A Battle a Day - The Colonial Years

Benjamin Rush

2011-12-24T09:34:00.001-08:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1745, patriot, physician and social reformer Benjamin Rush is born in Byberry Township, PA.
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The Battle of Cane Break

2011-12-22T17:21:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1775,

4000 Carolinian militia from five different command regiments combine to attack Loyalists gathered near the Saluda River. Loyalist leader Thomas Fletchall is also captured as the Americans reign victorious at the Battle of Cane Break.
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Robert Barnwell

2011-12-21T17:46:00.001-08:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1761, Revolutionary War hero and faithful Patriot Robert Barnwell is born in Beaufort, SC.
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American Crisis

2011-12-20T16:49:00.001-08:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1776, Thomas Payne publishes "American Crisis".

“These are the times that try men’s souls..."
"Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered."
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Valley Forge

2011-12-19T15:58:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1777,

The Continental Army goes into winter quarters at Valley Forge, PA. By spring, more than 2000 soldiers will be dead from cold and disease.
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The Battle of Vincennes, IN

2011-12-17T11:59:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1778,

A force of 800 British under the command of Lt. Gov. Henry Hamilton, Canadian and Indians from Detroit attack and recapture Fort Sackville at The Battle of Vincennes, IN.
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A Battle a Day - The Colonial Years

2011-12-16T18:51:00.001-08:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1773, a group of Massachusetts colonists disguised as Mohawk Indians board three British tea ships moored in Boston Harbor and dump 342 chests of tea into the water.
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Virginia

2011-12-15T17:54:00.001-08:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1791, Virginia becomes the last state to ratify the Bill of Rights, making the first ten amendments to the Constitution law.
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Maj. Gen. Charles

2011-12-13T17:56:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1776,

Maj. Gen. Charles Lee, the highest ranking general after Washington, after being routed by the British in White Plains and after writing several letters criticizing Washington's command abilities, and after ignoring Washington's orders to return to the main army near Trenton, is captured in Morris county, New Jersey.
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Pennsylvania

2011-12-12T17:18:00.001-08:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1787, Pennsylvania becomes the second state to ratify the Constitution.
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The Battle of Matson's Ford, PA

2011-12-11T06:40:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1777,

Washington leaves White Marsh with his army to travel to their winter quarters at valley Forge. As soon as they cross the Schuylkill River, an advance guard accidentally runs into a British foraging party. The Americans quickly withdraw back across the river, destroying their makeshift bridge leaving the British to stare at them from the other side of the river at The Battle of Matson's Ford, PA.
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The Battle of Long Island

2011-12-10T07:24:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1777,

Col. S.B. Webb and his regiment conduct a raid against the British-held Long Island. The raid is quickly broken up by some British warships. Webb and his men were eventually captured a The Battle of Long Island.
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The Battle of Great Bridge

2011-12-09T17:33:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1775,

Col. William Woodford and his 2nd Virginia Regiment, takes on Dunmore for the last time and defeats the British once and for all, destroying Royalist Virginia and delivering it to the Colonies at the Battle of Great Bridge.
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The Battle of Quebec

2011-12-08T16:47:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1775,

Colonel Benedict Arnold and General Richard Montgomery lead an American force in the siege of Quebec. The Americans hoped to capture the British-occupied city and with it win support for the American cause in Canada at The Battle of Quebec.
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The First State

2011-12-07T17:02:00.001-08:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1787, Delaware becomes the first state to ratify the Constitution.
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The Battle of Chestnut Hill, PA

2011-12-06T16:42:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1777,

A vanguard of Gen. William Howe's army engages with a Patriot militia force at Chestnut Hill. After heavy firing from both sides, the militia withdraws from The Battle of Chestnut Hill, PA.
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Phi Beta Kappa

2011-12-05T16:26:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1776,

In Williamsburg, Virginia, a group of five students at the College of William and Mary gather at Raleigh’s Tavern to found a new fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa. Intended to follow strictly American principles as opposed to those of “England or Germany,” the new society engaged in the fervent political debate typical of student life at Thomas Jefferson’s beloved college in Virginia’s capital.
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The Battle of Rugeley's Mill, SC.

2011-12-04T05:56:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1780,

Col. William Washington's dragoons surround a group of 100 Tory militia holed up in a stone barn. Having no cannon at all, he places a large log atop a cannon carriage and wheels to the barn threatening an attack. All 100 surrender at The Battle of Rugeley's Mill, SC.
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Across the Delaware

2011-12-03T06:33:00.001-08:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1776, Gen. George Washington writes to Congress from his headquarters in Trenton, NJ, to report that he had transported much of the Continental Army’s stores and baggage across the Delaware River to Pennsylvania.
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Lydia Darragh

2011-12-02T16:30:00.001-08:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1777, legend has it that Philadelphia Quaker housewife and nurse Lydia Darragh single-handedly saves the lives of Gen. Washington and his Continental Army when she overhears the British planning a surprise attack on Washington’s army for the following day.
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Dwindled forces

2011-11-29T03:29:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1776,

With the enlistments of nearly 2,000 militia expiring by year's end, the dwindled forces of 8,000 left in New York, Washington realizes a new army would have to be raised to continued in 1777.
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Silas Deane

2011-11-28T14:46:00.001-08:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1777, after the judgment and loyalty of Silas Deane is called into question, Congress appoints John Adams to succeed Deane as the commissioner to France.
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The Battle of Fort Morris

2011-11-27T07:00:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1778,

Lt. Col. Fuser demands surrender, but the fort’s commander, Lt. Col. John McIntosh, tells Fuser to “come and take it!”. Fuser thinks twice of it and eventually falls back, after The Battle of Fort Morris.

By January of 1779, the fort's garrison is forced to surrender and Augusta is occupied by Tories from South Carolina without a fight.
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The Battle of Fort Morris

2011-11-26T07:36:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1778,

British Lt. Col. Fuser takes Sunbury, GA from near-by Colonel's Island, without being detected by the 197 Georgians in Fort Morris. The British occupy the unfinished courthouse and celebrate their accomplishments with a puncheon of rum. During the night the defenders of Fort Morris detect the presence of the British and fire their 18-pounders at their empty campsite at The Battle of Fort Morris.
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The Battle of Gloucester, NJ

2011-11-25T14:44:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1777,

Brig. Gen. Marquis de Lafayette leads his first action, the reconnaissance force of 300 Continentals regulars against Gen. Charles Cornwallis' command at a town across the river from Philadelphia. Lafayette's outnumbered troops successfully skirmish with a force of Hessians at The Battle of Gloucester, NJ.
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The Battle of Bulltown Swamp, GA

2011-11-24T09:02:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1778,

200 men encounter British Maj. James Prévost’s army and fights a delaying action. Col. Baker, although wounded, continues to skirmish at the Battle of Bulltown Swamp, GA.
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The Battle of Fort George

2011-11-23T04:13:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1780,

Maj. Benjamin Tallmidge successfully attacks and captures Fort George, along with 54 Tories and 150 others at The Battle of Fort George.
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The Battle of Fort Lee

2011-11-22T15:03:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1776,

Lord Charles Cornwallis on orders from Howe, chases Washington across the New Jersey countryside after the Battle of Fort Lee.
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The Battle of Brookhaven, NY

2011-11-21T16:09:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1776,

Gen. Nathaniel Green prepares the evacuation of head quarters during the Battle of Fort Lee.

And in 1780,

In the last significant action by the Northern War Department, Maj. Benjamin Tallmadge successfully attacks a British outpost during the Battle of Brookhaven, NY.
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Battle of Fort Lee

2011-11-20T08:32:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1776,

Howe crosses the Hudson River and strikes at the second of two forts which is Washington's current headquarters. Thus the Battle of Fort Lee forces the Americans to retreat yet again across New Jersey toward Trenton.

And in 1777,

Faced with a hopeless situation, the Americans evacuate Fort Mercer destroying all assets in their wake. Howe now controls the Delaware River up to Philadelphia.
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The Battle of Ft. Ninety-Six, SC

2011-11-19T06:18:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1775,

Maj. Andrew Williamson's contingent of 600 continentals are attacked by 1,800 loyalists and fight to a draw after two days at the Battle of Ft. Ninety-Six, SC.
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The Battle of Sorel, Quebec

2011-11-18T15:28:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1775,

American forces blockading the St. Lawrence after the capture of Montreal, capture 3 large British gun ships and 8 smaller craft at the Battle of Sorel, Quebec.
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The Battle of Fort Johnson

2011-11-17T15:02:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1775,

and for the next week, British sloops Cruizer and Scorpion attack Fort Johnson, South Carolina to retrieve the guns captured by the Americans when the fort was taken. For five days, sailors and marines keep the militia at bay until all of the armaments are retrieved and placed aboard the ships at the Battle of Fort Johnson.
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The Battle of Quebec

2011-11-15T16:35:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1775,

British forces leave Montreal to Brig. Gen. William Montgomery. Montgomery's next move is to join up with Arnold for the Battle of Quebec.

And in 1776,

Gen. Howe turns south from Dobb's Ferry toward the two forts straddling the Hudson river; forts Washington and Lee.
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The Battle of Kemp's Landing

2011-11-14T19:29:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1775,

Capt. Dunmore, after being repelled in Norfolk, successfully intercepts militia on march to join Col. William Woodford's militia at the Battle of Kemp's Landing, Virginia.
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The Battle of Montreal

2011-11-13T08:17:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1775,

Brig. Gen. William Montgomery accepts the surrender and the Battle of Montreal is over.
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The Battle of Fort Alden

2011-11-12T13:07:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1778,

Tories and Indians from the Seneca and Mohawk tribes attack Cherry Valley, NY. Ignoring advanced warning from his scouts, Col. Ichabod Alden is killed. The fort is defended but the town is burned to the ground at The Battle of Fort Alden.
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The Battle of Montreal

2011-11-11T16:25:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1775,

Brig. Gen. William Montgomery lands north of the city of Montreal and Maj. Gen. Guy Carlton, with 150 regular is barely equipped to hold them off. The British and 11 ships are captured in heavy winds and shelling bringing to a climax, The Battle of Montreal.
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Charleston

2011-11-10T17:34:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1781,

The siege forces at Yorktown relocate. The British still hold New York, Savannah and Charleston. Washington heads north and Greene with Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clair head south to liberate Charleston.
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The Battle of Lechmere's Point

2011-11-09T18:45:00.001-08:00

On this day in 1775,

British raiders from Charleston Point, Boston cross the river to Lechmere's Point to steal livestock. Sentries sound the alarm and Col. William Thompson orders an attack. The British make off with 10 cows at the Battle of Lechmere's Point.

And in 1780,

British dragoons and infantry attack Gen. Thomas "Fighting Gamecock" Sumter's camp at night but are repelled and suffer heavy casualties at The Battle of Fishdam Ford.
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Gen. George Washington

2011-11-08T03:08:00.001-08:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1775, Gen. George Washington seeks to resolve several problems facing the army: how to encourage experienced troops to enlist, how to assemble a capable officer corps and how to overcome provincial differences and rivalries. Describing the problems, he wrote, "Connecticut wants no Massachusetts man in her corps. Massachusetts thinks there is no necessity for a Rhode Islander..."
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John Carroll

2011-11-06T07:59:00.001-08:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1789, Pope Pius VI appoints John Carroll, SJ., Bishop of Baltimore, making him the first Catholic bishop in the United States.
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Guy Fawkes Night

2011-11-05T07:52:00.001-07:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1775, On this day in 1775, Washington condemns his troops’ planned celebration of the British anti-Catholic holiday, Guy Fawkes Night, as he was simultaneously struggling to win French-Canadian Catholics to the Patriot cause.
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Patriot William Shippen

2011-11-04T18:09:00.001-07:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1801, Patriot William Shippen, of the powerful Shippen family of Philadelphia dies at the age of 89 at his home in Germantown, PA. He was a descendant of the well-known Edward Shippen, colonial Philadelphia’s mayor and Pennsylvania’s chief justice.
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The Battle of Great Swamp, NC

2011-11-03T16:47:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1780,

Col. John Senf and a group of 91 Camden Militia attack and quickly drive away Loyalists in Bladen County during The Battle of Great Swamp, NC.
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Montreal

2011-11-02T14:54:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1775,

The tide continues in favor of the Americans in Canada as Brig. Gen. William Montgomery's forces take the city of St. John's after a six week siege.

Montgomery has his eyes set on the prize of Montreal.
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The Stamp Act

2011-11-01T16:15:00.001-07:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1765, in the face of widespread opposition in the American colonies, Parliament enacts the Stamp Act, a taxation measure designed to raise revenue for British military operations in America.
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Dobb's Ferry

2011-10-31T14:44:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1776,

With Gen. Howe in Dobb's Ferry, Washington is forced to split his forces again sending one faction (with Gen. Lee and Maj. Gen. Heath) north toward Peekskill and the other (his) across the Hudson into New Jersey.
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Dobb's Ferry

2011-10-30T08:03:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1776,

From White Plains, Gen. Howe advances west to Dobb's Ferry cutting Washington off from his two forts. Gen. Washington is faced with the decision of whether to head north towards West Point or west to New Jersey.
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The Battle of White Plains

2011-10-29T05:20:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1776,

Cap. Alexander Hamilton's gun battery holds back the advancing British, allowing Washington's main body to continue northward into the West Chester area of New York during the Battle of White Plains.
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The Battle of White Plains

2011-10-28T14:00:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1776,

Washington's flight north out of Manhattan is shattered into two factions by Gen. Howe at the Battle of White Plains.
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Growing concern

2011-10-27T15:34:00.001-07:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1775, King George III speaks before both houses of Parliament to discuss his growing concern about the rebellion in America, and urges Parliament to move quickly to end the revolt and bring order to the colonies.
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The Battle of Tearcoat Swamp, SC

2011-10-26T16:18:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1780,

Col. Francis Marion leads a successful raid on Tory militia at The Battle of Tearcoat Swamp, SC.
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Norfolk, Virginia

2011-10-24T15:13:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1775,

Six armed British tenders enter Hampton Creek and begin the bombardment of Norfolk, Virginia. Landing parties sent ashore by Capt. Dunmore to burn the town are repelled by local militia.
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Norfolk, Virginia

2011-10-24T15:12:00.001-07:00

The Battle of Fort Mifflin, PA

2011-10-23T08:12:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1777,

A British Royal Navy fleet of ships, trying to open up supply lines along the Delaware River to the occupying British army in Philadelphia, is bombarded by American cannon fire and artillery. Six British ships were severely damaged, including the 64-gun battleship HMS Augusta and the 20-gun sloop Merlin, which both suffered direct hits before they were run aground and subsequently destroyed at The Battle of Fort Mifflin, PA.
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Peyton Randolph

2011-10-22T02:57:00.001-07:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1775, after years of poor health, Peyton Randolph, former president of the Continental Congress, dies at age 54.
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Continental Association

2011-10-20T08:08:00.001-07:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1774, the First Continental Congress creates the Continental Association, which calls for a complete ban on all trade between America and Great Britain. This was done primarily in response to the Intolerable Acts Parliament instituted after the Boston Tea Party.
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The Battle of Yorktown

2011-10-19T03:29:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1781,

More than 8,000 men lay down their arms in surrender, ending the last major battle in the war for American independence at The Battle of Yorktown.
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The Battle of Fort Chambly

2011-10-18T03:59:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1775,

The tide begins to turn in favor of the Americans in Canada as General Montgomery's forces capture nearly 90 British, 80 civilians and much needed provisions during the Battle of Fort Chambly.
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The Battle of Saratoga

2011-10-17T05:37:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1776,

Washington's escape off Manhattan continues as Col. John Golver holds back Gen. Howe's landing at Pell's Point.

And in 1777,

Gen. Burgoyne surrenders his army to Gen. Gates at The Battle of Saratoga.
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The Battle of New York

2011-10-16T06:47:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1776,

Washington begins the evacuation of forces off Manhattan island in preparation for the winter and to avoid being over-run by advancing British forces. He leaves only a garrison of 2,800 men at Ft. Washington and 3,200 at Ft. Lee opposite it on the Hudson at the northern tip of Manhattan.

This marks the beginning of the end for the Battle of New York.
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The Battle of Kingston, NY

2011-10-15T07:47:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1777,

Gen. John Vaughn, with 1,700 troops and a flotilla commanded by Capt. Sir James Wallace continuing up the Hudson in an effort to find and support Gen. John Burgoyne, anchors at Kingston. The next day the British set fire to most of the town and move on to Livingston's Manor after The Battle of Kingston, NY.
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The Battle of Mincock Island, NJ

2011-10-14T03:53:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1778,

A British force surprises an advance post of infantrymen from Brig. Gen. Casimir Pulaski's Legion. Before the American can send reinforcements, the British kill about 40 men before withdrawing to their ships at The Battle of Mincock Island, NJ.
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The Battle of Saratoga

2011-10-13T03:06:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1777,

Gen. Horatio Gates engages Gen. Burgoyne at the Battle of Saratoga.
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The Battle of Valcour Island

2011-10-12T03:52:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1776,

Relentless in their pursuit, Arnold, after having been chased from Valcour Island, must scuttle the remains of his 15 ship fleet and escort the remaining survivors to Ft. Ticonderoga at the very southern tip of Lake Champlain.

The British are left to cool their heels for the winter having been frustrated at the Battle of Valcour Island.
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The Battle of Valcour Bay

2011-10-11T03:51:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1776,

After the forcing the Americans from Quebec, Royal forces began to move southward along Lake Champlain, constantly harassing Brig. Gen Benedict Arnold as he fled toward Crown Point near the southern tip of the lake. Arnold must stop and engage British warships.

Again, grossly out-numbered and out-gunned, Arnold's delay tactics and subsequent nighttime escape, buys the Americans time.

The Battle of Valcour Bay is considered the first fleet action of the US.
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The Battle of Fort Mifflin

2011-10-10T04:34:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1777,

British forces on Province Island on the Delaware river outside of Philadelphia, begin a bombardment against a weak, land side of a fort located opposite of Fort Mercer on Port Island, between Hog Island and Mud Island. The bombardment lasted for about 2 weeks at the Battle of Fort Mifflin.
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The Battle of Polk's Mill

2011-10-09T08:05:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1780,

A detachment of 120 mounted riflemen, under Maj. Joseph Dickson, attack a group of Royal Welch Fusiliers, commanded by Lt. Stephen Guyon, at The Battle of Polk's Mill.
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A Battle a Day - The Colonial Years

2011-10-08T08:06:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1777,

British forces under Gen. Sir Henry Clinton occupy then destroy Patriot fortifications along the Hudson river valley. The small group of American soldiers encamped on one island destroys as much as possible of the unfinished fort and flees. British troops occupy the island for twenty days after The Battle of Fort Constitution.

And in 1780,
Loyalist militia, commanded by Gideon and Hezekiah Wright, run off Whig residents in The Battle of Richmond Town, SC.
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The Battle of Bristol

2011-10-07T03:11:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1775,

A small British naval fleet appeared off the coast of Bristol, RI. Not willing to immediately capitulate to Capt. Wallace's demand, the British opened fire on the town. The naval bombardment lasted for 1 1/2 hours. After a hastily assembled negotiation, Wallace settled for 40 sheep and ended the Battle of Bristol.
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The Battle of the Hudson River Forts

2011-10-06T03:59:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1777,

Hoping to assist Burgoyne, Forts Clinton and Montgomery are both attacked by British forces. The Americans hold on for a short time and must then retreat from the Battle of the Hudson River Forts.
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The Battle of Tarrytown, NY

2011-10-05T04:00:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1777,

Gen. Henry Clinton launches his convoy of flatboats, galleys, and bateaux with his full attack force and sets out for Verplank's Point. After he arrives, he quickly seizes when the American defenders withdrew without any resistance at The Battle of Tarrytown, NY.
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The Battle of Germantown

2011-10-04T04:00:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1777,

In a pre-dawn attack on British positions, thick morning fog and smoke confound the Patriots who begin firing on themselves. A stone building is used by the British as a stronghold. Washington calls for a retreat from the Battle of Germantown.
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The Battle of in Gloucester

2011-10-03T04:16:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1781,

British Lt. Col. Thomas Dundas of the 80th Foot, leading 1,000 British troops, encounters French Brig. Gen. Marquis de Choisy, leading French troops and a battalion of the Virginia militia totaling 800 men. The action takes place across the York River from British-occupied Yorktown, which was under Patriot siege, at The Battle of in Gloucester.
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British Major John Andre

2011-10-02T07:25:00.001-07:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1780, British Major John Andre is hanged as a spy by U.S. military forces in Tappan, NY.
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The Battle of Savage Point

2011-10-01T07:07:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1779,

Col. John White outwits an overwhelmingly superior force and prevents them from reaching Savannah by lighting several large fires around a camp to give the appearance of a large troop presence and by riding around the fictitious camps shouting orders to no one. The trick worked and Lt. James French's force of 111 surrendered at The Battle of Savage Point.
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General Washington's letter

2011-09-30T05:11:00.001-07:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1776, in a letter to his nephew, Lund Washington, plantation manager of Mount Vernon, Gen. George Washington writes of his displeasure with the undisciplined conduct and poor battlefield performance of the American militia. Washington blamed the Patriot reliance on the militia as the chief root of his problems in the devastating loss of Long Island and Manhattan to the British.
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John André

2011-09-29T04:04:00.001-07:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1780, British spy John André is court-martialed, found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging. André, an accomplice of Benedict Arnold, had been captured by Patriots six days earlier on September 23, after they found incriminating papers stashed in his boot.
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The Battle of Yorktown

2011-09-28T03:59:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1781,
General George Washington, commanding a force of 17,000 French and Continental troops, begins the siege against British General Lord Charles Cornwallis with 9,000 British troops at The Battle of Yorktown.
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John Jay

2011-09-27T03:08:00.001-07:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1779, the former president of the Continental Congress, John Jay, is appointed minister to Spain and tasked with winning Spanish support for the American Revolution and Spain’s recognition of America’s independence.
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Agents of the diplomatic commission

2011-09-26T04:25:00.001-07:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1776, the Continental Congress elects Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane and Arthur Lee as agents of the diplomatic commission that will be sent to secure a formal alliance and negotiate a treaty between the United States and France.
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The Battle of Montreal

2011-09-25T08:09:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1775,
Captured trying to recruit Canadians to join the American cause, Cap. Ethan Allen is held as a prisoner of war at several places until his exchange in 1778 after The Battle of Montreal.
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The Battle of Diamond Island

2011-09-24T05:49:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1777,
Col. John Brown's Continentals successfully raid a British post on Lake George, located south of Ticonderoga. They are, however, unsuccessful in capturing Ft. Ticonderoga itself after The Battle of Diamond Island.
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I have not yet begun to fight!

2011-09-23T16:01:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1777,
Gen. Cornwallis marches in to Philadelphia with 4 British and 2 Hessian units. The main body of his army is encamped at Germantown, northwest of the city. Gen. Washington moves to Pennybacker's Mill (Schwenksville) on the Perkiomen River after The Fall of Philadelphia.

And in 1779,
Cdre. John Paul Jones in his Bonhomme Richard captures the Serapis.

"I have not yet begun to fight!"
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I have not yet begun to fight!

2011-09-23T04:08:00.001-07:00

Cap. Nathan Hale

2011-09-22T03:58:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1776,
Cap. Nathan Hale is hanged in New York City for spying against the Royal forces stationed there.

"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."
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The Battle of Wahab's Plantation

2011-09-21T03:59:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1780,
Lt. Col. William Davie launches a surprise attack on Gen. Cornwallis' position killing 60 and suffering only one wounded at The Battle of Wahab's Plantation.
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The Battle of Paoli, PA

2011-09-20T03:59:00.003-07:00

On this day in 1777,
The British attack the camps of Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne's during a midnight raid with fixed bayonets. The Americans fight back and are able to defend their cannon before retreating from The Battle of Paoli, PA.
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The Battle of Paoli, PA

2011-09-20T03:59:00.001-07:00

Siege at St. John's

2011-09-18T07:54:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1775,
Montgomery begins his siege at St. John's. Ethan Allen is sent ahead to recruit Canadians to the American cause.

On this day in 1777,
Americans raid the vicinity of Ft. Ticonderoga, capturing 300 British and freeing 100 Patriot prisoners.

In Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell is moved to Allentown as Congress moves to Lancaster ahead of Howe's army.
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The Battle of Warren

2011-09-17T05:01:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1777,
After the defeat at Brandywine, Howe did not immediately pursue Washington, who was on his way to Reading to resupply. Skirmishing began on and British forces initiated flanking movements around the American lines. A steady rain made a full out engagement impossible and Washington escaped again from the Battle of Warren.
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The Battle of Harlem Heights

2011-09-16T03:49:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1776,
Part of Maj. Thomas Knowlton's Rangers encounter a superior numbered British force and is forced to retreat again into the hills of northern Manhattan. Washington sends reinforcements and the tide turns in favor of the Americans, causing the British to back down in the Battle of Harlem Heights.
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Battle of Kip's Bay

2011-09-15T04:28:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1776,
The Battle of Kip's Bay finds General Howe landing troops in Manhattan forcing MG Israel Putnam's forces to retreat to Harlem Heights. The British occupy NYC throughout the war and for two months after the war ends.
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The Battle of Newtown, New York

2011-09-14T03:59:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1779,
Maj. Gen. John Sullivan had attacked the Iroquois at Newtown along the Chemung River in western New York, in which about 700 (mostly) Iroquois and Tories were decisively defeated by an army of nearly 4000 Continental soldiers. They then carried out a scorched earth campaign, methodically destroying at least forty Iroquois villages throughout what is now upstate New York, in retaliation for Iroquois and Tory attacks against American settlements earlier in the war at The Battle of Newtown.
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Charles James Fox

2011-09-13T03:46:00.001-07:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1806, Charles James Fox, first foreign secretary of the United Kingdom and vocal supporter of American independence, dies in Chiswick, Devon, England.
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Benedict Arnold

2011-09-12T05:38:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1775,
Recently promoted Col. Benedict Arnold, back in Cambridge after his spring campaign with Ethan Allen in New York, begins his march northward, through Maine country, toward Quebec as the second of two pincers (the other being Montgomery's on Lake Champlain).

Arnold's plan is ill-conceived and his forces suffer starvation and harsh elements during their 350 mile march.
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The Battle of Brandywine Creek

2011-09-11T07:13:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1777,
on his march to capture Philadelphia Washington's army is stationed along a creek north of Wilmington. While Hessians divert attention to Chadd's Ford, the British outflank the Americans and engage them in a furious fight. The Colonials are forced to retreat to Chester after the Battle of Brandywine Creek.
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Battle of St. John's

2011-09-10T03:47:00.001-07:00

On this day in 1775,
A refortified Maj. Gen. Philip Schuyler attempts a second effort upon the fort at St. John's. This second effort also failed and the American force retreated back to Ile aux Noix.
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Captain Nathan Hale

2011-09-09T03:21:00.001-07:00

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1776, Captain Nathan Hale of the 19th Regiment of the Continental Army steps forward to become one of the first known American spies of the Revolutionary War.
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