On October 23, 1777, the Patriots beat back the British Navy on the Delaware River. General Howe had ordered the British fleet to come up the river to supply the Redcoats who had just taken over Philadelphia. The Patriots were at Fort Mifflin, Pennsylvania. Using cannons and artillery, the Americans halted the six British ships. By November 16, the Americans had to abandon Fort Mifflin. This gave the British near complete control of the Delaware River.
