The once lush Whitall farm lay in ruins after the battle, with decimated orchards, unmarked graves, and blood-stained floors as reminders of war. In November 1777, after Fort Mifflin fell and the Americans abandoned Fort Mercer, British forces destroyed much of what remained of the fort and pillaged the Whitall home for supplies, taking food, household goods, clothing, and bedding. Not until the spring of 1778 could the Whitall family begin rebuilding their business and their lives. Although Fort Mercer was ultimately abandoned, the victory at Red Bank was significant because it gave Washington’s forces time to establish camp at Valley Forge and helped persuade the French to enter the war on the American side. James Whitall never forgave the Americans for what happened on his property and petitioned the New Jersey legislature for reimbursement, which never came.
