"In August, after many encounters with the British at other places, Washington moved his army. They marched through Philadelphia down Front Street, and up Chestnut Street, proceeding by way of Chester to Wilmington. From that time on, for two weeks, Washington thoroughly reconnoitered the country round about between Philadelphia and the Chesapeake.
"General Howe landed his British forces a few days' march from Philadelphia, where he expected to gain the right of the American army.
"After many engagements, the British army being very superior in numbers and equipment, Washington was gradually forced to retreat, and Howe took possession of Philadelphia."
Mrs. Parke suddenly concluded the story to the surprise of the audience, and George instantly said: "That isn't half of the story. You skipped a lot about the British before they could get in Philadelphia, and you never said a word about the headquarters at Brandywine, or the Battle of Brandywine!"
"Well, as you know it so well, why don't you tell it to us?" suggested Mrs. Parke.
"I don't want to. We'd rather hear you tell it," replied George anxiously.
"But I'm tired of telling it. Let Martha tell it."
"Oh, I only know about Chew's House and Red Bank and some other places in New Jersey that year," protested Martha.
"I know all about Valley Forge, and the dreadful time our army had that winter," remarked Jack.
"Well, I thought it was time to ring for some light refreshments, as we will be in Philadelphia in less than half an hour, and it will be past luncheon time when we arrive," hinted Mrs. Parke, who had other motives for not continuing the story of Philadelphia.