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One of the lesser known but important battles of the American Revolution. Fort Mercer at Red Bank helped protect the sunken obstructions across the Delaware River and helped support Besieged Fort Mifflin across the river.
The American defenders made up largely of black and white troops from Rhode Island were hopelessly outnumbered by a professional and disciplined Hessian Force. Before the battle began the Hessian Commander sent word to the Americans that if they did not surrender immediately, no quarter would be given to them in the ensuing fight. American Colonel Christopher Greene responded by sending back the message “We ask no quarters, nor will we give any”.
A few hours later after desperate fighting and assaults by the Hessians, they withdrew defeated with significant dead and wounded including their commander who was killed in one of the assaults and was buried by the Americans just outside the fort.