Redline Map

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Section 7 – Early 1776 - The calm before the British Storm or 13 become 15

December 31 – Arnold departs Fort Cumberland with 600 troops back to Boston. Going back with him is Daniel Morgan and the Virginians.

January 1776 – In response to Dunmore proclamation, Congress votes to allow free Negroes and slaves with permission of owners to the join Continental Army. Washington, Jefferson, and other prominent slave holders who are ardent Patriots free some slaves to join Army. This will be seen as a beginning of softer views on slavery by the Americans.

In February 1776, with much of Nova Scotia outside of Halifax is in Patriot control, Nova Scotia sends three representatives to Philadelphia to participate in the Second Continental Congress.

In February 1776, after the victory in Quebec, Montgomery was able to convene a provincial meeting with the French people of Canada. Christophe Pelissier presided. Other leading Americans, Charles Carroll, John Carol and Benjamin Franklin were present and able to meet with the French Canadians. Many Canadians who were on the fence, who favored the Patriots privately support the American cause.

The Canadians choose three representatives from Quebec, Montreal and Sorel to represent Canada at the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Montgomery worked hard through the winter and spring to develop good, solid relationships between the French habitants and the Americans. Through this, a total of four Canadian regiments were formed to serve in the Continental Army. Many other French Canadians were sympathetic to the Patriot cause. Part of Montgomery’s success was to limit the interaction of the English Americans with the French Canadians. Quebec and Montreal were garrisoned with Canadian volunteer regiments.

(This is in contrast to the relations that David Wooster had with the French Canadians OTL)

Montgomery and Schuyler were content with the capture of Quebec. The main forces that remained with them, wintered in Sorel with garrisons in Montreal and Quebec. During the winter, they prepared the defenses and a plan for the British counter attack that they expected to come in the spring and summer of 1776.

Henry Knox and the Ticonderoga cannon would set out in January from Quebec to trek back to Boston. Aiding him back to Massachusetts are the units whose enlistments have expired. He begins the trek on January 5th from Quebec back to Sorel. He arrives back in Boston mid-April. The Patriots fortify the heights in Charlestown and Dorchester. The British are forced to withdraw from Boston to Halifax in May as the batteries begin to open up on the Royal Navy ships and British positions. The trek of 800 miles from Ticonderoga to Quebec to Boston with the artillery by Henry Knox is one of the overlooked feats of logistics marvel for the revolution. After resting in Boston for a few weeks, Knox personally returns to Canada to rejoin Montgomery.

Washington had plans to land troops without the artillery support in Boston. He was talked out of it for strategic purposes. The Patriots held over a 2:1 advantage in men between the forces displayed around Boston and the British in Boston. But, with the British committed to hold Boston, troops could not be transferred to Nova Scotia or Canada. The thousands of troops outside of Boston did their part in the northern campaigns by keeping the British in Boston preoccupied. Washington did his part as well, a few times he made it appear as though he was preparing an operation to land in Boston.

March 14, 1776 – Arnold and his 600 arrive back in the Boston area. They are greeted with a hero’s welcome. Arnold is especially greeted and promoted in rank by Washington.

 

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Section 8 – The Empire strikes back – Eviction notice of Americans from Canada

Rest of 1776 – The British make three moves after leaving Boston
- British planned to evacuate Boston all along for the following three moves

1.) - Canada - The British regain Quebec, Sorel, Montreal and Fort Saint Jean. Schuyler and Montgomery display delay tactics that are able to keep the British north of Lake Champlain as the campaigning season of 1776 closes. The British fleet is simply too much for the Americans and Canadians to resist on the St. Lawrence. The Quebec campaign opens for the British in July through October 1776. The Patriots employ a fighting retreat. Henry Knox is valuable once again in not letting artillery fall in British hands as the Americans retreat from Canada. The British halt on the North side of Lake Champlain. Not because of a grand Patriot defense but more because they started the re-conquest of Canada later in the campaigning season.

The Canadians do not exactly welcome the British back. The more ardent Patriots travel with the Americans to the South. Four regiments were raised that retreated back with Schuyler and Montgomery to New York. Now it is the British who are seen more as occupiers. The British are slightly harsher to the Canadians than the Americans were. The Canadians for the most part to not pose a threat to the British re-occupiers.

2.) New York City and New Jersey - The British capture Long Island, Manhatten, New Jersey and drive Washington towards Philadelphia. Their goal is to use New York as a loyalist bastion and then isolate the Patriot stronghold of New England. With luck, Washington is able to save his army from being trapped by the British on multiple occasions. The Continental Army grows weary of the retreat. Gone are the happy days of earlier in 1776 with the return of Arnold and Knox and the dismissal of the British from Boston. These are truly the times that try men’s souls as Thomas Paine would write.

3.) Nova Scotia - The British are able to re-capture Fort Cumberland and Fort Frederick (Saint John) in the fall of 1776. Patriots still hold the back woods of Nova Scotia around their base. From here, they conduct a guerrilla style war.

The only drawback to the British campaign that saw success after success is that it came later in the campaigning season. The Patriots were knocked about, knocked down, but not knocked out.


Patriot moves –

Before the British re-conquest (steam roller), Nova Scotia and Canada are added as the 14th and 15th colonies to declare independence in July. Benjamin Franklin recommends that Thomas Jefferson edits the Declaration to not sound too offensive towards the French Canadians and the Quebec Act. Both Canadian and Nova Scotia delegations sign the document binding the colonies together.

The meeting in February with Ben Franklin and the Carols from Maryland was enough to convince the Canadians that the Patriots were sincere in their quest for liberty and the desire for Canada to join. They made some strong arguments such that after the war even if the British won, the Americans would still be there to dominate over the Canadians. Why not join now as equals. Also, they state the future of the continent is with them as they will expand West. They would like the Canadians to be part of that future.

They are convincing, but most convincing was how Montgomery did not give the impression that the Americans were occupiers after both Montreal and Quebec were taken. Montgomery won many of the hearts of the Canadians by simply just leaving them alone.

Nova Scotia joining is more of a farce as the British still control Halifax and therefore control most of the population of Nova Scotia. The Patriots from NS though are boisterous for freedom though, they are as ardent Patriots as are the ones from Mass. towards the cause.

July 2, 1776 – Declaration of Independence is official, from here on out in America, July 2nd will be celebrated as Independence Day to commemorate the day when the 15 colonies cut the ties to the motherland and become an independent nation.

The Continental Congress agrees that slave owners who free slaves for military service and soldiers uncompensated will be granted land for service. Slave owners who free slaves for service in the Army will be compensated with land after the conflict.

Arnold remains with General Washington throughout 1776. He fights bravely in Long Island and Manhattan. Arnold is able to escape capture from Fort Washington with 800 men and rejoins general Washington.

Washington tasks Arnold to train his men as raiders and scouts, to be able to travel light and fast, to guard the flanks and to conduct raiding activities. Arnold accepts this assignment and trains his men accordingly. They will be put to good use for Washington’s next move.

 

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Ok - the second part of the timeline is complete.

By being able to win at Quebec, make a showing in Nova Scotia, and most of all not act like they were occupiers in these two areas, the Patriots have added two more colonies to the cause. With these claims, they will be recognized by France in any upcoming treaty as part of the United States.

Original POD
Salem incident leads to more ramped up militia leads to victories at Cambridge and Breed's Hill --> recruitment up
recruitment up leads to Washington being able to send expedition to Nova Scotia as well as reinforce Monty

Huge POD - Henry Knox taking artillery north instead of back to Boston. OTL, the original feat of returning the artillery to Boston without losing a piece is not talked about or celebrated enough. ITTL, Knox is traveling twice as far. But he has more help on the return trip as soldiers who enlistments are up at least agree to aid in the transport of artillery.

Now the trick will be how to get the British to the negotiating table ....

 

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Section 9 – Washington’s gamble in New Jersey – A Phoenix Rising from the Ashes

Morale was at a low point in Washington’s camp near the end of 1776. Gone were the happy days of last July when everything seemed to be going the Patriots way. Washington had to act fast or watch his army, and the American cause drift away. Desperate times called for desperate measures. If the Continental Army was to go down, Washington wanted it to go down fighting. He needed a victory before the start of the next campaigning season.

He knew the British were overextended in New Jersey. Where should he strike. He came up with a daring plan to cross the Delaware river to strike at Princeton. Part of his plan included his trusted lieutenant, Benedict Arnold. Arnold had molded his force into the light infantry, the fast moving foot cavalry that Washington wanted. Now it was time to put them to use.

Arnold’s first assignment is on December 25, 1776. He is to cross the Delaware with Washington and take his unit to guard the right flank of Washington’s attack on Trenton. Arnold positions himself south of Trenton at a vital cross roads and protects the American flank from any British movement as well as pins the Hessians in Trenton. Like Washington, Arnold braves the icy Delaware River to make an effective crossing.

With his vulnerable flank protected, Washington gains a few more troops that will be active in the assault since his flank is protected. Ultimately it leads to most Hessians not being able to escape in the Battle of Trenton and surrendering to the Americans.

After the battle, Arnold withdraws with Washington back across the Delaware.

A few days later, Washington crosses the Delaware a third time to attack Princeton.

Jan. 2 – The Americans have finished their second engagement of the campaign along the Assunpink Creek. During the night, Washington convenes a council of war with his officers. With the main British force of Cornwallis near Trenton, Washington wants to strike towards Princeton. Arnold is given the task of scouting out the left flank and keeping a watchful eye on the larger British forces of Cornwallis.

On the mourning of January 3rd -
Arnold is aware of the large British force under Cornwallis near Trenton and scouts a second force under Alexander Leslie near Maidenhead, NJ. Sensing that Washington may need help, Arnold swings left and is able to swing wide around Cornwalis and Leslie to the left as he advances to Princeton. He excels in a light, speedy march and is able to join the battle at Princeton. At the Princeton battlefield, he makes contact with Hugh Mercer and tears into the British flank as they are making a bayonet charge into Mercer. The result is electric as Mercer is able to rally his troops and join Arnold in disrupting Charles Mahwood’s plans.

The next Patriot unit to come up to the battle line was a militia unit under John Cadwalader. After ascending a hill and seeing American forces under Arnold and Mercer routing the British, this unruly militia joins into the frey.

With the arrival of more American troops, Arnold was able to regroup his men. He sighted the bridge that the British were aiming for to make their escape. Arnold was able to capture this bridge and with it closed the escape hatch for Mahwood to rejoin Cornwallis. Mahwood would now have to retreat back into Princeton and beyond.

At the end of the day, the Patriots had defeated the three British regiments and captured Princeton. Washington was weary though, Cornwallis was advancing from Trenton with the larger British force. Washington wanted to capture New Brunswick as well, but he could not risk his army. In another council of war dominated by Arnold and his scouting reports however, Washington decides to advance to New Brunswick as desperate times called for desperate measures. The gains outweighed the risks.

Washington would lead the attack with Greene and Sullivan to capture New Brunswick. Arnold, Mercer, and Cadwalader would form a rear guard to rest and fend off the advancing Cornwallis.

The plan worked, Washington was able to capture New Brunswick with its British military stores on January 4th while Arnold and Mercer fought delaying tactics against Cornwallis.

Mahwood further aided Washington’s plans by retreating back to Cornwallis during the night of January 3 and the morning of the 4th, instead of straight to New Brunswick.

With the capture of supplies was the British payroll. Washington next retreated to Morristown where he met up with Arnold and Mercer. He wintered in Morristown.

The British retreated to northern New Jersey for the winter.

Washington was the right man to capture the British pay. With this plunder, he distributed it equally to his command. Troops that had served longer, received more pay. This had a genuine positive effect on the morale of the troops. Along with pay, a bonus for volunteering for 1777 was given by Washington. Many units did indeed sign up for the next year along with being granted furloughs from the end of the campaigning season to May 1. All three measures, the payment of back pay, the bonus for resigning, and the furloughs did wonders for re-enlistment. Washington was guaranteed a strong army for the next campaigning season as experienced units such as John Glover’s Marbleheaders signed on for the 1777 season.

Washington's gamble had paid off.

 

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Section 10 – 1777, a new year, the struggle continues

1777

The year began with the Patriot resurgence in New Jersey. In a two week span, the Patriots had fought and won three battles against the British and had conducted an offensive campaign to recover New Jersey. Spirits were high going into the 1777 campaigning season.

Washington’s strategy was to be a repeat of 1776. That is to be on the defensive until the British became overextended and an opportunity presented itself. Washington was on guard with his army in northern New Jersey to counter and block British moves up the Hudson or towards Philadelphia. Schuyler and Montgomery were poised once again to defend and fight delaying tactics should the British come down Lake Champlain to the Hudson Valley.

For the campaigning season of 1777, Washington shifted some of his forces and leaders. He sends Daniel Morgan and his Virginia Riflemen, John Glover and the Marbelheaders, and General Adam Stephen to the North to aid Montgomery. To note, Henry Knox is still serving in the northern theater.

Washington chose Hugh Mercer to lead Stephen’s division and Arnold to train a larger light infantry division which would be based upon speed and precision, this division would be made up of veterans who had reenlisted. This would have Arnold in the same position as the previous year, but now with a larger force under his command. Both Arnold and Mercer are now appointed as major generals.

The British were poised to continue down the Hudson River to link up with forces in New York and isolate New England from the middle colonies. They were hoping to pick up from where they finished in the fall. They believed that Washington’s campaign in New Jersey was a final desperate attempt by the Patriots and that 1777 would be the year that they finished the rebellion in the northern colonies.

 

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Section 11 – The Struggle in the North

1777 Northern campaign

Schuyler and Montgomery knew that they would be overmatched by the British. They decided upon a strategy of a fighting retreat and then a harassment campaign at Burgoyne’s outstretched supply train. To this effect, they let all in command of the Northern Army (Morgan, St. Clair, Stephen, …) know not to place their commands at risk but to resist the British in any way that they could. Maintaining order during their retreats was essential. They actually wanted to lure Burgoyne into the heart of a hornet’s nest.

June 14 – Burgoyne sets out from Fort St. Jean on the Richelieu south to capture American forts of Crown Point and Ticonderoga defended by Arthur St. Clair. Crown point was occupied by Glover and the Marbleheaders along with the third and fourth Canadian regiments. Glover gave way without putting up much of a fight. His main job was to be a scout, for which he and his troops upon the southern edge of Lake Champlain performed well. At first sight of the British, Glover sent word to St. Clair at Ticonderoga to be ready. Having gained good intelligence upon the British size and movements, Glover retreated South to Ticonderoga. Once there, St. Claire ordered him to the top of Sugar Loaf mountain to resume scouting duties.

July 1 – British advance units begin to skirmish around Ticonderoga

July 4-6 - The British battle bravely up Sugar Loaf against Glover. Glover withstood them on July 4 and reinforcements of the Canadian Third and Fourth regiments came to assist in the defense of the all too important position that dominated the Ticonderoga defenses. The Canadians were able to keep an escape route for Glover open, prevented the position from being encircled. The British assaulted the hill again on July 5 with more vigor. Glover and the Canadians were able to turn it into a mini Breed’s Hill, they were able to hold out on July 5. The following day, added British forces were finally able to dislodge the Americans from the height. Glover had put up a valiant stand but was forced to retreat to prevent being cut off.

The British began to place artillery on the hill the night of July 6. St. Clair dispersed units in detail on the night of July 7 to keep his back door open. He refused the initial surrender call on July 7. Burgoyne found Fort Ticonderoga deserted the following day (July 8). This setback caused an uproar with American politicians for losing the fort, but it was noted that the Americans especially Glover fought bravely against a stronger force, inflicting more casualties than they received.

St. Clair retreated in order along the Hubbardton road, the rear guard fighting the battle of Hubbardton on July 9th.

The smaller force of Glover and Pierce Long headed by water to Fort Anne near Skenesboro, NY. On July, 9th, Glover was able to hold off the British at Skenesboro until Long could make an effective escape to For Ann. In the process, Glover’s smaller American fleet was able to do some damage to the British transports. He was then able to break off and retreat towards Fort Anne before being overrun. While at Fort Ann, Long found a force of 400 militia under Henry Van Rensselaer. With this brought hope. He was able to regroup at Fort Ann and then go back to assist Glover to safety while Rensselaer held the fort.

On July 10th, the two decided to switch rolls, Glover was to retreat to Fort Edward with the supplies and wounded while Long and Rensselaer held off the British. This was a successful withdrawal and Long with 1000 men very nearly pulled a victory over a smaller British force.

Glover, Rensselaer, and Long made it to Fort Edward relatively intact. St. Clair retreated from Hubbardton and regrouped in Rutland, Vermont.
Burgoyne rested for a couple of days in Skenesboro to regroup. On July 13, he issued orders. Most of his army was to take an overland route from Skenesboro to Fort Anne to Fort Edward. The British Heavy Artillery would travel the water rout via Lake George to Fort Edward. The Germans would feint towards Castleton, Vermont. The water rout would have been easier for the main infantry movement, but Burgoyne wanted to keep the pressure on the retreating Americans.

Burgoyne reached Fort Edward on August 1, 1777. His march was hampered by Americans who did everything possible to delay the march. The American weapon of choice to delay the British was the axe.

Fort Stanwix – General Montgomery was dispatched along with Daniel Morgan and other troops in the Hudson Valley to relieve a siege of Fort Stanwix by the British/Loyalist/Indian force commanded by Barry St. Leger. They forced St. Leger to abandon the siege and retreat back through Canada as Montgomery and Morgan made it appear that their force was actually larger than it was. With this complete, they were able to arrive back in the Patriot camp in the Hudson valley for ensuing battles in the campaign against Burgoyne.

August 3 – Burgoyne receives word that Howe will advance upon Philadelphia and not up the Hudson to link up at Albany.

August 9 – Burgoyne sends Baum and the German Dragoons to Bennington, VT to capture supplies needed for the expedition South towards Albany.

August 16 – Battle of Bennington. John Stark and Seth Warner are victorious over the Germans.

Horatio Gates is unable to persuade Congress to sack Schuyler in favor of him. The New York contingent along with Massachusetts and the Canadians defended Schuyler and praised his tactics as those that will ultimately be victorious. They cite the brave conduct of the Massachusetts Marbelheaders under Glover in their defense at Sugar Loaf and Skenesboro. Yes Schuyler did give up Crown Point and Ticonderoga, but it was not given up without a fight, and it was the right thing to do. The alternative of defending those fixed positions against greater numbers would ultimately have led to the surrender of that portion of the Northern Army. Canadian representatives also back Schuyler and Montgomery.

Burgoyne is stopped short of Albany. Schuyler and Montgomery work as an effective team; Schuyler listens to Montgomery at the battles of Freeman’s farm and Bemis Heights. Montgomery dies in battle rallying troops at Bemis Heights. He is able to turn the tide though before falling which places the final nail in the British coffin but perishes in the process. Schuyler directs troops to swarm the rear of the British and cut off their supply line. Burgoyne is trapped.

Oct. 17, 1777 - Burgoyne surrenders to Schuyler

 

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Section 12 – The Struggle to the South in Pennsylvania

Battle of Brandywine

The British under Howe surprise Washington by landing troops at the Head of the Elk River in Maryland.

To counter the British march from the Chesapeake to Philadelphia, Washington places his troops along Brandywine creek in order to stop the British. He positions his troops to guard the fords. He places his old reliable flanker, Benedict Arnold on his right to guard against a British flank attack. Arnold’s division is spread across multiple fords to Washington’s right. Arnold’s troops are not able to block Howe’s advance across Jeffry’s ford.

Arnold is able to buy Washington time though to reorganize the army to meet this new advance on the right.

Arnold performs well, but the Americans are eventually forced to yield and give way. Arnold deeply apologizes to Washington for failing to hold the line. The British hit him at his weakest defended point and he was unable to react fast enough to stem the breach. Washington comforts him, tells him that it is all right to be ready again when duty calls. Washington again stresses the need for speed to Arnold.

With the loss at Brandywine and further loss at Paoli and being outmaneuvered by Howe, Washington is forced to concede Philadelphia.

He retreats North of Philadelphia. The British enter Philadelphia with the pomp and circumstance of the victors as Washington is sent licking his wounds North of Philadelphia. His army was not defeated, just out maneuvered by Howe.

Battle of Germantown

As he views the situation, Washington sees that Howe is vulnerable after splitting up his forces between Philadelphia and Germantown. Germantown is vulnerable to another one of his rapid attacks from the previous winter. He gathers his generals and lets them know of his plans.
He wants four columns of attacks.

The main push is to be in the center. Center right to be manned by John Sullivan (Continentals), Center left to be made by Nathaniel Greene (Continentals), Left flank by Arnold’s Continentals and Smallwood’s militia, and Right flank by John Armstrong’s militia.

For this fight, Washington wants all cavalry detached and combined under the command Casimir Pulaski on the left flank with Arnold. They are to get into the enemies rear and cause havoc as the battle progresses.

As Sullivan and Greene drive in the center, Arnold with his division of light infantry from units formed since the beginning of the conflict will lead the left flank attack along with the cavalry. Smallwood’s force of militia will follow Arnold on the left for support. Pulaski will also follow Arnold on the left and then complete the movement to gain the British rear as Arnold makes a flanking attack. So the drive will start in the center, and then Arnold will make a push from the left flank and finally, Pulaski will gain the rear. The British position should collapse as they are driven back and then herded along the Wissahickon Creek and Schuykill River.

Armstrong on the right is to secure a bridge on the creek and then turn and make a flanking attack on the British to relieve the center.

Sullivan and Greene will be making the main push in the center. They were to make contact simultaneously and drive the British back. Armstrong was to create as much confusion as possible on the right flank. Arnold was to close the door on the left with the dragoon unit under Pulaski storming the British rear. It was to be like herding cattle, drive straight forward while not leaving any room on the flanks for escape.

Washington would be in the American rear with Stirling’s reserve division, he would direct it to where needed.

Washington had this plan and met with his Generals two days before moving out on October 2.

On October 3, he rested the men and completed last minute details. Greene and Sullivan developed a signal to announce a division’s approach; it was to yell “Paoli”. This would alleviate confusion as units neared each other.

In the final meeting that evening before they were to depart, Greene, Sullivan, and Arnold agreed that difficulties would arise, but they mainly had to drive and press the attack against the British to be successful. They noted that morale was high with the troops, they were itching for a fight.

The next morning, a heavy fog limits visibility as the Americans advance. The divisions of Sullivan and Greene lost contact with one another.

Problems arose with the advance, but Washington and his generals were able to address them and keep the army moving.

Sullivan was advancing in the center right ahead of Greene who had yet to make contact. Sullivan’s advance was of three divisions under Conway, himself, and Anthony Wayne from right to left. Anthony Wayne’s division on the left was ahead of Sullivan to his right and General Conway on the far right of Sullivan’s wing. Being in the forward position, Wayne was becoming bogged down and confused as he heard gunshot from behind (Sullivan’s and Conway engaging). Wayne advanced too quickly at the outset of the engagement and now the British under Howe were regrouping and pushing back to his front and right. Wayne was facing stiff resistance to his front and was confused as to what was happening on his flanks and rear. He was wavering to pull back and regroup when out of the fog came Hugh Mercer on his left as the right flank of Greene’s force to hit the British forces opposite of Wayne. Mercer had been guided into position by Calvary troops under Pulaski as they were riding to the far left to assist Arnold. Mercer almost arrived to the rear of Wayne instead of on his left flank. A few of the cavalry troops noticed that Mercer was coming down in the wrong position to the rear of Wayne. They directed Mercer to the correct position to arrive right on Wayne’s left and secured the flank and drive. Wayne’s troops were confused for a moment but gathered and with Mercer’s arrival, continued to drive the British back.

With the appearance of Mercer to the battlefield, the left flank was secure. Washington made a key command decision to keep the momentum. This was to commit his reserve, to go all in. In front of the Chew House where the British picket of the 40th foot regiment was holed up with 120 men, he took over command. He left two regiments of Sterling’s reserve division, one each from New Jersey and North Carolina, with one cannon to keep the 40th at bay. He left a junior officer in charge of these regiments, to hold the British trapped in the compound until they could be mopped up.

He split the rest of the reserve division. He ordered Lord Sterling with the other three New Jersey regiments to the far right to take command as he had reports of the Pennsylvania militia under Armstrong becoming stalled and faltering to take a key bridge and turn the British left. This had enabled the British to concentrate more forces on Conway and the American right. Momentum was being lost. Sterling was to take command of the Pennsylvania militia and along with the New Jersey Continentals to take and defend a bridge and then turn attack the flank of the British. Washington then personally led the eight North Carolina reserve regiments to the right to bolster Conway and Sullivan.

With Armstrong’s failure to engage and protect Conway’s flank, the British forces under Charles Grey were able to get to the right flank of Conway. As Grey was pressing his attack, Conway was starting to waiver. At the moment as Conway’s troops were on the verge of collapse, having already given way some, Washington arrived with the North Carolina regiments to secure Conway and Sullivan.

With the American right flank secure, Greene arrived in full force on the left. First was Mercer to bolster Wayne. When the weight of the rest of Greene’s wing came into position, they aided in driving the British right flank under General Grant back.

With his front being pressured by Sullivan and now Greene, Howe committed his reinforcements under Cornwallis to support his right from the attack of Greene. As they were coming to position though, they were engaged on the old York road by Arnold and could not add the support. The Maryland and New Jersey militia added to the strength of Arnold on the extreme left. They were able to drive Cornwallis back off the Old York Road.

With a clear road open, the British position totally collapsed as Pulaski was able to ride down the Old York Road and get into Howe’s rear. With the charge of Pulaski in the rear, the British position collapsed into two positions.

The British right under Howe broke to the right. They were able to escape encirclement as they broke through the militia to Arnold’s rear assigned to keep the British hemmed in. Seeing this, Cornwallis also broke, withdrew to the rear right.

Arnold’s reaction was to reverse his troops and contain the British breakout under Howe. General Grant and the British light foot brigades were able to disengage, escape and join up with Cornwallis to the South East of the battle. Howe and a second force could not fully breakthrough Arnold.

To the British left, Lord Sterling and the New Jersey Continentals were able to capture the key bridge over the Wissahickon Creek against an outpost of Hessians. This occurred as Washington and the North Carolinians shored up the right flank of Conway.

At the end of the day, October 4th, Howe and nearly 5000 British in the center surrendered to the Continentals. The Hessian forces, Grant, and Cornwallis were able to escape the onslaught. They made it back to Philadelphia in the evening.

October 5th – Calls went out to all British commands to come to Philadelphia. Washington rests his troops. As seen in New England in 1775, once word of success reached the countryside, militia units from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware poured into Washington’s camp.

October 6th – Washington was able to set up a loose siege of Philadelphia. Grant and Cornwallis prepare to evacuate Philadelphia. Loose as Washington merely wants to block troops movements and the flow of supplies. He does not want to damage Philadelphia.

October 7 – Pulling a Washington in reverse, The British are able to cross the Delaware at night and secure a position in New Jersey. New York is 80 miles away from the British lines. A series of forced marches get them to safety. Cornwallis guarding the rear was harassed by Arnold and New Jersey militia every step of the way. The British were able to get to safety of the New York lines on October 10th.

October 8 – Washington enters Philadelphia. His main task is to ensure that the supplies of the fleeing British are captured and secured to sustain his army in the coming months.

October 12 – Washington splits his army in two. The advance wing in New Jersey is tasked to keep watch on the British under Greene. And the second wing under Sullivan in Philadelphia. Arnold and his fast troops are with Greene. The two build a good relationship over the winter months.

The news of Howe’s defeat reached Clinton and Admiral Howe in New York. The admiral is able to build up a scratch fleet and sale to the Delaware bay and up the Delaware river. They are able to harass the Patriots some but are of not of much aid to the fleeing British forces.

 

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Section 13 – 1778, American offensive enter the French

Schuyler, Montgomery and the Patriots are cheered on when they receive the news of Washington’s victory north of Philadelphia. It spurred on the Americans to finish the job against Burgoyne. On the other side, it was the final nail for Burgoyne. Hope was gone.

The French are ecstatic upon hearing the news of the two great victories especially the victory at Germantown which was an American offensive campaign and will enter the war by recognizing the Americans in February 1778. The American delegation secures French support for 1778. The French see that the time is right to avenge old grievances from the Seven Years War with the British.

The British are stunned by the dual defeats. The peace delegation in Parliament is a louder. But the King and the majority of Parliament is determined to keep the colonies. They are still committed to the war, they see 1778 as being on the defensive and building up strength for a shift to the southern colonies where they believe a greater number of Loyalists will join the cause so that these colonies remain in British possession. These colonies are closer to the naval strength in the Caribbean. But before making offensive moves, they need to ensure defense of Montreal, Quebec, Halifax, Newport, RI, and New York and vicinity.

The Americans and French sign treaties of friendship and alliance in February. France increases its aid to the Patriots and assigns forces for the American continent. The 1778 campaigning season brought the French into the American side. This allowed the Americans to go on the offensive.

Washington with Lafayette were able to quell Arnold’s dislike of the French.

Washington planned to go on the offensive in 1778. He made plans against Newport, Rhode Island with one force under Greene and Sullivan.

A second force under Arnold and the French were to oust the British from Nova Scotia. It was felt that if Halifax fell, Montreal and Quebec would be easier as naval strength out of Halifax was the lynch pin holding Canada.

Both forces fell short of their goals. Arnold and the French Navy were unable to coordinate effectively in the Nova Scotia to bring Halifax under siege. The Americans were able to retake Fort Cumberland and Saint John, and a large part of the Nova Scotia but were unable to capture Halifax.

The British were also able to defend Newport, RI and disrupt the second Patriot offensive under Sullivan and Greene.

Washington keeps a third force around New York to keep guard of the British in New York.

The British moves in 1778 are Mohawk raids in western New York and Pennsylvania to counter Patriot moves and the invasion of Georgia in December and January. The American Northern Army was stationed to keep the British north of Champlain and were a little understrength to meet the threat of the Iroquois (mainly Mohawks) in the west. Schuyler was missing the presence of Montgomery who had perished the year before. Gone also was Daniel Morgan, he went home to recover his health.

Before the year is done, the British start their southern campaign and capture Savannah, Georgia.

 

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Section 14 - Lessons learned, plans set for 1779

Sept. 15, 1778

After the initial disappointment to the set back to Generals Greene and Sullivan in Rhode Island and Arnold and the French in Nova Scotia, Washington has had time to think of his next move. As campaigning for 1778 seems to be over, Washington is grateful that his army and the forces of the United States are still in tact and the situation though challenging, is not as desperate as 1776. His army will be supplied in 1778 and 1779.

With the entry of the French, the war has broadened and now has a new chapter. Washington is anxious for more French aid and is fixated on forcing the British to leave New York City. For now though, they are contained to that city as they do not appear to be making further moves in the North, but Washington knows that he must be ever vigilant of the striking power that the British have.

Washington has learned some things this campaigning season

French aid in naval power is a must to dislodge British from coastal cities such as New York, Newport, Halifax, and Quebec. Also, he needed to spend a little more time on the details and expectations of future campaigns that were handed to subordinates. Lastly, supply and logistics for a campaign were key.

Washington pondered his options for 1779. What were his options?

1.) Remain on strict defensive of NYC, NJ, Conn. and lower Hudson. He would be ever watchful of the British as well as have forces available if the French wanted to coordinate actions.
2.) Another campaign into Canada

3.) Reprisal campaign against Iroquois raids of settlements in western NY ad PA.

4.) A campaign to re-capture Savannah and then continue to English Florida.

After viewing the options, he decided the main objectives for 1779 would be to secure the Richelieu River, capture Montreal, and reduce the Iroquois strength in western New York and Pennsylvania.
He choose this because they could be accomplished with the least amount men being detached from the main Continental Army forces around NYC, it would eliminate the western concern, it would be a popular campaign in the North, and the objectives would support each other.

He wanted to recapture Montreal to take the British eyes away from western New York and Pennsylvania and to also send a message to the Canadian Patriots that they were not abandoned.

Now that he had chosen the objectives for 1779, Washington needed to work out more details, select leaders for the campaigns and present his plans to Congress.

 

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Section 15 - A plan is developed for 1779

Washington had decided upon an overall strategy for the 1779 season; he now worked out the details. He liked the main goals of capturing Forts St Jean and Niagara. The two campaigns would support each other. This was the main fault with the Newport and Halifax campaigns of the previous summer; they did not support each other and were not coordinated. The British were able to squander first the Nova Scotia campaign and then Rhode Island.

For 1779, Washington set his objectives

Primary Objectives would be:
1.) Eliminating the threat posed by Loyalists and the Iroquois in western PA and NY This would be accomplished by taking of Fort Niagara.
2.) Re-establishing a presence in Canada – this would be accomplished by securing the Richelieu River, capturing Montreal, and fortifying the lower St. Lawrence to keep the gains.
3.) Enlist the aid of Vermont. Vermont had to come into the Patriot fold.


Secondary goals
4.) Aid George Rogers Clark in the Ohio region by capturing Fort Detroit
5.) Scourge any hostile Indian and Loyalist support in Western NY and PA. Make it two more generations before they become a threat again.

The next decision would be who to lead the campaigns. Several options for competent leaders were available. Who should be the overall leader and who should the subordinates be? His generals are:

Horatio Gates – Older general. Favored in New England where he is in command of the Eastern Department.
John Sullivan - Washington had doubts about his capability in the Rhode Island campaign. He was steady and loyal though.
Nathaniel Greene - Had experience as a quartermaster and at leading troops in battle. The quartermaster task would be vital in capturing the forts and sustaining the campaign.
Benedict Arnold – One of Washington’s favorites. Washington was impressed by his initiative that he had always shown. He was a leader of men. He was also a gambler. Washington knew that it would be too much of a risk to have in overall charge, but he had shown that he was a valuable asset.
Daniel Morgan - He was currently in retirement due to frustrations with Congress. This was actually a common thread that Washington liked, it seemed as though the most effective and experienced leaders all disliked Congress. Washington would need to appeal to their sense of national duty as well sell it to Congress.
Lafayette - Could be used in support role. Could he be used in Canada.
Anthony Wayne – Solid in battle
John Glover - Skills of the Marble Headers would be used in part of Washington's evolving plan for the campaign.
Alexander Hamilton - Was a part of Washington's staff wanted a field command. Perhaps this could be accomplished.
Henry Knox – His reliable artillery man. Knox could get things done for moving and setting artillery positions. Washington could use this for the second campaign on St. Jean.
Ethan Allen and Seth Warner - Would the Vermont forces be willing, how to use them?
Phillip Schuyler - Could be used to gather material in a quartermaster role as he had done before. He was also very popular with the Canadians.
Hugh Mercer – Reliable, good in a fight
Daniel Brodhead - Had conducted maneuvers in the Ohio country and western PA in 1778, will be used again for the 1779 western campaign
James Clinton - Another New Yorker who could be cast in a supporting role

Washington saw that for the overall command, Gates was undesirable. Supply and coordination were the qualities that he wanted the most. For this, he selected Nathaniel Greene in overall command against Niagara and Schuyler to be in overall command on the Richelieu. Washington also liked the combat experience that Arnold, Morgan, and Mercer had. He wanted these three to be chief lieutenants to lead wings of the operation.

Washington realized that even more planning was needed to make the objectives more definitive. The objective of capturing forts Niagara and St. Jean seemed to be number one. Capture these, and the Indian and Loyalist menace on the frontier would be severely hampered.

As he was thinking, two more questions came
1.) What should troop levels be, knowing that not too much strength could be sapped away from the main Army to counter British moves. The farther west the campaigning, the lower the troop levels could be to meet the objectives. Also knowing that the size of the Army was being restructured by Congress.
2.) After troop levels were determined, how to best supply the forces?

The next step would be to review the plan with Hamilton to develop the political game and strategize on how to bring generals on line. Greene and Arnold could aid in determining troops needed, the phases, and the timing of the operation.

 

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Section 16 – September 1778, A plan is put forth

Washington met with Nathaniel Greene, Alexander Hamilton and Benedict Arnold about the forthcoming plan.

The goal is to launch the offensive in May of 1779 from multiple points with the common goal of securing the St Lawrence River at the mouth of the Richelieu and capturing Ft. Niagara. The two campaigns would support each other and would split British attention. After the two forts of Niagara and Erie are captured, the focus will be on capturing Ft. St. Jean on the Richelieu and Fort Detroit.

Prior to May, Nathaniel Greene and John Glover would set up a base from the future site of Erie, PA. This base was to support the Niagara campaign and Ohio campaign. It would be a supply base from Fort Pitt. Glover would amass oar boats to supply the campaign from the west as Schuyler set base in Schenectady, NY and Burlington, VT to supply from the East.

The leaders and troop dispositions for the two campaigns are as such:
Campaign against Fort Niagara
1.) Benedict Arnold to lead the northern wing of the attack through Iroquois land to Ft. Niagara. He will be north of the finger lakes. He will start out at Schenectady, NY with 900 regulars. Washington would like to have more troops with Arnold, but sees him as a more capable leader and would like to have James Clinton reinforced. After capturing Fort Niagara and Fort Erie, Arnold would lead a force along the northern shore of Lake Erie to Fort Detroit.
2.) Aaron Burr will lead a force of 300 regulars down the Susquehanna River from Schenectady base and meet up with James Clinton south of the finger lakes. Washington felt like the southern force needed more men.
3.) James Clinton to start from Easton PA and travel north through the Wyoming Valley with 1200 regulars and would meet up with 300 Oneida braves. Would meet Burr south of finger lakes before making way north of the finger lakes. After capturing Fort Niagara, Clinton would then lead a force back East to capture Ft. St Jean on the Richelieu.
4.) Daniel Broadhead – Starting out from Fort Pitt with 600 regulars, would meet up with Arnold and Clinton at Genessee Castle northwest of the finger lakes.

These four forces would meet up at Genessee Castle northwest of the finger lakes before heading to Fort Niagara. Arnold would be in overall tactical command of these forces assaulting Niagara.

To support this campaign:
5.) Nathaniel Greene and John Glover would establish a supply base at Erie, PA. Glover would have 600 regulars, mainly the experienced row men, the Marbleheaders. The Erie base would support the assault on Forts Niagara and Fort Erie and then support the drive to Fort Detroit. Glover and the Marbleheaders would be supplying the troops via ore boats.
6.) Daniel Morgan – Would scout and support from the South with 600 VA and PA militia. Morgan would also start from Ft Pitt, go to Erie and then be a scouting and blocking force of Ft. Erie and Ft. Niagara from the south as the main force from Arnold approached from the East. After Fort Niagara and Fort Erie were captures, Morgan would lead a force along the southern shore of Lake Erie to Fort Detroit.

Campaign to secure St. Lawrence at mouth of Richelieu
7.) Alexander Hamilton would secure the northeastern end of Lake Ontario – the thousand island area – with 300 regulars and 300 militia. He would then split forces north and south to support the campaigns on Ft. Niagara and Ft. St. Jean.
8.) Hugh Mercer and Seth Warner would lead the effort to secure the Richelieu River with 900 regulars and 900 militia from Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Setting out from Burlington, VT, his first goal would be to shut down traffic on the St. Lawrence. He would post troops on both sides of the St. Lawrence. After securing the St. Lawrence, Mercer would then capture Ft. St. Jean.
9.) Henry Knox would once again be in charge of transporting artillery against Fort St. Jean and to set up artillery along the St Lawrence. With a French fleet protecting Boston Harbor, the artily that rims Boston can be used in reverse once again to capture and secure the Richilieu River and defend the St. Lawrence near Sorrel, Canada. The intent is that by shutting down the St. Lawrence and defending the St. Lawrence, Montreal will be re-captured. The artillery positions on both sides of the river and eventually a chain that is placed will then defend and secure Montreal. The Richelieu River would be a main way of ensuring supplies flow into Montreal. His artillery train would be 100 men. Many of them vetrans from the trek from Ticonderooga to Quebec and then back to Boston in the Fall, Winter and Spring of 1775/1776.
10.) Phillip Schuyler – would be quartermaster general based in Schenectady to supply both campaigns against Fort St. Jean and Niagara

11.) General Sullivan and General Anthony Wayne would remain in camp with Washington. They were needed in case the British made any movements out of New York or Newport, RI.

Total troop strength for the campaign would be 4900 regulars, 1800 militia, and 300 Oneidas

Next for Washington was to gain the approvals of Congress and the states, mainly New York, Vermont, Massachusetts.

Note: Vermont is still claimed by New York at this time and has not officially joined the Patriots. Washington wants to put the land claim issue aside, settle it so that Vermont can be officially enlisted in the campaign to secure Montreal.

Part of the political plan for Washington will be to reconcile the differences New York and Vermont. New Yorkers like Phillip Schuyler will be employed to gain the loyalty of Vermont.