenient Truth may just change peoples impression about environmental films and even documentaries as a whole with its engaging style and arresting elements. Conclusion An Inconvenient Truth is a film that should be seen by anyone who cares for the environment and for the future of humanity and our planet.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Battle of Paulus Hook in the American Revolution

Battle of Paulus Hook in the American Revolution Battle of Paulus Hook - Conflict Date: The Battle of Paulus Hook took place on August 19, 1779, during the American Revolution (1775-1783).   Armies Commanders United States Major Henry Light Horse Harry Lee300 men Great Britain Major William Sutherland250 men Battle of Paulus Hook - Background: In the spring of 1776, Brigadier General William Alexander, Lord Stirling directed that a series of fortifications be built along the west bank of the Hudson River opposite New York City.   Among those that were constructed was a fort on Paulus Hook (present-day Jersey City).   That summer, the garrison at Paulus Hook engaged British warships as they arrived to commence General Sir William Howes campaign against New York City.   After General George Washingtons Continental Army suffered a reverse at the Battle of Long Island in August and Howe captured the city in September, American forces withdrew from Paulus Hook.   A short time later, British troops landed to occupy the post.    Situated to control access to northern New Jersey, Paulus Hook sat on a spit of land with water on two sides.   On the landward side, it was protected by a series of salt marshes that flooded at high tide and could only be crossed via a single causeway.   Upon the hook itself, the British built a series of redoubts and earthworks which were centered on an oval casemate containing six guns and a powder magazine.   By 1779, the garrison at Paulus Hook consisted of around 400 men led by  Colonel Abraham Van Buskirk.   Additional support for the posts defense could be summoned from New York through the use of a variety of signals.            Ã‚   Battle of Paulus Hook - Lees Plan: In July 1779, Washington directed Brigadier General Anthony Wayne to mount a raid against the British garrison at Stony Point.   Attacking on night of July 16, Waynes men achieved a stunning success and captured the post.   Taking inspiration from this operation, Major Henry Light Horse Harry Lee approached Washington about making a similar effort against Paulus Hook.   Though initially reluctant due to the posts proximity to New York City, the American commander elected to authorize the attack.   Lees plan called for his force to overwhelm Paulus Hooks garrison at night and then destroy the fortifications before withdrawing at dawn.   To accomplish the mission, he assembled a force of 400 men consisting of 300 from the 16th Virginia under Major John Clark, two companies from Maryland overseen by Captain Levin Handy, and a troop of dismounted dragoons drawn from Captain Allen McLeans rangers.                Battle of Paulus Hook - Moving Out: Departing from New Bridge (River Edge) on the evening of August 18, Lee moved south with the goal of attacking around midnight.   As the strike force covered the fourteen miles to Paulus Hook, problems ensued as a local guide attached to Handys command became lost in the woods delaying the column for three hours.   Additionally, a portion of the Virginians found themselves separated from Lee.   In a stroke of luck, the Americans avoided a column of 130 men led by Van Buskirk that had sortied from the fortifications.   Reaching Paulus Hook after 3:00 AM, Lee ordered Lieutenant Guy Rudolph to reconnoiter for a path across the salt marshes.   Once one was located, he divided his command into two columns for the assault. Battle of Paulus Hook - Bayonet Attack: Moving through the marshes and a canal undetected, the Americans found that their powder and ammunition had become wet.   Ordering his troops to fix bayonets, Lee directed one column to break through the abatis and storm Paulus Hooks outer entrenchments.   Surging forward, his men gained a brief advantage as the sentries initially believed the approaching men were Van Buskirks troops returning.   Swarming into the fortress, the Americans overwhelmed the garrison and forced Major William Sutherland, commanding in the colonels absence, to retreat with a small force of Hessians to a small redoubt.   Having secured the remainder of Paulus Hook, Lee began to assess the situation as dawn was rapidly approaching. Lacking forces to storm the redoubt, Lee planned to burn the fortress barracks.   He quickly abandoned this plan when it was found that they were filled with sick men, women, and children.   Having captured 159 enemy soldiers and achieved a victory, Lee elected to begin withdrawing before British reinforcements arrived from New York.   The plan for this phase of the operation called for his troops to move to Douws Ferry where they would cross the Hackensack River to safety.   Arriving at the ferry, Lee was alarmed to find that required boats were absent.   Lacking other options, he men began marching north over a route similar that used earlier in the night. Battle of Paulus Hook - Withdrawal Aftermath: Reaching Three Pigeons Tavern, Lee reconnected with 50 of the Virginians who had become separated during the movement south.   Possessing dry powder, they were quickly deployed as flankers to protect the column.   Pressing on, Lee soon connected with 200 reinforcements sent south by Stirling.   These men aided in repelling an assault by Van Buskirk a short time later.   Though pursued by Sutherland and reinforcements from New York, Lee and his force safely arrived back at New Bridge around 1:00 PM.   In the attack at Paulus Hook, Lees command suffered 2 killed, 3 wounded, and 7 captured while the British incurred over 30 killed and wounded as well as 159 captured.   Though not large-scale victories, the American successes at Stony Point and Paulus Hook helped convince the British commander in New York, General Sir Henry Clinton, that a decisive triumph could not be obtained in the region.   As a result, he began planning a campaign in the southern colonies for the following year.   In recognition of his achievement, Lee received a gold medal from Congress.   He would later serve with distinction in the South and was the father of noted Confederate commander Robert E. Lee. Selected Sources HistoryNet: Battle of Paulus Hook2nd Virginia Regiment: Battle of Paulus Hook Revolutionary New Jersey: Battle of Paulus Hook