Many War History Network members may have a deep understanding of a particular war or era of history and a more general knowledge of others.  The Philadelphia Campaign is a detailed study for those with a general familiarity with the Revolutionary War who desire more. 

In 1777 the Revolutionary War consisted of two major campaigns.  The Northern Campaign, in which a British army under the command of Gen. John Burgoine aimed to separate New England from the other colonies by driving down the Champlain Valley from Canada, ended with American victory at Saratoga, New York, thereby elevating the reputation of Gen. Horatio Gates.  The topic of this book pitted British army forces Commanded by Gen. William Howe and navy commanded by his brother Admiral Lord Richard Howe against George Washington’s army. 

This work begins with a very helpful timeline charting 1777 from the Continental Army’s departure from Morristown, New Jersey on May 28 to its march into Valley Forge, Pennsylvania on December 19. When they said Winer Quarters, they meant it.  It then progresses with descriptions of the opposing forces before chronicling the series of engagements constituting the fight for Philadelphia.  Sidebars provide useful introductions to supporting characters in the drama, such as Gen. Casimir Pulaski, Pennsylvania politician turned British Loyalist, Joseph Galloway and American Brigadier General Henry Knox. 

Coming off the American victories and Trenton in December 1776 and Princeton in January 1779, the opening moves set pieces into position for the battle for the then American capital of Philadelphia.   Though the fourth largest city in the Empire, the ability of the Continental Congress to move elsewhere illustrated the diminished value of cities in American, as contrasted with European, warfare.  The main battles chronicled are Brandywine, a series of smaller battles along the Schuylkill River, Germantown, and the struggle to control the Delaware River, Gen. Howe’s lifeline as he sought to hold Philadelphia. 

Brandywine was the longest and largest one-day engagement of the war.  The battle took place on September 11, 1777 (the original 9-11?) along the creek of that name.  Howe divided his forces to catch Washington’s in a pincer movement, overwhelming American lines at several points.  Despite good fighting by the Americans, superior intelligence (who was the home team?) enabled the British to achieve victory, sustaining 93 killed and nearly 500 wounded versus 300 Americans killed and 600 wounded. 

The test is supplemented by battle maps and numerous paintings and photos, both color and black and white, of reenactments, battle sites and monuments.  Missing, in my opinion, is a theatre map placing the battle sites in relationship to each other and Philadelphia.  I sought such information from other sources. 

Although a short 127 pages, much of which are devoted to pictures, I learned much from them.  I had heard of Brandywine, Germantown and Saratoga, but knew little about how they fit into greater story of the War.  Now I do.  The accounts of the types of units; dragoons, artillery, cavalry, Brigade of Guards, battalion companies are enlightening.  I now have a greater appreciation of the reasons militia were less effective and, consequently less relied upon, than regulars. The message that Washington was out-generaled and repeatedly defeated comes through strongly, along with his understanding that preservation of his army was victory in itself.  When contrasting Washington’s performance in 1777 with Gates’ victory at Saratoga, it is easy to understand the Congressional consideration of replacement of Washington with Gates.  This is a valuable book for anyone desiring to know about the 1777 campaign in Pennsylvania or planning a trip to the battlefields.