08/25/2026
We are excited to offer the opportunity to step into the Philadelphia Campaign of 1777 at our Patriot Soldier Life History Adventure Camp within view of Iron Hill on Saturday, September 19th!
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General Washington, Aug 25, 1777 learns the enemy began to land this Morning about Six Miles below Head of Elk, Md. He called for the removal of supplies from Head of Elk. The campaign for the Capital City of Philadelphia has begun. 17,000 enemy troops would arrive on 265 ships.
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From George Washington to Major General John Armstrong, Sr.,
Wilmington 25th Augt 1777–6 OClock P.M.
Dear Sir
I have just recd information that the Enemy began to land this Morning about Six Miles below Head of Elk opposite to Cæcil Court House. The informant says he saw two thousand Men, but he may be mistaken as to the Number. I desire you to send off every Man of the Militia under your command that is properly armed as quick as possible, if they were to begin their march this Night while it is cool it will be the better. They are to proceed to Wilmington where they will receive orders for their destination.
I desire you will immediately send for Genl Potter, and give him directions to come on to me with all possible expedition, you must supply his place in the best manner you can. The first attempts of the Enemy will be to seize Horses Carriages and Cattle with light Parties and we must endeavour to check them at their outset. Whatever Militia are at Philada and equipped should be ordered down immediately. I am &ca.
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-11-02-0057
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From George Washington to John Hancock,
Wilmington 25 Augt 1777. 6 oClock P.M.
Sir
The inclosed intelligence has just come to my hands. Genl Green’s and Genl Stephen’s divisions are within a few Miles of this place, I shall order them to march immediately here. The two other divisions halted this day at Derby to refresh themselves, but they will come on as expeditiously as possible. There are about five hundred pennsylvania Militia at Chester and Marcus Hook that are armed, there are a number more unarmed. I have ordered all the armed immediately down. I do not know what Number of Militia of this State are yet collected, but I am told they turn out with great Alacrity.
There are a quantity of public and private Stores at the Head of Elk, which I am afraid will fall into the Enemy’s hands if they advance quickly, among others there is a considerable parcel of Salt. Every attempt will be made to save that.
When I get my force collected, I shall dispose of it in the most advantagious manner in my power. To this End I purpose to view the Grounds towards the Enemy in the Morning. I am yet a stranger to them. I have the Honor to be Sir Yr most obt Servt
Go: Washington
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-11-02-0061
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