Forty Minutes by the Delaware

The story of the Whitalls, Red Bank Plantation, and the battle for Fort Mercer

by Lee Patrick Anderson

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Synopsis

In the fall of 1777, things looked dark for the fledgling country known as the United States of America fighting for Independence. The young and inexperienced Continental soldiers had fought bravely, but ineffectively against the British and their allies the Hessians. The enemy had captured Philadelphia and the powerful British navy flotilla, loaded with troops and supplies was making it's way up the Delaware to bring much needed relief to the beleaguered population of the capital city.

But General Washington had vowed, "The enemy may have taken Philadelphia. But now let them hold it. It may in fact become their downfall." The plans were to erect a series of three river fortifications to defend against the British navy from proceeding to Philadelphia. One of those forts, manned by only 575 men would have to face the onslaught of overwhelming odds. The fort, no more than earth and wood would see some of the most vicious fighting yet seen in the Revolutionary War. The battle would take a mere 40 minutes at a fort on the Delaware River on a Quaker farmers plantation called Red Bank. A fort called Mercer.

About the Author

This is the first book by Lee Patrick Anderson and is originally from the Philadelphia area. He is an avid Revolutionary War re-enactor with the 2nd Pennsylvania/43rd of Foot Regiment, works as a tour guide/interpreter at Fort Mifflin on the Delaware, and participates as a volunteer interpreter at area schools and adult care facilities, demonstrating soldiers uniforms, clothing, and equipment. While pursuing a degree in history at the University of Maryland, the author dropped everything to join the US Navy where he trained as a meteorologist and traveled the world with his wife. But after the birth of his third daughter Lee decided to return where he started and now lives in Swedesboro, NJ.