The Chapman mansion, the quarters of General Knox, is on the north side of the Jericho Mountain, a mile from Brownsburg. It is still in excellent condition.
Knox occupied the first floor of the east end, then divided into two rooms. Alexander Hamilton, then a youthful captain of artillery, lay sick in the back room.
A considerable portion of the Continental army found shelter in this neighborhood immediately preceding the attack on Trenton, Christmas Day, 1776, and Washington had his headquarters at a quiet farm house in the shadow of Jericho Hill.
In August, 1777, the Continental Army tarried thirteen days on the Neshaminy Hills, Bucks County, on the York road from Coryell’s Ferry, now New Hope, until it received notice of the departure of the British fleet, which had recently sailed from New York, and which was destined for the capture of Philadelphia.
During this time Washington was quartered in the stone house not far from the north end of the bridge over the Neshaminy, and on the left side of the York road going south. It was long since known as the Bothwell home.
A whipping post was erected on the opposite side of the road.
While Washington was quartered in this house Lafayette reported to him for service in the Continental army; and in it was held the first council of war at which Lafayette had a seat.
The army marched hence August 22, through Philadelphia, and then engaged the enemy on the field of Brandywine.