Philadelphia Campaign

NB: Specific information regarding Grayson’s Additional Continental Regiment in the Philadelphia Campaign is either scarce or has not been found at this time. However, the activities of Scott’s Brigade, of which Grayson’s was a part of, are well documented. So, it is assumed that where Scott’s Brigade was active, Grayson’s was involved as well.

Following a successful enemy raid on a forward post at Bound Brook, NJ and in order to observe the main British force under the command of Lieut. Gen. Sir William Howe, Washington moved the army from its encampment in Morristown, NJ to the strong position at Middle Brook, NJ in late May 1777. The army would remain there until early July 1777, during which time the opposing forces played a game of cat and mouse that culminated in the Battle of Short Hills, a British tactical victory. However, the British were not able to capitalize on their victory and withdrew to Perth Amboy, NJ where they boarded transports bound for the Delaware River and Philadelphia. As Grayson’s companies joined the main body in New Jersey, they likely participated in these reconnaissance operations as part of Scott’s Brigade. On the 30th of June 1777, on the heels of the British evacuation, Scott’s Brigade entered Perth Amboy, set guards on any provisions left behind, and immediately withdrew outside the town limits.

At the time, Washington was unsure if Howe was moving to support an expedition underway in northern New York under the command of Major Gen. John Burgoyne or if he was going to move on Philadelphia. Once he was confident that Howe planned on taking Philadelphia, Washington moved the main body of the army south to defend the capital city. In an effort to show that the Continental Army could defend Philadelphia, Washington marched the army through the city in column on the 24th of August 1777. The full complement of Grayson’s Regiment was probably present for this march as part of Scott’s Brigade.

Ultimately, Howe would sail up the Chesapeake Bay as far north as possible, divide his army, and march up from the south. After Howe attempted to flank Washington on the 9th of September 1777, the two armies moved into position on either side of Brandywine Creek at Chad’s Ford. Once again, Howe divided his force. The frontal assault at Chad’s Ford was a feint, with a larger force crossing the creek at unguarded crossings to the north. As the Continental forces deployed along Chad’s Ford engaged a smaller force, while Howe with the main body attacked in the rear of the American right. Major Gen. Adam Stephen’s Division, of which Scott’s Brigade was a part, was deployed in reserve along with Stirling’s Division. These two divisions were redeployed to Birmingham Hill in a defensive posture. A desperate fight ensued on the hill, but despite being reinforced by Sullivan’s Division the British ultimately took the hill. Both Stephen’s and Sullivan’s Divisions were routed and ineffective for the remainder of the fight. Washington realized the danger of being enveloped at this point and prudently withdrew from the field. Capt. Cleon Moore of Grayson’s was wounded at the Battle of Brandywine Creek.

Despite losing the battle fought at Brandywine Creek, the morale of the soldiers of the Continental Army remained high. However, in order to defend Philadelphia, Washington was forced to cross the Schuylkill River and retreat to Germantown a few miles outside of the city. On the 13th of September 1777, Washington announced in the General Orders for the day that the Congress had ordered that “thirty hogsheads of rum to be distributed among them, in such manner as the Commander in Chief should direct.” Hence the army re-crossed the Schuylkill the next day and attempted to set up defensive positions on west side of the river. However, by this time the British were advancing and five days after the battle at Brandywine, on the 16th of September 1777, the two armies met again in Chester County, PA. After local militia were routed, other elements of the Continental Army came forward to impede British progress. According to Adjutant General Timothy Pickering, the first unit to arrive was Scott’s Brigade, but a driving rain began to fall rendering the muskets inoperable and creating a muddy mess on the roads. Following some skirmishing, both sides disengaged.

A night-time raid on an encampment at Paoli, PA a week later sealed the fate of Philadelphia as Howe crossed the Schuylkill on the 23rd of September and entered Philadelphia on the 26th. Howe again split his force leaving some at Germantown and marching the remainder into Philadelphia. Possessing that intelligence and the knowledge that reinforcements of Continentals and militia were on the way, Washington saw an opportunity. On the 28th of September 1777, he called a Council of War to discuss the possibility of attacking the British encampment at Germantown. While the board would ultimately decide that to attack at that point would be premature, Col. Grayson’s immediate superior, Brigadier Gen. Scott, and his brother-in-law, Brigadier Gen. William Smallwood, voted in the affirmative.

Over the next several days, Washington became convinced that the time was right and on the 3rd of October 1777 he issued orders for a four-pronged attack on Germantown. Generals Stephen’s and Greene’s Divisions were to be on the left wing and attack the right flank of the British line. This plan of attack proved to be overly complicated and the subsequent attacks were not well coordinated. In addition, the foggy conditions caused Stephen’s Division to veer away from Greene’s and engage friendly forces from Brigadier Gen. Anthony Wayne’s Brigade leading to an unfortunate friendly fire disaster. This would result in a rout of much of the Continental force and would bring out in the open an existing feud between Stephen and Scott with the former accusing the latter of insubordination. In a turn of events, it would be Stephen that would ultimately be court-martialed and cashiered from service for his conduct at Brandywine and Germantown. In addition, there was confusion caused by the misapplication of forces against a detachment of British forces in a fortified position at the Benjamin Chew House. That hasty retreat would signify the end of the Battle of Germantown with a British victory. Capt. John McGuire was wounded at Germantown.

Following Germantown, the British moved to fully occupy Philadelphia. Washington, in turn, shadowed them at a safe distance, but his army was falling apart. Enlistments were running out and desertion was rife. Many men were without proper clothing. Realizing the strength of the British defenses and dilapidated state of his own army, Washington moved his force to White Marsh, PA. Under pressure to attack the British and bolstered by some reinforcements sent from the north, Washington began digging defenses at White Marsh. At the same time, he was consulting with his generals and the Congress about the possibility of an attack on Philadelphia and moving into winter quarters. It was General Howe that would expedite his decision, however. On the 3rd of December 1777, a reinforced British force began to move towards the Continental positions at White Marsh. Inconclusive skirmishing in and around the American lines over the next several days would effectively end the Philadelphia campaign of 1777 with both armies retiring to their respective winter quarters. As for Grayson’s role at White Marsh, Scott’s Brigade was in a reserve capacity in the second line under Major General Lord Stirling.