Henry Clinton

The patriot victory virtually ended British authority in the province, deterred Scottish Gael recruitment, and independence was declared less than five months later.

Governor Martin ordered his militia to muster after learning of Clinton's expedition; MacDonald's Loyalists crossed the Cape Fear at Cross Creek on February 20, 1776.

Revolutionary militia and Continental units mobilized to prevent the Loyalists from joining British reinforcements, blockading routes until the poorly armed Loyalists were forced to fight.

On February 27, 1776, the North Carolina Provincial Congress' militia defeated British governor Josiah Martin's and Tristan Worsley's Loyalist reinforcements near Wilmington.

American troops resisted a British and Hessian landing at Pell's Point on October 18, 1776, delaying Howe long enough for Washington's army to reach White Plains.

Howe attacked Washington's fortified position near White Plains on October 28, 1776, driving the Americans from Chatterton Hill and forcing a further northern retreat.

On November 16, 1776, British forces captured Fort Washington, the last American stronghold on Manhattan, gaining the surrender of the garrison's remnant.

The Second Continental Congress abandoned Philadelphia, relocating first to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and later to York.

British forces entered Philadelphia on September 26, 1777, after defeating Washington at Brandywine, occupying the revolutionary capital.

The British occupation lasted 266 days; Clinton evacuated Philadelphia on June 18, 1778, consolidating troops in New York.

Burgoyne attacked the Continental Army at Freeman's Farm on September 19, 1777, winning a tactical victory at the cost of heavy casualties.

Historians disagree over whether Benedict Arnold remained at Gates' headquarters or actively directed troops during the battle.

Responding to a threat, Arnold requested more forces and Gates allowed him to dispatch Ebenezer Learned's brigade of Massachusetts regiments.