Tag «History of Philadelphia»

December 1776: Washington and the Continental Army in Crisis

By Harry Schenawolf, author of the Shades of Liberty Series about African American soldiers in the American Revolution. “A thick cloud of darkness and gloom covered the land and despair was seen in almost every countenance…” an officer in the Continental Army, December, 1776. Another wrote, “…strong apprehensions are entertained that the British will soon …

Captain Allen McLane: Death Defying Spymaster of the American Revolution

Was Captain Allan McLane (Aug. 8 1746 – May 27, 1829) the stuff of mythological tales, whose heroic feats clashed with British steel and titans of oppression? Did his covert operations save the American Army from a surprise attack and later General Lafayette from capture? Did he charge upon British dragoons with flashing saber and …

Battle of Germantown – Part 2

October 4th, 1777 The Continental Army was licking its wounds after their defeat at Brandywine Creek on September 11, 1777.  However, with the arrival of militia from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, including Wayne’s six hundred men who had rejoined the army after trailing the British, his army was larger than what he had at …