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This upcycled episode of History Daily originally aired on January 11th,

2022. It's hours before dawn on August 19th, 1779 in Northeastern New Jersey.

Captain Robert Forsyth holds his musket high

as he and fellow members of the Continental Army weighed through a mud-filled marsh.

Led by Major Light Horse Harry Lee, this small group of soldiers is preparing to attack a British-held fort at Paul's hook.

Robert is worried. The marshwater has soaked his soldier's ammunition, and he knows many won't be able to fire on

British troops when the time comes.

Robert eyes his bayonet.

If it comes down to it, they'll fight hand to hand in order to secure a much needed victory.

In 1779, many view the American Revolution as a lost cause.

The British dominate both land and sea and colonial morale is waning.

General George Washington needs a decisive win that can help him turn the tide and

spark Patriot fever.

He believes a successful attack on Paulist Hook, a fort that stands in the shadow of the British

fleet in New York could do the trick. Washington trusts Major Lee's soldiers, men like

Captain Robert Forsyth, to pull off the daring raid.

As they close in on the fort, Major Lee gives the order to charge.

Robert and his fellow soldiers rushed the fort.

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