October to November 1777: British forces move to force the Delaware River open, taking Billingsport and tearing at the chevaux-de-frise, but Fort Mercer’s defenders rout a Hessian assault while Fort Mifflin endures a punishing bombardment. The forts don’t win the campaign, but their resistance stalls British plans long enough to save the Continental Army’s future.

From Dennison’s daring denials to Thayer’s evacuation, this episode traces how earthworks, sacrifice, and stubborn time-buying turned strategic defeat into a lifeline for the Revolution.