You're listening to an Airwave Media Podcast. Hello and thank you for joining the American Revolution.

Today episode 188 pursuit across New Jersey. Under

the British evacuation of Philadelphia that I discussed last week, the Continental Army had to decide

how to respond.

On June 1778, the same night that General Clinton brought the last of his army in

Philadelphia across the river into New Jersey, George Washington held a council of war at Valley Forge to debate next steps.

A handful of officers wanted to attack the retreating column.

General Anthony Wayne and Pennsylvania General John Cadwalader argued most forcefully for a

full-on attack.

General Lafayette also seemed inclined to support this.

General Nathaniel Green wanted to harass the retreating enemy

and engage in a full battle if the British were willing to turn and fight.

The Continental's had about 11,000 soldiers fit for duty,

along with the possibility of several thousand more New Jersey militia.

The British column had an estimated 10,000 soldiers.

Because the British were in retreat, they would not necessarily have favorable defensive

ground or good positions if the Americans could engage them.

General Charles Lee, however, argued strenuously against attack.

He did not believe the Americans would stand in general field encounters with British regulars.

Even if they could, the French were on their way, risking a general action at this point

could result in a devastating failure or capture of the continental

army right before the support arrived that could be used to overwhelm the enemy.

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