American Revolutionary War
Episode18
July 24, 2019
1777 - A Year of Grit and Determination
In 1777, Marine recruiters fight desertion and state politics to crew the Ranger, Raleigh, and Randolph while a British fleet closes on Philadelphia.
Congress answers the manpower crisis with the Eighty-Eight Battalion Resolve and three-year enlistments. John Paul Jones loses a bold expedition before it starts, then takes command of the Ranger. Captain Osbourne's attempt to recruit soldiers for the Raleigh sets off a fight with the New Hampshire Committee of Safety, and the Raleigh goes on to attack HMS Druid in the middle of a British convoy. The Randolph survives a mutiny, three damaged masts, and a Marine lieutenant so troublesome his fellow officers petition to remove him, then captures four ships off St. Augustine.
Back in Philadelphia, Marines wait aboard the Delaware and the Washington as General Howe lands at Head of Elk. Washington is outflanked at Brandywine, and on September 26, 1777, the British take the capital.
References
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