reaching the city, george washington builds two forts on the delaware river -- fort mifflin and fort mercermove on. >> the british are determined to reopen their supply line. colonel greene must prepare his men for the inevitable attack that could come at any time. >> christopher greene had firsthand interaction with african heritage people growing up, recognizing the close proximity and the interdependence of africans. so, he was significantly well respected by his men. >> the post i have in charge, i am determined to defend with the small number i have to the last extremity. some problem, sisson? >> it's -- it's just that the men are saying we won't last the night, that philadelphia has fallen. >> if that is so, then it is our god-given duty to raise her up. and raise her up we will. >> these soldiers and african soldiers in general had something to live up to. they had something to prove. they would fight -- that they were brave and courageous, that they would die for our cause and our independence. >> 1,200 hessian mercenaries are bearing down on fort mercer. >>schnell! >> and outnumber

british supply ships from reaching the city, george washington builds two forts, fort mifflin and fort mercer prepare his money for the inevitable attack that could come at any time. >> christopher green had firsthand interaction with african heritage people, growing up, recognizing the close proximity of african-americans. >> the post i am in charge i am determined to defend with the small number i have to the last extremity. >> some problem, sisson? >> it's just that the men are saying if philadelphia falls. >> that is so. then it is our god given duty to raise her up. we will. >> these soldiers and african soldiers in general had something to live up to. they had something to prove. they would fight. they were brave and courageous. and they would die for our cause and our independence. >> 1200 mercenaries are bearing down on ft. mercer. outnumbered three to one, it's up to jack sisson and the men of the rhode island regiment to stop them. [ birds chirping ] >> all right, boys. get this cannon mounted. >> philadelphia has fallen. jack sisson and just 400 men of >>> all right, boys. >> phila